How does this happen?

T

THG

Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
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I took my D4W apart for cleaning... And now it seems to have lost its "spring" when closing the knife. It doesn't get sucked back into the handle like it used to when I close it now. That is, if I tighten the pivot adequately such that there is no horizontal play. So basically I'm stuck between these two:

1. Leave it loose enough so the blade gets sucked back into the handle like normal

2. Tighten it so that there is no play (like normal), but the knife doesn't suck back into the handle

How does this happen, and how can I fix it?
 
Are you sure you put it back together correctly? Could the spring be in the wrong way? Did the pins on the backspacer seat properly in the liners? Did you remember the washers?

Paul
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The Deacon said:
Are you sure you put it back together correctly?
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Absolutely, 100% sure.

The Deacon said:
Could the spring be in the wrong way?
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Impossible. The only wrong way it could be is upside-down, and in that case, I wouldn't be able to put the backlock in.

The Deacon said:
Did the pins on the backspacer seat properly in the liners?
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Yes. I placed the backlock in last, so there was no tension when I put the last liner and scale on.

The Deacon said:
Did you remember the washers?
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Yes, they're there, and I oiled them well.

All that said, I don't know what could possibly be different.
 
Have you checked that the lockspring is pushed in as far as it can go in the backspacer?
 
I had the same thing happen, try slightly loosening all screws on the frn including the pivot screw.

Then carefully tighten them down again, remember not to over-tighten them.

You said it snaps back in when the screw is loose, that means you are over-tightening one or more of the screws.
 
Good advice to check from 5.56. I find that when it comes to final reassembly of any knives I own but lock backs especially, all the screws matter. I also do this when I need to center a blade. I loosen all the screws then lightly tighten them from the heel forward.
 
marthinus said:
Have you checked that the lockspring is pushed in as far as it can go in the backspacer?
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Yep, absolutely. That's one of the first things I suspected.

5.56 said:
I had the same thing happen, try slightly loosening all screws on the frn including the pivot screw.

Then carefully tighten them down again, remember not to over-tighten them.

You said it snaps back in when the screw is loose, that means you are over-tightening one or more of the screws.
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Hmm... How would the screws for the backlock or the other body screws make a difference? We're not talking about the pivot, correct?

I'll try it when I get home. Thanks.
 
The alternative method is to take it apart and then put it back together again.

Seems simple and not very likely to work but it has quite often in the past, for me at least. I just did it with a Shabaria that was rubbing on one of the liners on closing after disassembly and cleaning. Took it apart again and then back together, now it's fine.

It's already malfunctioning, so there's nothing to lose. :D
 
THG said:
Hmm... How would the screws for the backlock or the other body screws make a difference? We're not talking about the pivot, correct?
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The screw closest to the pivot screw does seem to affect blade play if it's over tightened. You don't need to torque the frn screws very tight.

Maybe Sal can chime in and give us an idea of how much torque to use?
 
spoonrobot said:
The alternative method is to take it apart and then put it back together again.
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Done it 3 times already. I'm a pro now; I can take it all apart, clean it, and put it all back together in about 15 mins now haha

5.56 said:
The screw closest to the pivot screw does seem to affect blade play if it's over tightened.
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Holy crap, you were right! I didn't tighten the backlock's screw as much this time, and now it's more or less back to normal. Should I get some lock-tite or whatever that stuff is called and apply it to that torx?

Thanks.
 
Holy crap, you were right!
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LOL! I like the surprised tone of that response! Man, it's not like he told you to light a black candle and sacrifice a young ram over it or anything!!!:D
 
TimboKhan said:
LOL! I like the surprised tone of that response! Man, it's not like he told you to light a black candle and sacrifice a young ram over it or anything!!!:D
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lol it was unexpected that this would make all the difference ;)
 
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