Is this normal?

N

n2299

Joined
Sep 28, 2001
Messages
24
I have been using a Large Reg Sebenza as my EDC for the last couple of years.

Recently, I started to notice that after opening and closing the blade for a couple dozen times or so the pivot screw will start to come loose even after I tighten it. I have tried switching to different set of screw and bushing but they all seem to loosen up after a short while.

Is this normal? I don't remember the screw loosening after only 10-20 openings.
 
Certainly don't strip out the head, but don't be afraid to put a little torque behind it, providing washers/bushings are lined up correctly. If properly tightened, there's no way it should loosen. Good luck!

Professor.
 
Prof.. that's just the thing. I do tighten it and yet it's still coming loose.

Interesting if I use the screw and bushing in the other 2 position they don't loosen at all.

Do you think it's a washer problem or would it have something to do with the bushing inside the blade(don't know the correct name for it)?
 
Generally, anytime screws are over-torqued/over-tightened (it doesn't have to be much) the threads of the screw or barrel have been hindered/damaged. This doesn't mean that the screw and or barrel/pivot threads are unserviceable. It just means that their retaining capabilities have been lessened.

With a Sebbie pivot system you have several mating serfaces: screw head/barrel/pivot head to slabs, screw barrel/pivot to bushing, bushing to blade. The tolerances are extremely tight. If the screw and or barrel/pivot threads have been damaged (ever so slightly). . . .you will experience the pivot screw backing out. . .as you open and or close the blade.

Options. . . .call CRK and order a new barrel/pivot and screw or use a very little bit of loctite. There are different "loctite" strengths. If I'm not mistaken, Loctite 222 is a low strength threadlocker and fastner removal can be accomplished by hand. If you go this route, with the screw size that we're discussing, use very very little (coating only two or three threads).

When I take my Sebbies down and reassemble, I always make sure that I lube all contact surfaces to eliminate as much metal to metal contact as possible.
 
But something's not sounding right, and it seems like a trend of late. CRK, are you using some new-fangled sissy-screws on Seb's now? ;)

Seems like I never heard about stripped heads or screws that wouldn't stay tight until very recently, unless it's merely a phenomenon. Are your 303 stainless fasteners made in-house, and if not, has the supplier changed of late?

Just curious. It doesn't by any means detract from the fact that you make the world's absolute finest production pocket knife.

Professor.
 
If you dont have Locktite handy and need a goo temp fix, use clear fingernail polish. Used to use it on chicago screws on horse bridles.
 
I would say send it back, they are awesome in the customer service dept.!! :D
 
Guys thanks for all your replies.

FWIW the more I think about it, the more I'm convince it might not be related to the screws and bushings but rather have something to do with my washer or blade "barrel". Like I said, I have tried rotating the different screws and I had the same problem with it pivot loosening with all 3 of them. I just can't imagine suddenly having 3 stripped screw when I'm fairly sure I didn't overtouque them.

However, I have to admit I don't quite understand how the washers and blade barrel could cost the pivot to become loose. :confused:
 
Call CR and ask them. They may have an idea so you dont have to send it in from Canada.
 
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