liner lock problems

[BadKarma05]

just wanted to ask if there was any way to fix a production linerlock, the lock up on one i recently got seems to be a bit far, do i need to remove the scales and heat it up (oooh i hope not) or if i sent it to the factory, will they repair it? and if so will it cost me? (other than shipping)

it is a buck/strider881

 

[destroythealter]

You should be able to send it back for free besides the cost of shipping. However, it is very common for a liner lock to be a bit far over because they will sink into place more and slide over (you probably already know this so never mind). Perhaps you could post pics?

 

[Confederate]

Yeah, too far in which direction? Too close to the left and it can fail; too far to the right and it's difficult to release. Depending on which depends on the types of solutions that may employed.

--Confed

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Thou shalt not endeavor to fix thine own liner lock, lest though screwest it up.

Locking over "a bit far", depending on what you mean by that, may not be something that needs to be fixed in any case.

 

[Megalobyte]

Sometimes, reducing the tension of the liner lock a little can solve a too far right issue, but usually the lock/tang faces need to be refit by pros. You would need to know how to disassemble (and reassemble ) your knife to try it yourself however, if you aren't sure, don't do it.

 

[STR]

As a repair: Some makers do mark where the lock contacts the blade after removing the scales, then break down the knife and remove the lock. Then they heat the lock up to a cherry red color and then set it detent ball up on a clean anvil and hit a flat end 3/32nd punch placed approximately 1mm from the edge of the lock face on what is called the 'bottom' of the lock where it contacts the blade. (this is going to fool some though because it can also be called the top. Its the farthest end from the detent ball but not outside the contact area as this will do you no good) If you do this fix while it is still hot and pliable it will squish out a thousandths or more of the lock at the interface where it contacts the blade. This will effectively keep the lock from traveling too far anymore, but it can also stick bad after doing this so adjustments by filing or polishing just enough to make it slide a bit easier are also quite common.

I've done my share of these repairs but usually only on knives out of warranty or already sent in for warranty with less than satifying results. I've carried, used, repaired and made many liner locks in my time. After defending them for years stubbornly, these days, due to new knowledge recently gathered and discussed here in other threads I'm leaning toward the conclusion that the fastest and easiest fix of a bad liner lock is to simply replace it with a good Axis lock.