Help! How to remove fasteners

M

Mott@2021

Joined
Jun 30, 2021
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Thanks everyone you’ve very helpful!
I have all the info needed.
I have a Marfione/Strider MSG 3.5. I understand that the makers of these customs don’t want them to be disassembled and They use Red Loctite.

My question: what do you guys suggest is the best method for overcoming the red loctite for disassembly?

the reason for this action is cleaning and maintenance…
 
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Not familiar with your knife, but I stumbled upon your post.

In a manufacturing environment, we'd use heat from a torch to breakdown loctite

I know I've submerged knife handles in boiling water to weaken epoxy pins and scales... That was surprisingly easy.

Good luck.
 
Crag the Brewer said:
Not familiar with your knife, but I stumbled upon your post.

In a manufacturing environment, we'd use heat from a torch to breakdown loctite

I know I've submerged knife handles in boiling water to weaken epoxy pins and scales... That was surprisingly easy.

Good luck.
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That’s helpful, thank you!
 
A soldering iron placed on the fastener head will pinpoint the heat to the one area….good luck.
 
You are going to need either a fine tipped torch or soldering iron that can get up to 450 degrees.
 
That is hot! I suppose 450 degrees is at the point in which the red loctite softens.
Thank you for your input and happy 4th!
 
Mott@2021 said:
That is hot! I suppose 450 degrees is at the point in which the red loctite softens.
Thank you for your input and happy 4th!
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Yes it is hot. I'm not acquainted with your exact knife, but 450 degrees would likely damage a G10 handle if you use a flame. Propane burns at 3,600 degrees, fyi. MAPP at 3725.
Happy 4th to you too!
 
Mott@2021 said:
One other concern is, will high temps like 450 degrees discolor titanium?
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I have colored ti scales with propane before. 450 probably won't color ti, but when your are applying heat from propane, probably. Like Dudley said, if you can find a soldering iron that can do 450-500, that probably is your best option.
 
I'm going to suggest that you not disassemble it. I've found that submersing and washing a knife in warm water and dish soap gets it pretty clean. That being said, I think this thread belongs in the tinkering forum
 
Barry H said:
I have colored ti scales with propane before. 450 probably won't color ti, but when your are applying heat from propane, probably. Like Dudley said, if you can find a soldering iron that can do 450-500, that probably is your best option.
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Good advice and thank you!
 
Lorien is correct. Red locktite is used because user disassembly for cleaning and maintenance is unneeded.
 
I'm with Lorien. I like the idea of hot soap and water and blowing out with 100# air to dry off. I don't like the idea of disassembling a $600- $1,000 folder to clean it.......too risky IMHO. I do like the idea of owning a fixed blade takedown knife that is designed to be disassembled and maintained.

Takedown Bowie

Takedown Silver Bear Fighter
 
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Mott@2021 said:
I have a Marfione/Strider MSG 3.5. I understand that the makers of these customs don’t want them to be disassembled and They use Red Loctite.

My question: what do you guys suggest is the best method for overcoming the red loctite for disassembly?
Click to expand...

Spyderco says shock it
How to Remove Stubborn Screws from a Knife

According to the manufacturers of Loctite 263, the red Loctite used on Spyderco’s US-made knives, screws treated with it can be removed by applying heat. However, its specifications state that a temperature of more than 360 degrees Fahrenheit must be reached for it to soften. Such temperatures could easily damage the scales and other components of your knife. Instead, we recommend the following process:

1) Ensure that you have the proper size Torx® driver for your screws and that the driver head is in good condition. A single-piece, screwdriver-style driver works best.
2) Place your knife on a workbench or other hard surface. Use a paper towel or rag to protect the handle from scratches.
3) Insert the tip of the Torx driver into the screw head and ensure that it fits properly.
4) Tap the handle of the driver several times with a hammer to “shock” the screw and break the Loctite bond.
5) Maintain a firm, constant, downward pressure on the Torx driver as you rotate it to remove the screw.
6) If this method is not successful on the first try, repeat as necessary or return your knife to Spyderco with $5.00 for return shipping.

Mott@2021 said:
the reason for this action is cleaning and maintenance…
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Flush it for cleaning 😂
 
bucketstove said:
Spyderco says shock it
How to Remove Stubborn Screws from a Knife

According to the manufacturers of Loctite 263, the red Loctite used on Spyderco’s US-made knives, screws treated with it can be removed by applying heat. However, its specifications state that a temperature of more than 360 degrees Fahrenheit must be reached for it to soften. Such temperatures could easily damage the scales and other components of your knife. Instead, we recommend the following process:

1) Ensure that you have the proper size Torx® driver for your screws and that the driver head is in good condition. A single-piece, screwdriver-style driver works best.
2) Place your knife on a workbench or other hard surface. Use a paper towel or rag to protect the handle from scratches.
3) Insert the tip of the Torx driver into the screw head and ensure that it fits properly.
4) Tap the handle of the driver several times with a hammer to “shock” the screw and break the Loctite bond.
5) Maintain a firm, constant, downward pressure on the Torx driver as you rotate it to remove the screw.
6) If this method is not successful on the first try, repeat as necessary or return your knife to Spyderco with $5.00 for return shipping.


Flush it for cleaning 😂
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
This suggestion might be a little extreme but if you are going to replace the hardware afterwards then just weld an extension to the head of the screw and use that to get some serious leverage and loosen the screw.
 
Knives don't need to be disassembled for cleaning.
There are many threads here asking "How do I reassemble my knife correctly?"
The screws are for assembly.
Wash the knife, blow it out or use WD 40 to displace the water.
 
Mott@2021 said:
I have a Marfione/Strider MSG 3.5. I understand that the makers of these customs don’t want them to be disassembled and They use Red Loctite.

My question: what do you guys suggest is the best method for overcoming the red loctite for disassembly?

the reason for this action is cleaning and maintenance…
Click to expand...

I use a Hot-Air Rework Station and Kapton tape to protect scales and stuff. For Red Loctite I use 300°C, and for Blue Loctite 250°C. I hit the fastener with the hot-air for around 12 seconds or so and then try to unscrew the fastener. If it is still too tight I'll hit it with another 12 seconds or so until I can remove the fastener without stripping it. It works great without even a scratch to the fastener.

CPK Scale Removal-1a.jpgCPK Scale Removal-2a.jpg
 
000Robert said:
I use a Hot-Air Rework Station and Kapton tape to protect scales and stuff. For Red Loctite I use 300°C, and for Blue Loctite 250°C. I hit the fastener with the hot-air for around 12 seconds or so and then try to unscrew the fastener. If it is still too tight I'll hit it with another 12 seconds or so until I can remove the fastener without stripping it. It works great without even a scratch to the fastener.

View attachment 1597443View attachment 1597444
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That’s great advice! Thanks so much!
 
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