Help with locked SwissTool?

[fuchikoma]

I have a Victorinox SwissTool, and I noticed it was getting a bit stiff on opening/closing, so as I would do to any of my other folders, I gave it a drop of 3-in-1 oil. I don't know why, but it seems to have almost entirely locked up, such that I'd have to force it open or closed.

I also cleaned the oil out where I could, bought a bottle of White Lightning, and tried some of that on it, and now it's just unusually stiff. I don't know what's THAT different about the mechanism that would cause it to freeze when lubricated.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good lubricant to use on it? Preferrably from someone else who has one?

 

[RH]

Sounds like you've got some grit, or by this time, metal shavings gummed up there, and lubing won't fix it. I guy at work gave me a simliar afflicted SAK and this is how I fixed it:

- flush it with some WD-40 or penetrating solvent, using the high presure red straw they give you. Go whole hog - you will clean it later. While spraying, try to work it back & forth to loosen the gunk and flush it away.

- clean it with ordinary dishwashing liquid (cuts grease) and clean water under a fast flowing sink, to really wash it out, all the while working it back & forth.

- repeat above steps if necessary

- partly open the tools and shake out the excess water. Air dry completely, or preferably, use a hair dryer to get in all the nooks & crannies. Blow it dry open, part open, & closed to dry it throughout.

- apply White Lightening to the pivot points, work it in, wipe excess, let dry completely.

 

[fuchikoma]

Hey, thanks a lot, RH! It seems to be working great now!

 

[blademan_007]

Hey RH that was some great help for that guy, if I ever have trouble like that, I know who to call, take care.