Clip insert stuck

C

crbauhs

Joined
Dec 2, 2007
Messages
2,028
So I recently purchased a clip insert. I decided to try it out and put it into my small Sebenza. It is now stuck in there and I cannot get it out. It's stuck in so well that I've tried getting metal in between the clip insert the scale to pry it off and I can't. Any suggestions on how to loosen it up?
 
One thing I would suggest trying is to take the tip of a utility blade and get between the two pieces with the point. If its not a user and your scared of scratching it up then I would try to find something the same diameter as the hole in the insert, I mean something that would fit tight like a dowel maybe and try to lever it out, maybe?
 
Throw it in the oven and heat too 400 then throw it in the freezer. May pop out. Good luck however you get it done.
 
Try a hex wrench in the hole of the insert to pop it off or failing that you can try accessing it from he inside of the scale and knock it out that way. :)
 
I have removed them with the hex wrench CRK provides as HAZE stated. Works the best in my experience.
 
Haze said:
Try a hex wrench in the hole of the insert to pop it off or failing that you can try accessing it from he inside of the scale and knock it out that way. :)
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This is what I have always done. The insert is not 'stuck', it is just made to strict tolerances. :)
 
biggerjon said:
This is what I have always done. The insert is not 'stuck', it is just made to strict tolerances. :)
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I haven't had any inserts but I agree, I've found almost all of my clips are so well fit, it's almost like a mild press fit. I like the idea of using the hex wrench in the hole, I'll have to try that next time I remove a pocket clip, rather than jamming a chopstick under the clip and ending up bending it a bit.
 
Well no luck so far. I tried getting a metal dental pick in between the insert and the body and that just bent the pick to hell and back. This is somehow wedged in there. Not just a tight fit. Gonna try a razorblade next. See if it can get some separation. As tight as this is, the hex isn't gonna work.
 
Like Haze suggested, attack it from the inside of the slab. Take the knife apart, you should be able to see the threads for the screw and the clip insert. Take the dental pic and try to get between the threads and insert, give the dental pic a goo whack to see if it come out. It may not, I've had to pry the regular clips out before. I know it's late advice now, but I've learned to hone the pocket clips on the back side and edges before they're re installed. I hope you don't booger up the threads if you choose this route.
 
OK pick didn't work yesterday. Gonna get an exact tonight and give that a go. Last resort... I'll get a fine diamond file and just going through the insert. I want my clip back.
 
I think if I were in your position, I would send it to CRK to resolve and save myself some frustration as well as any damage to your knife.
 
The heat thing worries me. Just hope it doesn't mess anything up. And if I do try all these things with no luck then off to CRK it'll go.
 
Maybe try sticking it in the freezer for a while, and as soon as you pull it out of the freezer, try prying it out.
I'd imagine heat would only make it harder since heat expands things.
 
Blues Bender said:
Maybe try sticking it in the freezer for a while, and as soon as you pull it out of the freezer, try prying it out.
I'd imagine heat would only make it harder since heat expands things.
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My original post was to heat it up then toss it in the freezer. Heating a Seb without inlay at low heat will not hurt it. I had a pin stuck so I heated it to about 350-400 and the pin slid right out. With extreme changes in temp plate may just fall out.
 
Heat the slab in boiling water for 10-20 seconds. Remove, and attempt to immediately cool only the insert by placing something like a freezing screwdriver tip on it for a few seconds, then attmept to pry the insert out with any of the methods posed above.
 
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Bill is totally on the right track. Heat or cold by itself probably won't help because the coefficient of thermal expansion is the same for both parts (both are the same material). Expanding the scale while shrinking the insert could help, and Bill has suggested how to do it.
 
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