How can I fix my Schrade's lock?

[Caffeinepirate]

Good news: I scored a Schrade Old Timer 60T for $10 on craigslist.

Bad news: I have to press on the lock extremely hard and all the way in in order to unlock the blade.

I noticed there is a gap between the lock and the back of the handle. I sprayed some W-D 40 in there. Then I pressed me ear close to the handle as I disengaged the lock. I heard a crunchy sound. It sounds like there is sand/dirt in the lock:grumpy:

Any suggestions on how to get the sand/dirt out? The thing has rivets instead of screws, so disassembly will not be easy . . . especially since I hardly have any tools.

Perhaps if I run it in the dishwasher or put it boiling water for a couple minutes? And then maybe shake it a lot or something to make the sand/dirt come out?

Any suggestions are welcome.

As an aside . . . did all the schrade lockbacks have a big space between the lock and the handle? Bad design idea if they did.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Scrub it with detergent and a toothbrush while it is in the closed, and the half-opened positions. Rinse well, dry, and soak with WD 40 to remove all moisture remaining.
Working the blade open/closed with grit trapped inside can cause the grit to become embedded. Sometimes, you just have to do it anyway.

 

[kvaughn]

Put it in the pocket of a pair of jeans and wash and dry them. I found this out accidentally of course, but it worked. Oviously, oil well afterwards.--KV

 

[lwt210]

I got a Schrade lockback off the bay that had the same problem.

I sprayed Gunscrubber in the mechanism and worked the blade a little. Took a toothbrush and toothpicks and cleaned out all the gunk.

Rinsed with warm water, oiled it up and it worked fine after that. Hit the sharpening stones and Sharpmaker and it was good as new.

 

[Caffeinepirate]

Took a toothbrush and toothpicks and cleaned out all the gunk.

How did you get the toothbrush/toothpick all the way in there to reach that stuff? The space between the handle and the lock is so small! Small enough for sand to get in there, but not big enough to easily clean out.

Bill DeShivs: I tried what you suggested. It has improved it a little bit, but I still have to mash the lock all the way in to disengage it. It still helped, so thanks for the suggestion.

kvaughn: I might just try that. It seems like I might have to have it submerged in liquid to get that crap out there.

 

[Mossyhorn]

Submerge it in very hot soapy water for 20 minutes. Then rinse it with hot water. Use a can of compressed air to blow the water out of it. Try lubricating with Rem-Oil at the pivot and all along the back spring and lock. Oil it good again and let it sit for a day.