Katana Repair

The mekugi on my sons sword keeps coming loose. Causing the tang to rattle slightly. I'm ready to get a dowel rod and squeeze it in to keep the tang tight. Somewhere I heard that the mekugi is tapered and can only go in from one side. Is this true? Any "at home" replacements I can come up with to get this tang to tighten up?

In case the sword types don't see this post for awhile, you can also ask in the 'Sword' subforum, or PM some the knowledgable folk that post in that forum. Mr. Mahan might suggest you also visit www.swordforum.com.

Sword Forum helped. Parts on order. Thanks.

my name is kitaro i need my katanas sharpened and my scabbard replaced do u know where i can get it done in the states of united america