UFO U2 handle and R41

[Locham]

Hi Folks,

I recently bought a UFO U2 handle on the B/S/T forums, and it's beautiful. My purpose for buying it was to mount it to my R41 - many have noted that a heavier handle makes it much easier to control.

Unfortunately, it seems that it's not tapped for a metric thread. It fits perfectly on my Tech, NEW, and US Army open comb, but very quickly begins to bind when I try and match it to my R41 (and my DE89).

Incidentally, since the UFO has a removable bottom knob, if I switch it around the handle matches up just fine with the R41 and the DE89 (as well as the above Gillettes). The metric threading, then, works with both the newer European razors as well as the older American ones. The inverse is not true.

It seems, then, that if I have the handle tapped metric (M 5X0.8) it will work with all of my three-piece razors. I'm a generally handy person and have restored old motorcycles and cars, but I've never delved into tapping. I brought a small toolbox with me over here, but my workbench and specialized tools remain in storage in the States until I return in a few years. Is this something I should find a pro to do, or is it worth searching for a tap kit (or ordering one online) in order to make it happen?

Here's some photos to perhaps clarify what's going on.

As always, thanks in advance!

 

[merkur59]

I thought the original seller, his handles and R41, all originate from Europe (?)
The threading is in metric and should take any European heads such as Muhle.

This is what it says on the sale site for U2

316L Stainless Steel. 80 mm long. 12/15 mm caliber. 70 gr weight.
Thread is M5x0,8. Gillette heads fit well, including the NEW head. The neck ends to 8.5 mm to fit perfectly.

IMO, something is not right with your handle...

 

[chongo gordo]

Are you asking about re-tapping an existing thread? I don't know if you can do that.

 

[xillion]

I've had this issue with Mühle heads. There is more info below from this thread.

Well I received my M5 x .8 D4 tap today and it's virtually identical to a over sized #10-32 H11 tap. The metric tap is a few .001s larger.
So a Gillette head will screw in to a Muhle handle but a Muhle head might not screw into a Gillette handle, a lot of Gillette's have over sized threads.

I had the same issue with R41 head and a Weber classic handle. My Mühle, EJ, and Mekur handles would screw on to my Weber head but the Weber handle would not screw on to either my Mühle or EJ heads. The handle would start to screw on but bind up after a turn. I bought a M5 x 0.8 tap and enlarged the threads on the Weber handle and now it screws on the Mühle head with no issues.

 

[Locham]

Okay, cool. So, just need to find an M5 x0.8 tap and should be good to go. Relatively simple procedure, eh?

 

[xillion]

I bought a tap on the bay for a few dollars shipped. The procedure was pretty simple.

As Bob said in this post:

just enlarge them with a M5 X .8 metric tap, takes less time to do then to type this.

 

[celestino]

Good luck and beautiful handle, by the way!

 

[Locham]

Nice. This one was $2.52, shipped! http://www.zorotools.com/g/00063263...medium=referral&utm_campaign=AmazonProductAds

Thanks, Chris. Should be rockin' in a week or so.

 

[xillion]

That is a great price. The handle looks great with the R41.

 

[harmoni]

Perhaps a thread where UFO handle owners can post what heads of theirs do/don't fit their handle would be a useful resource? Same idea as the FaTip thread basically.

 

[Triad]

My ufo kaiser fits my r41 perfect

 

[Samjax]

That is odd - I have a Kaiser and Goliath XL and they both fit anything that I have.

 

[Dr Dulcamara]

I just discovered this thread. Why not send an email to UFO, my friend? Locham, I will send you a PM offering help from me and Rafael. We'll take care of everything for you. Do not worry, please. Give me a couple hours to fight with Google translator. There are several options, but all will be at zero cost to you, including sending handle and your head to Spain for fixing the problem, also including replacing the handle.

I know what's wrong because I had same problem with my Edwin Jagger DE89 head. It is the sole head I've ever had this problem. And only one of my handles.

 

[Samjax]

From my own experience, it's safe to say that you are truly "safe" in doing business with UFO. They will do whatever it takes - including refunding all of your money - to make you 100% satisfied.

 

[Agravic]

Quality of service = happy customer = repeat business. Kudos to UFO.

It's a shame that this basic principle is not more prevalent today.

 

[Dr Dulcamara]

PM sent. I think this handle was not sold directly by UFO, but his personal commitment also applies to the second owners.

 

[Locham]

Thanks, Juan. I've sent you a PM as well. I know that these are hand-crafted works of art of impeccable quality! I have only been searching for an easy solution from my end so I could enjoy the UFO on my R41 as soon as possible. Rafael's reputation precedes him, so I am not worried at all. Thank you for your collective concern and care!

 

[Locham]

Update! An M5x0.8 tap did the trick. I could only find tapered tap here in Jerusalem, but Raphael (through Juan) informed me that the threading was very deep, so the tapered tap would work. A little oil and very little pressure, and my U2 handle fits all of my 3-piece razors - older Gillettes, my R41, Edwin Jagger...everything.

MOST OF ALL - Raphael refunded me the cost of the tap. His commitment to his product is absolutely outstanding, especially considering I'm a second owner. I'll post photos later...but wow. Very impressed.

 

[Loganpass]

Feel resistance weakening... Hand moving towards wallet... Too exhausted to fight back... Curses!