Recommendation? Debug lockback lever

E

ErikMB

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2017
Messages
870
I keep having the same problem. I am building from kits so the pieces are already cut and smooth. I added firework and then I sand and polish the lever and insides of the plates to further reduce friction.

However, with my last three lockbacks, the button/lever doesn't want to go in all the way to lock the blade closed. I can't figure out why. If I press the lever it will go into position, implying that the lever and tang do fit together and that there's a friction issue somewhere.

The lever locks the blade open just fine. It only fails to keep the blade securely closed.

Anyone got any ideas?
 
Spring is reasonably strong but I think you're on to something regarding the center pin. I peened it a lot. I guess I was having too much fun. That probably added some resistance to the lever pivoting. Thanks for the idea. :)

I guess asking if a spring is strong or not is not the way to look at it, more like if the ratio of spring strength vs. the resistance at the pivot pin and friction is the way to envision this. Sheesh, that sounds like math class....

I find it so tricky to try to peen in that pivot pin enough that it will stay in place after I have used that belt sander to remove some of it as I shape the handle. If I put in the pin after I have made the handle curved then I have an irregular surface to peen against and it looks really ugly, at least when I do this.

There's got to be a smart technique to this....
 
I am far from an expert on this, having only made 3 lockbacks, but I don’t think that center pin needs much peening to hold it in place. The tension from the spring on the lockbar keeps it from going anywhere. Maybe try putting the pin in and not peening it at all? That is what I have resorted to to keep the action smooth. Again, I would be skeptical of any advice from me, but that has been my experience.
 
Peen the center pin, but only lightly. Just takes a few taps with a light hammer to lock it in place. Also make sure your lock bar is slightly thinner than the blade by about .001
This will keep pressure off it when peening the pivot pin.
 
Right, thinner lockbar. That makes sense. Thanks yet again, SBuzek.

I need to focus more on measuring the relative widths of pieces between the plates. Good lesson.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top