Gerber Bolt Action...Stiff pivot point??

D

DDS

Joined
Apr 16, 1999
Messages
286
Hi: I recently picked up another bolt action in mint condition to add to my collection. I have three other Gerbers that were bought when they were first introduced, one with a high polished blade. The action on all of them is buttery smooth and you can easily open them with one hand or fling them open if needed. I like these knives because of there super smooth action and deadbolt firm lock-up. I purchased the recent one because of the hard to find Ivory Rynite handles. I had been looking for one a long time. The problem is that the action is REALLY stiff. I know the blade pivots on bronze bushings and I have lubricated it with several products to no avail. Has anyone ever dismantled one of these knives? If so, I would presume that the Gerber pivot covers would have to be removed...are they glued in place? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Dave
 
I have one I bought new 20 years ago. It was very smooth but in the last few years the pivot tightened up on mine also. I've just lived with it so far.
 
I have a Parabellum that I bought new years ago. At one point one of the covers fell off. I think it was the one with the patent number on it. Any way it looked like the pivot pin was bronze or some sort of copper colored material that was pressed into place. I used super glue to glue my spacer back in. From what I saw there wasnt any way of servicing it from there. I bet you have lube and or dirt gummed up inside some way. Maybe you need some kind of cleaner that wont harm the plastic but that the knife could soak in to get down into the action.
Over in the multi tool forum Steely Gunz said he soaked his multitool in Mineral oil a couple of times a year and it drew the dirt and grime out. I dont know if that would hurt the plastic of your knife so if I went that route I would proceed with caution. Hope this helps.


John
 
matt321 and JTC Thank you for the replies. I'm glad I posted this because I was about to try and pry the covers off. Now that I know it is a pressed fit pivot, I will drop it in my Ultrasonic tub with a lubricating solution made for guns by L&R. I have cleaned my HK many times without any problems and it is polymer coated. Thanks again for the input!
Dave
 
The bolt action series seems to prefer a totally dry action, i.e. no lube at all.

My bolt-action worked great, super smooth, until I lubed it. Never been the same since.

Still think it is an under-rated and improperly implimented design. How 'bout a ti handled version pivot screw ans washers. Just dreamin'.
 
orthogonal1 said:
The bolt action series seems to prefer a totally dry action, i.e. no lube at all.

My bolt-action worked great, super smooth, until I lubed it. Never been the same since.

Still think it is an under-rated and improperly implimented design. How 'bout a ti handled version pivot screw ans washers. Just dreamin'.
Click to expand...

I have an early version too, bought it back in the 80's after wanting one for awhile.

Anyway my knife has always been stiff to open, but I think you're correct, I probably lubed it as soon as I opened the box....
 
Thanks for your comments guys. Funny thing is that my other bolt actions have never been lubed nor did they ever need it. My only other production knife that was as smooth is my wonderful feather light RIGID USA folding hunter with micarta handles. Boy, what a wonderful knife. It was sad to see RIGID Knives close down. Dave

PS: My Boye folders come pretty close too!
 
Please let us know how you go with the ultrasound etc

I have two geber bolts - one got left in a damp environment and lost that smooth open - and I also have not been able to get it back with any form of lubrication dry or wet.
 
Davyd: I put my knife in an ultrasonic cleaner/lube for 30 minutes with no help at all. If the pivot point on this knife is a pressed fit, it obviously was tight from the get go. I'll just have to accept it as is, but sure is disappointing.
 
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