An Open Letter to Makers using Proprietary Screw Heads:

[Czechmate]

I completely agree: it's very frustrating not having the proper tools, just to make simple (non warranty voiding), adjustments on a knife...OR, companies could just add the proprietary tool needed for any given knife...as part of our purchase price. :thumbup:

Hey now, he's just saying he shouldn't have to resort to warranty service or MacGuyvering just so he can have a functional product that he paid good money for. He can probably work something out but there wouldn't be a need if makers just used Torx or anything standard.

Many makers now use decorative pivots that also have Torx holes, so they can have style and ease of repair, so there's really no excuse other than wanting to be obstinate for artistic or brand reasons.

Preach. Attaching a pocket clip with proprietary fasteners should be an infraction punishable by having your hands wrapped in duct tape to turn them into flippers.

The reasons above are why my Microtech DOC is my one and only MT knife.

Suggesting using padded pliers may work but seems like a bubba option IMHO. Other knife companies using unique/proprietary hardware include the tools (Boker & Lionsteel in my experience) so why can't MT?...

 

[Insipid Moniker]

The reasons above are why my Microtech DOC is my one and only MT knife.

Suggesting using padded pliers may work but seems like a bubba option IMHO. Other knife companies using unique/proprietary hardware include the tools (Boker & Lionsteel in my experience) so why can't MT?...

Honestly? I get it on their OTFs. I wouldn't really want customers opening them up and having to deal with a zilliom warranty claims because somebody messed with the internals. But the pocket clip? That's just idiotic.

 

[palonej]

YUP ^^^^ because I really am looking forward to taking vice grips to my brand new $400 knife.
I remember Cutlery lover attempted adjusting the pivot on his, I think, DOC and literally destroyed the scale with needle nose pliers.
Joe

 

[Spartan00]

In the past they did have a hole through the GBD to easily tighten/remove it.

Guess they decided to discontinue that hole just to be obstinate.

It is what it is...

I was looking at my ultratec just now ,reading this thread made me remember I had taken my Clip off of it several times, but it has the hole in it!

I have another microtech I can't carry because of a loose pocket clip and I don't want to send it in . Only option is to buy the tool or try and make one.

It is frustrating I understand (don't agree with) but understand why frame screws are proprietary heads, but to go as far as to put them on a pocket clip is silly IMO.

Looks aside I would rather have a knife with proprietary frame screws and torx clip screws even if it looked silly just to be able to fix my own clip.

In the case of the ultratech that hole in the pommel was fine , when I bought it the dealer showed me how to remove it and showed me this was how to oil it properly. You remove the cap and place your oil in those threads and put it back on

 

[Czechmate]

Honestly? I get it on their OTFs. I wouldn't really want customers opening them up and having to deal with a zilliom warranty claims because somebody messed with the internals. But the pocket clip? That's just idiotic.

I agree; those are definitely something I can understand a manufacturer not wanting people to "screw" with. LOL :thumbup:

YUP ^^^^ because I really am looking forward to taking vice grips to my brand new $400 knife.
I remember Cutlery lover attempted adjusting the pivot on his, I think, DOC and literally destroyed the scale with needle nose pliers.
Joe

I priced out the three bits needed to work on DOC ages ago; forget where I even saw them for sale LOL; basically $100 to buy all three if I remember correctly... :thumbdn::foot:

 

[palonej]

I recently bought my first Microtech, LUDT. Amazing knife....so amazing that I grabbed another in a different color!!
One has a tight pivot....start looking for the bit.
I remembered BHQ sells the tools ~ $25 a pop and need 2 for this model. Every tool is on back order and they have no idea when they'll be getting them in.
Not cool.....but DAM, those LUDTs are frosty cool!! Hope the pivot loosens up with a little lube and some use.....do not want to send it in!!
Joe

 

[Spartan00]

There used to be a website that made the tools. A Google search will tell you if they still do it or not. Several people make their own tool for the 3 small circle screws . Take 3 thumbtacs and press them into a pencil

 

[palonej]

I'll definitely check that out Spartan!! Thanks bro.
The LUDT has those tri wing screws, doubt I'd be able to make one of those!
Here are those screws.

 

[gzb]

Google 'Microtech wrenches'...

Click on the second link...

 

[palonej]

Awesome!!
Thanks gzb!!
Joe