How to loosen up hard openers?

[mrjed]

I have some otherwise nice folders that are really hard to open. (some slipjoints and a frame lock)

It's impractical to carry around a multitool or pair of pliers to get them open, so I'd like a reasonable way to get them to the point where they could be "pinched" open, or at least opened more easily.

Is sanding the back spring or the frame locking piece reasonable? Drop polishing compound in the joint?

Or just find somebody who thinks "snaps like a gator" is appropriate for something in their hand and give them a new home ?

Thanks!

 

[drail]

I would try cleaning in very hot water, blowing dry with compressed air (not from a can, at least 100 psi) and then soak overnight in a 50/50 mix of acetone and Dexron ATF. Blow it out again and lube with oil . Do not let any get onto the grip material. It will melt plastic and dissolve resin based paints. Just place a couple drops into the joint with a toothpick. The Dexron/acetone mix has been used by pro mechanics for years when they need a "penetrating oil". If there is a lot of dirt and grit in your knife you need to blow it all out of the pivot area. If it still won't loosen up then it has corrosion in the joint and they only way to really fix it is to take the knife apart. Keep soaking and working the joint.

 

[davek14]

Clamp blade in vise with soft jaws and open and close many times with leather gloves on. Do this dry with no oil. Clean knife with hot water and soap before if it's been oiled before and definitely after. You want to wear burrs out and wear the joint a bit.

Oil up.

Then (or even only) you can leave it half or 1/4 way open overnight to stress the spring. May take multiple days, try it each day.

 

[Jalben]

Do you think that will work for this one?

It's so stiff I have to use pliers to open it. Don't think it has washers at all.

 

[MTHall720]

I tried a combo of Benchmade Blue lube and Nano Oil afterwards followed by two weeks of leaving the blade about 1/4 open. It helped a lot but took a while.