Cuda Maxx 5.5- a problem

W

wallgrenj

Joined
Jul 12, 2002
Messages
100
Hi All,

I am new here, so this is my first posting but definitely not my last! Hi there!

For a long time, I have been checking out Darrel Ralph's web site with my eyes mainly on the Madd Maxx series. So far I have never bought any custom knife- I guess it's much because of I want to actually use my knives (for all kinds of stuff including fishing etc)and custom knives cost "a lots of money".

But 2 weeks ago I bought a Cuda Maxx 5.5- and man that's a folder!!! I have checked out 1000's of knives in my life- but have now found the knives design which is exactly what I want- Darrel Ralph's Madd Maxx!!!! So now I will save some money and most probably order one custom made Madd Max from Darrel Ralph.

But I really hope that Camillus is coming out with both a 7 5/8 inch and a 4 inch factory versions- with the dagger blade as an option!!! Because I would buy all of them!

Ok- back to my problem! On my Cuda Maxx 5.5, the lock was firm and had no play in the blade. But after a while I could feel that the blade had a serious play- but I quickly realized that it was fixed by tighten the pivot screw. A "few fliks" later- same problem!
So I thought that this could be fixed with some Liquid Lock-Washer. So I removed the clip, unscrewed the pivot screw- added some Liquid Lock-Washer and put it together again. But even if I took it easy when I tighten the 3 screws on the clip, 2 of the screws lost the grip! So now I can't attach the clip any more!

Ok, I disassembled the whole knife and took a look at the parts. What I found out was that the 3 screws for the clip are all way to short!!! So that explains why my problem! Anyone out there, experienced this problem and have some good advice how I should fix it before I try my own way?

Thanks and Regards,

Jorgen
 
My first question would be, did the Loc-Tite solve the loose pivot screw problem?

Clip screws too short? I have to say I haven't run into that one before. I have had a couple of times where I removed the clip and couldn't get the screws to thread back in because of the old Loc-Tite gumming up the threads. Here are a few things I would check. Make sure that the screw holes are completely free of any Loc-Tite, make sure the screws themselves are free of Loc-Tite. Make them look like new, completely clean threads. Make sure there is nothing on the frame where the clip mounts. Make sure the clip is clean as well. When you put the clip back on the frame, put a little extra downward pressure on the screws for a few turns. It won't take a lot of pressure. If that doesn't work, contact Camillus for new screws or pick them up where you can. I would check and verify the screw size is 2-56 first. You never know when Darrel might decide to be sneaky and use an unexpected screw size. :p Are you paying attention out there, Darrel?

I strongly urge you to get a DDR Maxx when you can! It is a kick butt knife! :cool:
 
Dirk,

The Lock-Tite should solve the pivot screw problem. But after some more investigation, I realized that the 3 holes in the frame for the clip screws are actually slightly too big and the 3 screws slightly to short- so the screws can't get a proper grip.

Since I live in Singapore, I can't send the knife for repair (you must have licens to import/export knives). So I have to fix it myself. I have found a way to do it, but the result will be that the clip will be fixed and can't be removed. But that seams to be ok. I will basically use "plastic 2 component steel" and fix the 3 screws. By using sandpaper on the middle hole in the clip, I will still be able to remove the pivot screw without removing the clip. Seams to be a good solution... ;)

Regards,

Jorgen
 
If it works, why not? If you really need to take the clip off in the future, carefully applied heat will take care of the take care of the agent you are using. Until recently, I always thought good epoxy would stand up to anything, then Darrel informs me about how little heat is actually required to break down most epoxies.

I wonder how Camillus got the screws to work in the first place? For me, that would be a more interesting mystery to solve, than what to do to fix it.
 
Hi There!

No, the 2 component clue didn't work since the screws are so small- didn't get a good grip.

I really need to get this fixed, in one way or another! Can't trust the clip and I don't want to loose my Cuda Maxx 5.5 becuase of a clip which was not properly fasten (wrong tapping) from the factory.

Any e-mail address to Camillus, so I can ask for advice?

Thanks and Regards,

Jorgen
:( :mad: :(
 
Go back to the Camillus Forums' main page and click on Will Fennell's name. Follow that to his email addy. He should be able to help you.
 
Thanks Cheryl! So I sent an e-mail, describing my problem, to Will Fennell. But so far no reply.... :(

I can't stand it, having my dear Cuda Maxx 5.5 in parts, not being able to use it. Hmmm.. If no reply by tomorrow morning- I just have to put 3 rivets in frame & the clip, by using a brass rod or so. Unless I hear some objections...???

I must say that the support from Camillus could clearly be much better!!! It's the first time I try this brand, so I don't know if they use to be like this or if they actually have a good support or not... I had one problem with another knife of another brand, a year ago. But within a week, I got the spare parts by mail and the problem was settled!!! And I live in Singapore!!! :-) That's what I call support!!! :D

Anyway, for your who replied to my message- Thank You!!!

Regards,

Jorgen
 
Hi there!

First of all, I would like to thank Dirk and Cheryl for taking the interest in my problem with the loose clip and their assistance/suggestions. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

I sent an e-mail to camcut2@aol.com, but still have not received any reply! :( :grumpy:

Since I live in Singapore, where I can't send out a knife without an export license- and the fact that I am soon going to Tioman Island for fishing, jungle tracking, scuba diving etc. I have no time to wait for a reply, which may or may not come within a few weeks time- or a fix- because I really need my Cuda Maxx 5.5 during this trip!!! ;)

So I had to fix the problem myself! Maybe not so professionally done, but since it's the first time I put in rivets, I am rather satisfied! And the clip is now fixed (yes, the pivot screw can be removed!) :cool: Here is the result:

CudaRivets.JPG


But maybe… I got an early production knife, and that's the reason why the finish is terrible- and why the 3 clip screws couldn't keepit together... Just take a look at this and please give me your comments (I expect a lot more of a US$190 knife!):

Cudafinish.JPG


But please don’t get me wrong! Darrel Ralph's Madd Maxx design is simply the best! I would love to see more blade sizes and blade designs (specially the dagger design). Then I am thinking about getting one of his custom knives... actually more than thinking… Will send him a couple of questions and after that, I guess, it’s just to go ahead with an order :D

Thanks and Regards,

Jorgen
 
Well, the rivets will get the job done, no doubt. I sent Darrel a link to this topic. I'll see if I can't induce a response from the big guy! Maybe I can threaten him with the idea I will never talk to him again...... :p Nahhh, that won't work, he'd like that idea!
 
i think its common for the blade 'horns' to be rough, but even your pivot stop/thumbstud is awfully rough......

might just be a lemon, not to talk ill of your knife,

greg
 
I think that you will find that all of the Camillus Maxxs have rough flipper horns. This, I think is due to the fact that the D-2 steel that is used has to be laser/or/water cut out due to its hardness. The roughness is a telltale of that process. I am sure that Camillus could take the time to remove these marks, BUT, this takes time, and time is costly in a production process. The marks do not adversely affect function so they most likely felt that the added expense of removing them would raise the price of the knife, so why do it? That is my feel on it at least.IMHO I also work in a production field, and the fine line between production speed and quality is always a concideration if a company is to thrive. The marks on your thumb studs actually look like they were caused by the tool slipping on the stud while tightening.That is a little ugly I agree. You might be able to polish it out though.
I bought a Cuda Maxx and am in the process of deciding what items I want to bring to a higher finish, without messing anything up that is. I hope your Maxx fairs well during your trip. Let us know how it does under field conditions, as those are the real tests of a tool.:D
 
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