Has anyone actually needed to replace a steel lockbar-insert?

[The Aflac Duck]

So, I see a lot of framelocks with steel lockbar-inserts. I totally understand the concept, it's awesome:thumbup:

But has anybody needed to send their knife in to get one replaced? For example, if the blade developed lock rock or 100% lockup occurred.

I have an 0454 and 0562cf coming my way and I was curious on how well the inserts actually perform. Say I develop lock rock, will they just slap a new insert on for me under warranty? This question goes for all warrantys, not just zt's.

 

[rxavage]

I'm curious as well since I have both of those knives on the way as well and the zt561 I acquired a few weeks ago has actually developed a little blade play after being flipped a bit despite being rock solid on arrival and a few days following.

 

[DAVE_M]

My understanding of the insert is to have steel on steel contact, with the added benefits of being easily replaceable and adjustable.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Yea, I've had 2 Ti framelocks develop lock rock in less than a year. Also a steel liner lock develop 50% lockup in about 4 months.
So I often wonder...how long will they last?

My understanding of the insert is to have steel on steel contact, with the added benefits of being easily replaceable and adjustable.

Exactly, but are knife companies swapping out old lockbar inserts all the time under warranty? I'd like to know if it's more truth than gimmick. The steel on steel part is fine, but will someone actually replace it if need be?

 

[DAVE_M]

Exactly, but are knife companies swapping out old lockbar inserts all the time under warranty? I'd like to know if it's more truth than gimmick. The steel on steel part is fine, but will someone actually replace it if need be?

I would sure hope so. Especially considering how cheap a lock bar insert is, compared to how expensive replacing an entire titanium lock bar scale would be.

 

[DREW78]

I spoke to zt about this and was told they don't send out new lock bar inserts. The reason I was told is that they need to be "fit" to each knife.

 

[kniferbro]

I spoke to zt about this and was told they don't send out new lock bar inserts. The reason I was told is that they need to be "fit" to each knife.

I too contacted ZT to try and acquire a spare lock insert just for peace of mind and they told me that they wooldnt send one out, but would be happy to replace it if I sent in my knife. I'm sure they cut the inserts to be slightly oversized then grind then to fit the interface nicely.

My 0801 got to ~60% lock up and hasn't moved since. The inserts are also hardened, so I would expect to see performance outlasting an unhardened liner lock (many of which are cited as settling in and then lasting a very long time).

 

[DAVE_M]

I too contacted ZT to try and acquire a spare lock insert just for peace of mind and they told me that they wooldnt send one out, but would be happy to replace it if I sent in my knife. I'm sure they cut the inserts to be slightly oversized then grind then to fit the interface nicely.

My 0801 got to ~60% lock up and hasn't moved since. The inserts are also hardened, so I would expect to see performance outlasting an unhardened liner lock (many of which are cited as settling in and then lasting a very long time).

What I'm curious to know, is would ZT upgrade a knife to the new lock bar? The newer ZT0550's come with a steel insert lock bar. I'm unsure if the ZT0560/0561's do, but I wouldn't mind having one lol.

 

[DREW78]

I don't think they could without replacing the lock side of the frame. I'm sure they would rather sell you a new knife. Insert smiley here.