Shin Gunto

[Meekimoto]

I got the mekugi bolt from Don, but I'm unsure how to install/tighten it.

[Meekimoto]

 i got it fully tightened and the threads are coming through the mekugi backing ring n digging my hand a bit.  Should I back it off or what?  is the mekugi supposed to sit more loose with it not cranked down?? or are my threads too long?

[Bruce Pennington]

It should fit snuggly. So if the threads are sticking out past the nut, he might have made the bolt a little too long.

[Brian]

Easy repair. Work out exactly how much you need to take off the bolt to get it flush. Take out the screw and find a sacrificial nut that fits the threads. Screw it on, leaving just as little sticking out as you need removed. Hold the bolt, and grind/file off until it's level with the nut. Using a sacrificial nut will prevent any damage to the sword's nut, and also clean the threads up when you unscrew it. Then install. You can use a touch of cold blue to blacken the end of the bolt so it's not shiny, or paint it.