Fixing a Liner Lock?

Deebo

Deebo

Joined
Sep 29, 2009
Messages
737
Hey guys, I'm not sure exactly what section this should be in.

I was wondering if anyone knew how to fix a liner lock to remedy a bit of vertical blade play? The blade play is due to the fact that the liner lock has worn a bit and now when pressure is applied up or down, the liner lock wobbles a little bit and allows for that slight blade play.

I'd rather not have to send it in to the manufacturer to have it looked at since I have to cover return shipping as well and that's $14.

Thanks!
 
If its a nice knife that you love or cost you a bit. I would send it back. Without seeing it not sure how you could fix the wobble. Do you trust it, if not, I wouldn't use it. Not worth getting injured over.
 
VictGerbSogCamill said:
If its a nice knife that you love or cost you a bit. I would send it back. Without seeing it not sure how you could fix the wobble. Do you trust it, if not, I wouldn't use it. Not worth getting injured over.
Click to expand...

Yeah. I'm iffy about using it right now as the liner lock does have visible movement when a significant pressure is applied on the blade. I've never had this happen in any of my knives and it's definitely not good.

I'd rather avoid paying the fees but I will if I have to. I was just wondering if there was any sort of DIY kind of fix like tweaking the liner lock to engage further in or something.
 
What is the name of the knife? Brand and model? It'll help to know this.

I too think sending it back (since it's probably quite new) to get it fixed but if you are adamant in fixing it yourself then you may try to:-

1) Open the folder up and in small increments, bend the lockbar more and more (or basically bend it inwards more). Check by putting it together and make sure lockbar does not travel too far towards the opposite scale/liner. Note: Try to keep lockbar straight, meaning bending occurs on the bent area only.

2) tighten in small increments (try this first and also try this after when you do step 1).

3) this applies to cases where there has been some use. Perhaps the stop pin has been worn. Try to rotate the stop pin. If there is not much wear then forget this.

Good luck, and let us know how this turns out. Please bear in mind that sending it in to the manufacturer means they'll be responsible if they bugger up ur folder and will/may probably replace it but fiddling with the lockbar may probably void the warranty.
 
While not always the case a general rule of thumb with liner locks is that if you’ve got up and down play that’s not going to be something you can fix by yourself.
 
I managed to fit a larger stop pin into my ZT200. I filed the hole in the SS liner a little by little till they fit. Now the lockup is better already.

Alternatively could put a small taper on the end of a stop pin and hammer into the hole thereby wedging into place. I don't like this method though.

Basically what I'm saying is that putting a thicker stop pin is possible but got to be careful.
 
When I put in thicker stop pins, I made a pin with the ends that went in the scales the same size as stock, but the center was larger than stock. I slowly reduced the diameter of the center section until the lock-up was what I wanted.

That way no scale/liner modification was required and, if I made a mistake, it was easy to simply start over.
 
Good idea. What did you use to make the pin? I can find rods but lack the knowledge (as well as equipment) to make it.
 
I used spacers from taken apart electronic devices as my "stock" for some, others I used stainless bar stock, I think it was 416 stainless.

I had a mini-lathe for a time, and that is when I used bar stock.

When I didn't have a lathe, I double nut'd the spacer with a screw through it. Then I chocked it in an electric hand-drill mounted in a vice.

Either case, it was a lot (too much maybe) of trial and error fitting. Crocus clothe over a file and/or square stones.

I'm sure a real machinist could do the job quicker/better, but what works, works.
 
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