That's not going to end well,is it ?

[ChaosSix]

While I was putting by brush back with my other brushes I noticed that a gap has formed between the handle and the knotThe knot itself is still securely in place, but I doubt it will be like this for long...What precautions should I take to stop the knot from getting looser and eventually falling off?

 

[DE Shaver]

It might be better to take the knot out and reglue it. Let it come apart on its own and when it does, apply an epoxy or similarly strong adhesive. If someone else that restores badger brushes could comment, that would be great.

 

[JPDyson]

I've done a couple of restores (pics coming - some of which might end up on BST soon; one of which has already sold) but never one quite like this. It looks like an Omega, where the knot is glued into something of a "cup" which is, in turn, glued into the handle. It seems like the knot-cup relationship is solid, while the cup-handle bond has seen better days.

If it were my brush, I would gently encourage the separation of the cup from the handle, clean up the relevant surfaces so that they were reasonably smooth, and re-epoxy the cup into the handle.

 

[ChaosSix]

How can I get the cup with the knot out without further damaging the handle ?

 

[Greybeard]

How can I get the cup with the knot out without further damaging the handle ?

Hold the knot at the base of the knot as close to the handle as you can. Twist the knot back and forth. You can alternate twisting with rocking it back and forth. Try not to let your hand slip on the knot or you'll pull some hairs out. A few lost hairs won't harm the knot though.

 

[JPDyson]

Hold the knot at the base of the knot as close to the handle as you can. Twist the knot back and forth. You can alternate twisting with rocking it back and forth. Try not to let your hand slip on the knot or you'll pull some hairs out. A few lost hairs won't harm the knot though.

Yeah, pretty good approach, IMO. I wouldn't try to pry the cup or anything like that - you'd just damage it and the handle.

 

[Jim]

Leave it be.

 

[CJS]

Leave it be.

I'd say there's some merit to these words.

If it falls out, re-epoxy the cup into the handle.

If it doesn't fall out, you have a totally functional brush and there's no need to force anything.

 

[jwcarlson]

If the handle is wood, which it looks like it is I'd consider trying to seal it somehow. I'd be worried about water getting in that gap and eventually ruining your handle. But I wouldn't twist or pull or anything. If it's gonna fall out let it fall out on it's own.