Izula Handle Play??

C

calvinw

Joined
Feb 28, 2012
Messages
584
I just got my new Izula (1, not the 2), and installed the micarta handles. There's a good amount of play in the handle slabs, up and down; like the screws are too long. I really cranked the screws in, but that doesn't fix the play. The screws also spin freely if I don't hold the opposite side in place.

Is this normal? Do others have this issue?
 
I feared for the worst when I first read the title, trying to figure out how someone would have play in a fixed blade.

I've never installed handles on my ESEE's so I'm not too useful here, but you could try cutting down the screws a couple of threads and try it again.
 
I only had the bikini scales for a short time so can't comment on them too much. However I have had 2 of the 2's for a while now.

The screw turning is normal There's nothing to keep them from turning so you just press the other side with your thumb as your turning. No biggie.

The play you're getting I never had. Maybe you got some too long screws or maybe the bushing thing is stripped and the screw won't go in all the way. Just email esee and they'll send you a new set free of charge. They send out a lot of hardware for free under their warranty.

The problem I have with the scales is side to side play. When I'm making a fuzz stick or something the scales will move in the direction I'm pushing. Not much but enough to bother me. Both my 2's have this and I ended up tossing the scales. I think the insert is cut a little on the small side for ease of manufacture. I've come to prefer them without so I didn't raise a stink about it.
 
I had a lil face palm myself when I saw the title hehe
But all I can recommend is to cut down the screws...
 
Okay, well, I don't know quite how to explain this so bare with me but...

On each side of the barrel nut, there's a screw. If you screw one of these all the way in ( like up to the collar ) then it's been my experience that the other will not go in fully, which would lead to this up-and-down play in the handles you're talking about.

Try backing the screw out of the barrel nut until it's only about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way in, then tighten the other end.

If that doesn't make the difference then I'd call ESEE as suggested, their warranty service should take care of you.
 
I would try to make a "washer" from wood or metal or something to fill in the gap. Or I suppose you could epoxy the handles to the frame and put the screws back in....
 
KennyB said:
Okay, well, I don't know quite how to explain this so bare with me but...

On each side of the barrel nut, there's a screw. If you screw one of these all the way in ( like up to the collar ) then it's been my experience that the other will not go in fully, which would lead to this up-and-down play in the handles you're talking about.

Try backing the screw out of the barrel nut until it's only about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way in, then tighten the other end.

If that doesn't make the difference then I'd call ESEE as suggested, their warranty service should take care of you.
Click to expand...


Thanks, KennyB! I'll try that when I get home.

Just to clarify, the screws are on tight. I used an allen wrench on one side and a torx screwdriver on the other. It's screwed down as tight as I can get it. The handle just wiggles, regardless.
 
matt1987 said:
I would try to make a "washer" from wood or metal or something to fill in the gap. Or I suppose you could epoxy the handles to the frame and put the screws back in....
Click to expand...

I thought about epoxy, but I'm not sure I want to keep the handles on permanently.
 
Paracord does the job quite well! I would, like otheres said, either call ESEE or shave the screws.
 
Paracord does the job quite well! I would, like otheres said, either call ESEE or shave the screws.
 
Do you have the scales on right? I just got scales for my Izula recently, and it took me a minute to realize that they only go on one way.
 
KennyB said:
Okay, well, I don't know quite how to explain this so bare with me but...

On each side of the barrel nut, there's a screw. If you screw one of these all the way in ( like up to the collar ) then it's been my experience that the other will not go in fully, which would lead to this up-and-down play in the handles you're talking about.

Try backing the screw out of the barrel nut until it's only about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way in, then tighten the other end.

If that doesn't make the difference then I'd call ESEE as suggested, their warranty service should take care of you.
Click to expand...

I don't see how this is a fix. The hardware is free floating so the overall length is going to be the same regardless of how they're screwed down.

OP, email esee and get some new hardware. It may take a few days to get to you but it's better than a half measure home fix.
 
Shotgun said:
I don't see how this is a fix. The hardware is free floating so the overall length is going to be the same regardless of how they're screwed down.

OP, email esee and get some new hardware. It may take a few days to get to you but it's better than a half measure home fix.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the offer, Shotgun! I emailed ESEE last night and Mike Perrin (or someone using his email address) was very quick to say it shouldn't wiggle and he'll send me new hardware. So I'm all set!

Just FYI, backing both screws out and retightening didn't work for me.

Thanks all!
 
Apparently, it was Mike. When asked if it was really him, he answered: "Yes. Who else would tag line their emails with 'Who is John Galton?'"

Awesome company!
 
That's the great thing about ESEE, you usually get personal service from one of the owners. Mike is pretty active on that front. Jeff regularly posts on his forum also. Great group of guys, and a warranty that cannot be beat!
 
Yep. When I asked about the differential heat treat I got a response from Jeff himself. They're a good bunch. Glad you got your fix. Now we expect pics. :D
 
Just an update - Mike sent me 2 sets of posts and screws. They work perfectly. All the play is gone.

If this happens to anyone else, just contact ESEE. They'll take care of it!
 
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