Help with locked SwissTool?

Joined
Jan 8, 2001
Messages
60
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?
 
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.
 
Hey RH that was some great help for that guy, if I ever have trouble like that, I know who to call, take care.
 
Back
Top