I think I ruined my Southard

L

Luis G.

Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
1,855
I think I just messed up the threading on the titanium on the pocket clip.
Neither screw will now lock up. What I found odd is how easy it was to ruin the threading without realizing it. The 3rd time I removed the pocket clip I noticed one of the original screws no longer tightened and would turn freely. I figured maybe the screw was damage so I asked for replacements from Spyderco.

I received the replacement screws and that worked fine, haven't touched them until today when I removed the pocket clip to flame the pocket clip to a bronze color with blueing on the sides.
When I was done, I got the replacement screws and tried to install the pocket flip however the screws now turn freeily meaning a part of the threading on the TI has been damaged.


Anyways it was my fault so now I am screwed. I don't really feel comfortable tapping some new threads.
I think I just ruined my Southard.

The only think I can think of is to have a sheath made for it. Otherwise I don't trust it in my pocket due to the flipper opening the blade twice on me when I tried to use it without a clip.
 
Well not sure if it was the flipper, I am thinking it was the flipper since there's no thumbstuds.
All I know is my knife went into my pocket with no clip tip up and was just loose, nothing else in that pocket. When I reached for it, the blade was disengaged from the detent ball. Luckily I didn't get cut, just pressed the blade back in and took the knife out of the pocket.
I figured the flipper must of been pushed out by my jeans.
 
Partial solution would be to get STR's low rider clip. It mounts to one of the stand-offs and one of the pocket clip holes. You'd only have to tap one hole.
 
9blades said:
Well man I'd email spyderco.....
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I am hesitant to do that, I've taken the knife apart several times and it was my fault the screws messed up the titanium. I'd rather just put that money for a sheath.

skyhorse said:
Have you tried using some lock tight on the threads?
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Always use loctite 242 on screws.

nickites said:
Partial solution would be to get STR's low rider clip. It mounts to one of the stand-offs and one of the pocket clip holes. You'd only have to tap one hole.
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Honestly I don't feel comfortable shelling out more money for this knife. I like it a lot but not $250-$275.

I think I am just gonna get a cheap sheath for it for now.
 
I really feel I should press this man, the worst they can do is say no........or yes!
 
Luis G. said:
The 3rd time I removed the pocket clip I noticed one of the original screws no longer tightened and would turn freely.

Anyways it was my fault so now I am screwed.
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How is this your fault ?

I've removed a clip three times on a G-10 Spyderco, and the hole didn't get larger.
I've also did it several times on a Sebenza with no problem.

Removing a clip three times should not have caused it to do that. Send it to Spyderco, and they should take care of you.
They'll have to use a slightly larger screw after they re-tap it, but they have the equipment, and I'm pretty sure they will fix you up.
 
Ken44 said:
How is this your fault ?

I've removed a clip three times on a G-10 Spyderco, and the hole didn't get larger.
I've also did it several times on a Sebenza with no problem.

Removing a clip three times should not have caused it to do that. Send it to Spyderco, and they should take care of you.
They'll have to use a slightly larger screw after they re-tap it, but they have the equipment, and I'm pretty sure they will fix you up.
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I should mention I tightened the screws down quite tight. I wondered if I had overtightened, but wasn't sure since Torx/hex were designed not to cam.
I now know I over tightened the screws to keep the clip from moving even if pushed hard.

That's why I think it's my fault.
 
I would take a run to a local "fasteners" type store. Spend a second with the counter guy he should be able to steer you to a tap and some slightly larger screws for about the same as postage to Spyderco. Tapping TI is easier than you would think.
 
thebrain said:
I would take a run to a local "fasteners" type store. Spend a second with the counter guy he should be able to steer you to a tap and some slightly larger screws for about the same as postage to Spyderco. Tapping TI is easier than you would think.
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If would tend to agree with this, so long as you have a store like that available to you.

We have an amazing fastener store here in town that has been around since, what seems like, the beginning of time.

If you have something along those lines they may even be able to do it for you.
 
These are very, very small screws. I've only been able to find taps in this general size at Brownells and knife making supply stores, which is also the only place I've ever seen this size fastener. You're lucky if you can find them locally.

Whether it's your fault or not, it's hard to say. You could have over-tightened them and stripped the screw or the liner (did you check the threads on the fastener?) or there could be a manufacturing defect. I once got a knife from another major company with a couple of stripped clip screws right out of the box - almost anything is possible.

I'd send it to Golden if it were mine...
 
Very small screws, even smaller threads, Ti is a pretty soft metal. Not a good combo for thread longevity. This is one thing that I don't like about Ti frame locks that don't have any liners. I would like to see a steel insert for clip screws someday.
 
At worst, maybe Spyderco can/will re-tap it for you and add larger screws for a fee. It's worth asking anyway.

I might be able to understand how this happened because when I got mine the clip would swing back and forth if you pushed it each direction with not much effort so I decided to tighten my screws down. That seems to have resolved my problem and luckily I didn't strip the threads upwards in the tap but it appears the clip holes are somewhat larger than the screw posts, enough that if the screws are not tightened down, you can move the clip back a forth a bit.
 
Send it to Spyderco.
It's defected and they'll fix it free or it's your fault and they'll fix it for a small fee.

That's what I would do. If you want a decent little sheath for it, it'll cost a little more than you think. You could likely send it in and get it fixed for cheaper than the price of the sheath.

I wouldn't say it's ruined.

Good luck.
 
Lotta solid suggestions, good luck with it. Btw I would try sending it in before trying a mod. :)
 
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