Frustrated Beyond Belief

calypso699

calypso699

Joined
Jun 10, 2006
Messages
572
I hate the pivot on my Startac Umnumzaan. I now completely understand why CRK decided to do away with it. The tools are extremely clumsy....you have to make sure both sides are seated properly while holding the wrenches in place and spinning the tool at the same time??? Seriously?

I bought backups of the tool when I heard they were becoming discontinued. I now have 3/4 pivot tools with all but one broken pin from trying to get the knife apart. The knife came loctited from fresh from the spa and all I was trying to do was remove the lanyard.

I'm seriously frustrated right now. If anyone has any ideas for household ways to get the pivot loose I'm all ears. For those of you who like the old pivot better, send me a PM...we need to talk.
 
Before I had the umnumzaan tool, I took some round toothpicks. I cut one in half, then cut the points off to where they would fit the pivot screws tightly. I did one for each side and just held them tight and turned. Worked great for me. In fact, I have used this more than the zaan tool itself because I did not have the "real" tool for while. The main thing with the "real" tool is that both are seated flush.
 
If locktite is the problem, I overcome it with:
1. Boil water
2. Take it off heat
3. Drop in knife, let sit for 3 - 5 min
4. Should be much easier to break free, if not, return it to water, try again.

Always works for me.
Won't hurt the steel, titanium, washers. Rubber, take them off.

good luck
 
Haha well, I'm actually past the point of no return. Before the pins broke I managed to get it just a tiny bit lose such that the blade is off center and rubs the scale. So at this point I either tighten it back up or take it apart. I'm off to the hardware store to see what I can come up with. The toothpicks are too weak and I only have one working side of the pivot tool.

Thanks guys.
 
Maybe a couple small drill bits? Use the flat/shank end to get the best engagement of the bit. You could probably even make your own tool. Just drill one bit through a scrap piece of wood (1" thick or so should do) leave the bit in the wood with only enough of the shank end exposed to engage pivot. Mark your second hole and do the same. If you have a good set of bits with small increments you should find one that fits near perfect and the size below should only have a little play.
 
Just got back from the hardware store. I picked up a snap ring tool thanks to the guy in hardware. I managed to get it loose finally...not the greatest pics but here is what I was dealing with. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

photo 1.jpg
photo 2.jpg
 
In the future, you may want to try using VC3 instead of Loctite. It works a little differently to accomplish the same function, yet it is super easy to remove.
 
Glad you got it all worked out. My umnumzaan had the same issue I used those security paper clips and the loctite fought me to the last thread.
 
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