Benchmade Pivot Screws

RByers91

RByers91

Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Messages
170
I own both a griptilian and a barrage and both seem to have the same issue. Without me really using the knife at all, the pivot screw loosens very quickly which results in major blade play. Is it normal for the pivot to loosen so quickly? Or is there something wrong with mine. I do have to add that i was opening and closing it continuously for about 10-15min but didnt think that would have any major effect.
 
My 527 did that too, not unique to Benchmade by anyway. The simplest fix is applying teflon tape or blue locktite to the screw, works like a charm.
 
Yes it's normal for most knives. Do what EricV suggested and they won't loosen anymore.
 
It could simply be that Benchmade doesn't use loctite on their pivot screws(not sure which companies do). Other than that, there's really nothing that seems that much different to me than other pivot screws.
 
It seems that my Benchmades are more prone to this than others, but that's the nature of the design. I want my Axis locks to swing freely, but not have blade play. There's only a small sweet spot in tightness that works for this, so it's easy to get out of alignment. With other designs, a little tightness isn't a problem. Blue loctite does fix it, though.
 
Like some others I was reluctant to use Loctite. I wasn't aware there were different strengths. I overcame my fear and bought some blue loctite yesterday. It only takes a drop. I wiped off excess with a paper towel. I re-installed the screw and found the closest sweet spot. Then, I let it cure overnight. Today, I was able to achieve the perfect sweet spot for flipping open and closed. The bond is now holding perfect. Don't be afraid to use this, as long as you use the blue threadlock. Benchmade really should include a small tube of it in the box.
 
RByers91 said:
I own both a griptilian and a barrage and both seem to have the same issue. Without me really using the knife at all, the pivot screw loosens very quickly which results in major blade play. Is it normal for the pivot to loosen so quickly? Or is there something wrong with mine. I do have to add that i was opening and closing it continuously for about 10-15min but didnt think that would have any major effect.
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The majority of knives I have owned have pivots that come loose over successive opening and closings.

I recommend purple loctite over blue. Purple is weaker than blue which will make it less likely to strip a pivot’s drive recess if you do have to undo the pivot for any reason.

At the same time it is strong enough that just a tiny drop will hold the pivot from backing out. Blue will work fine too but I find purple is the ideal strength for knife stuff.

Be sure to let it cure for 24 hours when you apply it and just put a tiny drop. I usually put about as big a drop as will hold on the end of a toothpick without getting too heavy and dripping off or running down the shaft of said toothpick.
 
That is good to know about purple loctite. My Home Depot didn't have any purple. The blue is working fine. It allowed me to adjust the pivot to the perfect flip. The toothpick method is a great tip. I also saw someone on You Tube who used the cap of the tube to apply the loctite. My Griptilian pivot now holds its bond and I'm thrilled!
 
Just remember that once it cures and you need to re-adjust the screw later, you will break the loctite seal and will have to redo it over again. That's a PITA, so I use teflon (plumber's) tape which allows you to re-adjust the pivot if you need to do it again.
 
If at all possible, I try not to loctite any of my pivots, but even I did so to my 558. It just happens, especially if you flip them a lot. My mini Ritter did the same thing because I flipped it so much. A dab of the blue loctite fixed it up and I’ve yet to have the pivot loosen since.


I still flip the shite out of it too whenever I’m carrying it, haha.
 
colin.p said:
Just remember that once it cures and you need to re-adjust the screw later, you will break the loctite seal and will have to redo it over again. That's a PITA, so I use teflon (plumber's) tape which allows you to re-adjust the pivot if you need to do it again.
Click to expand...

Mine allowed me to make a miniscule adjustment to the perfect spot and its still holding with constant flipping.
 
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