Allen wrench

Coldwood

Coldwood

Joined
Jun 5, 2006
Messages
2,718
I recently bought a SOG Flash II. I like it. But in a one week period of carrying it in my back pocket, I caught the clip on something and bent it out about 30 degrees. No big deal, I have an extensive tool collection, went and digged around for the appropriate sized Allen wrench...only took half an hour...removed the offensive clip and bent it with pliers back to where it belonged, screwed it back in. Twice. Happens again, I'm going to pound it flat.

This is not a rant against SOG or the knife, as I said I like it. Some folk have complained that the blade has too much play... that's easily tuned with an Allen wrench.

My gripe is, why don't these companies send you the little Allen wrench with the knife? It must cost all of about 10 cents.

I think I have too much time on my hands :D
 
I think most manufacturers of low/mid-priced knives would prefer that users not 'adjust' their knives. As many warranty repair problems are created that way as are corrected. I'm not saying that you aren't able to fix these issues on your own, a lot of users do. But seeing that a lot of knives get sent back for 'warranty' repairs, the manufacturer won't want to deal with issues that were created by, or made worse by, someone trying to tweak the knife. Some 'high end' makers (like Chris Reeve) will provide the allen wrench with the knife (Sebenza). The Sebenza has a reputation of being very easy to take down and put back together. But, in the case of a knife like yours (assisted opener), a lot of potential problems are created when a user takes it apart (springs and all), and then can't make it work properly when they put it back together.

That being said, I think you might've answered your own question. The allen wrench is cheap. So far as the maker is likely concerned, you can afford to buy one on your own, if you really need it. It doesn't really benefit the manufacturer at all to provide one for you.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
I think most manufacturers of low/mid-priced knives would prefer that users not 'adjust' their knives. As many warranty repair problems are created that way as are corrected. I'm not saying that you aren't able to fix these issues on your own, a lot of users do. But seeing that a lot of knives get sent back for 'warranty' repairs, the manufacturer won't want to deal with issues that were created by, or made worse by, someone trying to tweak the knife. Some 'high end' makers (like Chris Reeve) will provide the allen wrench with the knife (Sebenza). The Sebenza has a reputation of being very easy to take down and put back together. But, in the case of a knife like yours (assisted opener), a lot of potential problems are created when a user takes it apart (springs and all), and then can't make it work properly when they put it back together.

That being said, I think you might've answered your own question. The allen wrench is cheap. So far as the maker is likely concerned, you can afford to buy one on your own, if you really need it. It doesn't really benefit the manufacturer at all to provide one for you.
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Yup, I think you're right. I'm DIYer, I don't send things back to get fixed, unless it's electronic and then I want a new replacement :D
 
Stelth said:
IMO it's a little like asking why don't the zoos give chimps hammers.
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Reminds me of my first day workin' as a mechanic in a Nursin' Home a while back.

I was on the third floor in the Alzheimer's ward, I had been told to take as few tools as was needed to do the job with me or make sure my tool cart was secured and locked at all times.

I was repairin' an automatic lockin' door when a very well dressed gentleman came over to me and ask if he might borrow my claw hammer, I told him sure and handed the hammer to him.

Now I knew what Alzheimer's is but I'd never worked in an entire ward of patients before, about 30 seconds later the shift nurse comes back with the gentleman with the hammer has him return it to me and then precedes to read me the riot act.

I'm holdin' my hand up and sayin' ,"Whoa, there's no reason to yell at me like that, I didn't do anything wrong.".

She tells me to ask the man I gave the hammer to what was he gonna do with it, by now I know his name so I say, "Leonard, what were you gonna use the hammer for?".

To which he calmly replied, " Why I'm gonna cave his fri**in' head in that's all." and he just smiled and went back to his room.

I found out later he was feudin' with his roommate over what to watch on tv.

So in answer to why not give the chimps in the zoo hammers, 'cause no one knows what they're gonna do with 'em.

BTW I mean no disrespect towards people with Alzheimer's my Mother in Law had it, also I mean no disrespect to the families of Alzheimer's patients, it is probably one of the hardest diseases for a family to deal with.

How ever it does have it's humorous moments and if ya couldn't laugh once in awhile we'd all go insane.

Peace and love all.

Oh yea, in answer to the OP question, warranty issues and not everyone has the mechanical aptitude to use the tool.
 
Coldwood said:
No big deal, I have an extensive tool collection, went and digged around for the appropriate sized Allen wrench
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My point is that people who have the skills to work on their knives most likely already have the tools...like you did...those that don't have the right tools would probably screw up their knife if it was included.:thumbup:
 
Stelth said:
My point is that people who have the skills to work on their knives most likely already have the tools...like you did...those that don't have the right tools would probably screw up their knife if it was included.:thumbup:
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Your point is well taken, thanks for the input :)
 
No problem. BTW I have a Flash II and it's the only assisted opener I've kept...it's a great little knife.
 
A few years ago Kershaw sent me a Torx tool when I had a warranty issue. I still use it from time to time when I misplace my other tools.

If companies included a tool with every knife, many of us would have like fifty of them laying around. :D
 
Phillip Dobson said:
A few years ago Kershaw sent me a Torx tool when I had a warranty issue. I still use it from time to time when I misplace my other tools.

If companies included a tool with every knife, many of us would have like fifty of them laying around. :D
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And, if your experience is like mine, they'd all be different sizes... still wouldn't be able to find the 'right' one when you need it. :confused:

The ONE time that I might expect a manufacturer to provide a tool, is in those cases where the fastener they've chosen to use in my knife is some never-before-seen-or-used oddball size/configuration. And, in all likelihood, that's when they wouldn't provide it (or even tell you what size/type it is).:mad:

On the other hand, that's probably the biggest clue that the maker REALLY, REALLY doesn't want you to mess with it (or it'll EXPLODE!!).
 
I think you're all correct in your comments, thanks...I've got the tools and skill sets to fix things...it kind of saddens me that manufacturers won't give us the information or tools we want because they're afraid of litigation.

Some of you may be old enough to remember that when you bought a car, it came with a real (although limited) repair manual and a few basic tools that might be uselful in a breakdown along the road.

Not any more. All you get now is a car manual full of safety warnings to not do this or that, or you may hurt yourself, or void your warranty, etc. If in doubt, take it to an authorized dealer where you will get hosed.
 
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