Gunsmiths have been applying chequering to gun handles since before the days of the Wild West.
It serves two purposes: it makes an otherwise plain handle look more attractive, and it provides increased grip, as it’s easier to hold onto a rougher surface than a smooth one.
For this process, you will need a chequering file and a three square file.
If you are working with metal, you will need marking ink and a scribe to mark out the area you will be chequering. If you are working with wood you can use a pencil.
Step 1 – Mark area
Mark out a line around the outside of the area you would like to chequer. Keeping within this line will ensure your chequering looks neat and tidy.
Step 2 – Begin chequering
Using your chequering file, and starting at one of the edges of the area you’ll be chequering, cut grooves into your gun stock by rubbing the file forwards and backwards.
Step 3 – Relocate
Once you have cut one set of grooves, you will need to relocate your file. To do this, just line up the first row of teeth on the file with the last groove you cut on the gun handle (e.g. the tooth on the far right of the file should be in line with the groove on the furthest left of the pattern you just cut, or vice versa).
If you’re coming close to the edge of your chequering area, you can always line more sets of teeth up with grooves that have already been cut. In this way, you can control how many rows of teeth on the file are actually cutting into the handle at any given time.
Step 4 – Create chequer pattern
Once you have completely filled your chequering area with grooves in one direction, you are ready to start your second set of lines.
Most chequering patterns are diamond shaped but you’re free to make them square if you so choose!
Some gun owners really go to town with their chequering, so be as creative as you feel able!
Step 5 – Create border
Once your chequer pattern is complete, use the edge of a three square file to create a shallow groove around the boundary you originally marked out.
Step 6 – Seal pattern
Brush over your chequering pattern with gun stock sealer, a type of treatment that will protect the wood from moisture.
Are there any other ways of chequering?
There is a range of tools available that have been specifically designed for chequering. These allow you to create just one groove at a time.
Using these tools allows you to more easily create complex patterns. You can miss out certain lines to vary the size of the diamonds. This is definitely an advanced technique!