Clean Folder Without Taking It Apart?

S

Spazmaster

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Jul 31, 2012
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I have a folder knife that ive been wondering how to clean without taking it all apart. I dont really want to take it apart because Its speed-safe and id rather just not deal with the hassle. Im wondering the best way to clean the knife without taking it apart.
 
I usually use warm to hot water with some soap, a toothbrush, and then a quick bath in wd40. After this I wipe all i can with a cloth, and that's it. Sometimes i add o drop of mineral oil to the pivot area after everything is dry, but after the wd40 soak it's not always necessary.
 
Spazmaster said:
I thought wd40 was bad for knives?
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WD-40 is not a lubricant, although a lot of people use it that way. I'm sure jacktrades is just using it to displace water after cleaning.

If I remember right, less than 25% of WD-40's contents are oils. Don't quote me, it's been awhile.
 
WD-40 is a W(ater) D(isplacer) and is a solvent and penetrant. But not really a lubricant or protectant.
 
WD-40 IS a light lubricant, which also contains a light solvent. When used for water displacement, degreasing, etc., the solvent will evaporate fairly quickly, and the light lubricating oil is all that's left behind, by design. That also is what provides some rust protection. It is not bad for knives (quite the contrary). It's all I've ever used for mine, and they haven't broken down, rusted, dissolved, disintegrated or exploded yet. Go figure.

Some oils will be heavier, and some applications might be better-suited for grease or something else, but as a light lube for folding knives, it's fine. Just keep the knife reasonably clean, and it can be lubricated with almost any light oil.

Straight from the source (that would be the maker -->: http://www.wd40.com/faqs/ )
WD-40 Multi-Use Product fulfills five basic functions:
1. LUBRICATES: The product's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
2. PENETRATES: WD-40 Multi-Use Product loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
3. PROTECTS: The product protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.
4. REMOVES: WD-40 Multi-Use Product gets under dirt, grime and grease. Use it to remove gunk from tools, equipment and vehicles. WD-40 Multi-Use Product in liquid form (e.g., gallon) also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of excess bonding material.
5. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because it displaces moisture, WD-40 Multi-Use Product quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
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Green can brakleen brake cleaner. I use this to clean SOME guns and knives. Works like compressed air blowing dirt out of mechanism along with the solvent effect.

-don't use on varnishes, paints, etc as it can strip them. I use only on heavy carry plastic and metal items: glocks ar 15, ak's, heavy use knives like strider, ZT, etc.

- strips all oils so must add grease or oil. I use a small amount of Wilson gun grease on my folder mechanisms.

This definitely takes a leap of faith but it works great. When in doubt don't use it. But it cleans very well and very quickly on the things it can be used on.
 
Make sure to wear eye protection when using brake cleaner!
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Make sure to wear eye protection when using brake cleaner!
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Absolutely. I wear a respirator and face shield. Can't gt a new set of eyes or lungs. I do it over a large trash can outside as well.

Use common sense if you go this route. If you ruin a $1000 knife with brake cleaner or spray it in your eye, its on you!
 
I find brake cleen is hard on plastics i also like to use some Sentry tuff cloth for the final wipe
 
Buy yourself a small compressor. Trust me, you need one. Run the knife under really hot water and blow it dry. Oil the pivots and it's just like new. (maybe better)
 
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