Help!!! Stripped Pocket Clip Screw!

J-man_the_jet

J-man_the_jet

Joined
Jan 24, 2003
Messages
2,110
Hey everybody, I was tightening the pocket clip on my Benchmade 556 Mini Griptilian today (well in the afternoon) I experimented for a few days carrying with out the clip, didn't like it. Anyway I put it back on a few days ago, but I noticed the clip was a little loose today, I tightened the two outer screws on the clip with ease, but I accidently stripped the center one while tightening it, I think the BM Torx kit is cheap because the screw actually acted like a drill bit. Anyway I sent an e-mail to Benchmade, I assume they'll send me a replacement screw or screw set. But I'm trying to figure out how the hell to get this out, it's extremely tight, I don't want to take the knife apart. I was thinking of drilling it out (with one of the smallest bits known to man) but I think I might damage the knife... Any suggestions?

And I'm also wondering is it possible to get a Torx screw from a hardware or electronics store in the size of a pocket clip (torx) screw (I think its a T5 or T6 size) anybody have any experience?

Oh yes I used the CORRECT size tool.
 
They have the tools to fix it right. They are a great company to deal with when something goes wrong with one of their knives.

Angie at Benchmade rocks!

jmx
 
I just got it back from Benchmade though :mad:

(your right, they do have outstanding customer service)
 
BM will send you some screws, as for getting the stripped one out. Well if its tight, why take it out??? Once its loose it will be easier to remove. If you want to remove it anyway. They sell an epoxy that that helps remove stripped screws at the hardware store. As for better tools. Go to Sears. They have some great sets
 
A couple years back,I had the same problem.I did it to all three screws.I took a drill with a small bit,a little smaller than the head of the screw,placing the bit in the spot where the torx would fit.Very carefully and slowly I drilled the head of the screw.It came right off no damage to clip etc.I did it to all three screws.With no heads left on the screws the clip comes right off.What is left is a substantial screw shaft above the handel sticking out,the thickness difference of the pocket clip not being there.I was easily able to get a small pair of vise grips onto the shaft and then just unscrewed the leftover screw shafts out of the handle with ease.This did no damage to knife handles,clip etc.No scratches and was an easy fix.Good Luck
 
Tombstone, thanks, I'll have to write that down.

Badguy, the clip is very wobbly, you push it up and down like a spring because the center screw is so much tighter then the other side screws. (read that twice)
 
Go to sears and get the right size torx driver. Sold separately, they're about $3 each. Put the knife on a table with something under it, apply alot of pressure and unscrew it. Unlike the benchmade torx, the sears one is high quality and will grab it and not lose it's shape. If that doesnt work, send it to benchmade.
 
Dave........... are you saying the BM torx set bits are crappy........... :D ........

my-my........ ;)

u r correct......... :)
hope you are doing good,
chuck
 
Tools:

Top dog is snapon, then Matco, then Craftsman... Craftsman has the best warranty... if its on the shelve and its broken, its yours. (a few odd ball things are excluded "torque wrenches")

If your going to buy a set of tools, skip the tear drop ratchets and get the polished profesionals. They have finer teeth for whatever you are working on, tight spaces you can still turn it.

:cool:
 
Set your knife on a heavy bench and smack it a few times with a large, heavy hammer...If that doesn't work, send it BACK to Benchmade.:D.

PS...Have you ever heard the saying; "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"?...Those are words to live by.
 
Hey J-man, that’s bad luck! Here’s something you could try, but be careful. Take the next larger sized torx driver. Gently tap it with a small hammer into the stripped out screw head. Apply downward force on the torx driver and try to unscrew the screw. Let me know if this works. PS: Did you look on a map to see where I live? :)
 
Hi Chuck, long time:D

I've never had the benchmade tools but this is not the first time I've heard of them distorting. Sounds like they're not hard enough.
 
Ookpik, based on the Longitude you in Alberta, according to the latitude you live south of Edmonton AB, north of Calgary though, Let-me guess you live in Red Deer Alberta?
 
J-man, because I don’t have a GPS the coordinates I gave you might not be accurate. I live in Edmonton AB. Let me know how you make out with the stripped screw. I’ve never tried using the next larger torx and tapping it in, but it might work.
 
I have to agree that the blue box quite frankly sucks. The larger drivers are ok because of the thicker stock, but my T6 and 7 have twisted to the points of being useless. For the 15 dollars (10$ + 5$ shipping), I could have gone to Sears and bought the Craftsman set that I have now. Plus, my newer set has a T5 which comes in handy on my MOD Ladyhawk. Edited to add: Don't twist them too tight, use locktight on non-ti handles.
Matt
 
I saw a thread one time where someone advised another person to use a Dremel tool with a cut off disc, and cut a slot in the head of the screw. Then use a regular screwdriver to remove the screw. The person tried this and advised that it worked great. Hope this helps.
 
Be careful with that Dremel tool. If you slip you'll make a mess of your knife!
 
Thanks for all the tips guys, my replacement screws should come soon. Actually another one of them is sorta stripped as well, I'll have to carefully take it via a method mentioned.

Anyway, I fell down today on a hard floor, now I got a huge scratch on my pocket clip of my 556, the black coating came of! It looks like sliver finished. Its very noticeable when compared to the clip's wear. I'm thinking of just spray-painting it, but is their any other suggestions? I doubt this is covered by Benchmade so thats why I haven't asked for a replacement clip.

I'll let you all know how both problems work out.
 
Originally posted by J-man_the_jet
...Anyway, I fell down today on a hard floor, now I got a huge scratch on my pocket clip of my 556, the black coating came of!...I'm thinking of just spray-painting it, but is their any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Whack it a few times AGAIN with that big, heavy hammer...Then you won't really care about the pocket-clip.:D.:D.
 
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