Easiest way to remove blade play from a slippie?

C

crbauhs

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Dec 2, 2007
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As the title says, what, in your expert opinions, is the best way to get blade play out of a slipjoint? I have a new copperhead with a bit of play and want to try to get rid of it.
 
By mistake a few years ago I was cutting the tip off some blue locktite and some locktite accicentally went into the joint of my Bowen stockman pocketknife. The blade was a little loose before the locktite dried,but afterward it tightened up significantly. It took a little bit of lube to get the blade opening and closing good again. If I were to use locktite again for that purpose I would make sure the blade was opened before the locktite dried....it was hard to open the blade with just the nail nick exposed. Maybe this could work for you.
 
wrap the pivot end in duct tape to prevent scratching and lightly tap with a hammer.
 
I know if we tap the bolster the pin will be exposed, but what do I do about the pivot pin? If i tap that will it expand in the center hole? Is that what tightens it up?
 
The only place the pin will expand is at the tip, where you are peening it. This will tighten the side/side play only. You will have to damage the bolsters if the pin is "sunk" (flush,) and will have to sand and polish them. Using tape won't help.
It's much too easy to damage the knife, and is better left alone.
 
crbauhs said:
As the title says, what, in your expert opinions, is the best way to get blade play out of a slipjoint? I have a new copperhead with a bit of play and want to try to get rid of it.
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Send it to the manufacturer for repair.

If the manufacturer is unavailable (e.g. Camillus), send it to a professional.
 
I can tell you how to do it, but I don't recommend it, and the bolsters will have to be refinished. Got a little bitty hammer-like a 2 oz. one?
 
Sadly I don't have one, but a friend does. I can get one from him. He also has a ball peen hammer if that is of any help.
 
rifon2 said:
If you're not experienced with that type of slipjoint repair, simply taking a hammer to the bolster might not be the best approach.
It can very possibly damage the knife beyond repair, and success at eliminating the bladeplay is by no means certain.
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Makes perfect sense. I am by no means going to just take a hammer to the bolster. I just think if there is someone who can explain it then I could do it. I'm extra careful with stuff like this, and I'd do my cheaper knife with a bit of play first.
 
Could you post a pic or give the name of the knife that you have? Some knives you can just tap on the pivot to get rid of the side to side wiggle. As far as up and down, I would recommend checking with the manufacturer.
 
It a case copperhead J. And no pics I don't own a good enough camera. I tried to tap the bolsters lightly with my fists and it tightened up the play but as soon as I reopened the bladed the play came right back.
 
Ya I know I can, but I don't really wanna let it go for alot of weeks. Im not too worried about the blade play, its not a ton.
 
Use a small, flat hammer. Locate the rivet. Place back side of rivet on a very solid smooth steel surface. Tap the exposed rivet smartly, with wrist action only. Reverse knife and tap the other side of the rivet. You will mar the bolsters.
Try blade-if not tight continue above.
When finished, file/sand the dings out of the bolster, being careful not to remove too much of your peened rivet. Polish bolsters.
Sounds simple, doesn't it?
Really- try it on a junk knife first.
 
Hey bill thanks for the advice. Ill try it on a cheaper knife first and see how that goes. Doesn't seem like it should be TOO difficult. Thanks for the help everyone I appreciate it.
 
The key is getting enough flare on the rivets to hold the blade tight-and not removing that flare when refinishing the bolsters.
 
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