Lock on 501ms Squire needs help ...

L

Longden

Joined
Jun 22, 1999
Messages
579
My trusty and ever-present 501MS has developed a locking problem. Specifically, the blade in the normal fully deployed locked position, fails to hold the lock ... it can now be easily (and dangerously) pushed out of its locked position to a folded angle, without touching the lock release.

I thought it was the usual dirt/lint between the top of the lockbar and the back of the blade, but I can't find anything there nor was I able to pick/dig anything out with a dental pick.

Any thoughts on what to try next? I was about to flush the whole knife under some running water to see if I could dislodge any possible debris, and then oil it with some tuf-glide. Either that or it's a trip home to Buck-land.

Thanks.
 
Longden,

I have used a can of compressed air to blow out lint, debris, etc. It works really well. My dad gave me the can though and I'm not sure where he got it.


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John Foresman
Lifetime member Buck collectors club
Member NKCA
Member AKTI
 
Good suggestion John, thanks.

My wife uses that canned air to clean her sewing machines, so maybe I'll borrow some from her before I try anything more drastic.
 
Longden,

Let me know if a good cleaning does the trick. If not, its a trip back to Buck land. Sometimes, although it is very rare, when the parts are cut on the laser, a small ripple can occur at the precise point where the rocker and blade engage. After time, this ripple can wear off and alter the lockup. This is only speculation.

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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
Thanks Joe.

Sorry to report that the cleaning didn't do the trick. Blade still consistently fails to hold its lock, so I guess I should send it in before I dice a finger.

I don't know that it's a problem with the blade engagement tho. In the closed (unlocked) position, the pressure holding the blade in the handle is too loose ... I think there's some foreign matter between the lockbar and spring that I can't get to.

Oh well, my wife's looking to buy me a new knife for our anniversary so I'll have to let that give me some comfort while my fav knife gets an overhaul.
 
Longden,
Hmmm...I can think af a couple things that it might be. I know sometimes a knife gets put together with an improperly heat treated spring. Still kinda rare but i bet thats it. I will try to get it turned around quickly so your wife won't have to buy you another knife. Or do you want me to take my time?
wink.gif


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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
Thanks Joe.

Actually you want to take your time as long as the next one is a Buck <g>.

My Buck warranty sheet says to send it to

Buck Knives, Inc
1900 Weld Blvd
El Cajon, CA 92020

It also says to pre-pay the transportation charges ... does that mean I need to include a check for the return shipping (how much?).

And do I need to direct it to anyone's attention?
 
Longden,

The address is correct but don't send any money. That is an old warrantee card. We don't ask for return postage. You should send the knife to my attention. I would like to see what the problem is.

Take care,

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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
Just wanted to update this thread now that my 501MS has returned from El Cajon (Buckville), good as new.

Buck (with kudos to Joe) replaced the blade (defective locking point on the old one) and also cleaned and mirror polished the bolsters and spine.

Also sent in my 532/2000 walnut whose blade edge was striking the spring, and it came back with the minor nit corrected and likewise polished to perfecto!

Thanks again to Joe and Buck for really great service, not to mention some darned good knives.
 
Longden,
Glad to hear that your knives made it back home safe and sound!

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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
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