Is it normal for a BM Griptilian to do this?

Kaizen1 · Jul 5, 2006

Hey All,

When opening and closing my 551 Griptilian between 6-15 times the screw that tightens or loosens the blade movement starts to unscrew. So far, it hasn't unscrewed to the point where I think it'll come off, but I can't get it to stay at the level of tension that I want it to. Is this normal or should I send it to Benchmade?

While I'm at it, there's another issue. When I was attempting to take the 551 apart with the bluebox tool set, all of the screws came off perfectly except for the two that are closest to the tension screw. These two screws are on the same place on the handle, on opposite sides of each other. Those two screws just stripped, and now there's no way to tighten or loosen them.

Thanks people.

Django606 · Jul 5, 2006

You can easily fix the unscrewing pivot screw with a little non-permanent loctite. The loosening is caused by flicking the knife open and closed repeatedly.

frugalweaver · Jul 5, 2006

The other two will have to be drilled, tapped and the next larger screw size installed, if you care that much about it.

howiesatwork · Jul 5, 2006

frugalweaver said:
The other two will have to be drilled, tapped and the next larger screw size installed, if you care that much about it.

I don't think I would go to such an extreme, unless the threads are stripped...
There are screw extractors that will remove screws with a stripped head, but they are a pain to use.
The bluebox tools are cheap, and therein lies your initial problem. Maybe a new Wika wrench will get the screws out?
Remove the pivot screw, put some blue Loctite on it, then re-insert it, and adjust until it takes up all the slop, but not tight enough to bind.
Get the action working like you think it should, then leave it alone for a day so the Loctite can cure...

Django606 · Jul 5, 2006

I think he means the screw head is stripped. This is a different procedure altogether.

Edit: posted at the same time

Kaizen1 · Jul 6, 2006

Django606 said:
I think he means the screw head is stripped. This is a different procedure altogether.

Edit: posted at the same time

Sorry about not being clear, this is what I meant.

rev_jch · Jul 7, 2006

Use some med. strength loctite. Coat the last two-three threads lightly of the pivot screw lightly.

TexasNativeDRJH · Jul 7, 2006

Just send it to Benchmade and take advantage of your generous warranty. Blue loc-tite works best for the pivot screw IMO.