Loctite and pivots?

[Daniel]

wow thanks for all the input I have some blue loctite, I think Im gonna try this on one of my cheaper knives before i go messing with any of my more expensive models. But just to be clear, in order to apply, the pivot screw has to be completely removed?

You don't have to completely remove it, just back it out a little bit and apply to the exposed threads. If you want to pull it our all of the way, then go for it!

 

[TTTis]

I have read numerous posts about applying loctite to a pivot once it has been adjusted to the owners preferences. I am just wondering how this loctite is "applied" to a pivot. small amount? what kind? is it just "squirted" in there? I appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

Didn't read all the responses so I don't know if this was suggested, but...

I would try teflon tape before using loctite. I used some teflon tape on a few knives and it keeps the pivots in the exact spot I need. Personally I prefer it to loctite if I can get away with it. Just a reference. I used an inch long piece on my delica pivot and it holds perfect.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

Not quite sure that's enough, but that might depend on the type of threadlocker. I spent 2 minutes per screw with the soldering iron on my Spyderco Gayle Bradley, then dabbed some acetone on top of the screws(after it cooled) and let it dry. I did manage to remove the screws without stripping them, but my Benchmade Torx bit got a little twisted.

I'm not sure what the acetone was for but if you let the screws cool down then your effort was wasted. The screws need to be turned when the screw is hot and the loc tite is soft. If you let it cool back down without breaking the bond then it will be essentially the same as before the heat was applied.

I also wouldn't recommend using the red which is permanent no matter how little is used. Especially not on a small delicate screw that is commonly used on knives.

 

[JNewell]

I'm not sure what the acetone was for but if you let the screws cool down then your effort was wasted. The screws need to be turned when the screw is hot and the loc tite is soft. If you let it cool back down without breaking the bond then it will be essentially the same as before the heat was applied.

I also wouldn't recommend using the red which is permanent no matter how little is used. Especially not on a small delicate screw that is commonly used on knives.

I'll add that I've had a couple of really bad experiences with small fasteners and the green LocTite. It is very strong. Even with good Torx drivers there's a huge risk of stripping the recess in the screw. Stay with blue or purple.

 

[JNewell]

I have read numerous posts about applying loctite to a pivot once it has been adjusted to the owners preferences. I am just wondering how this loctite is "applied" to a pivot. small amount? what kind? is it just "squirted" in there? I appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

What I would do: remove the bolt. Use lighter fluid to clean the threads on the male screw and use a little bit of lighter fluid on a q-tip to clean the treads in the female half of the pivot. Put a very small drop on the threads on the male screw, at the far end so that any excess is drawn into the threads nearer the head of the screw.

Tighten it completely so that the blade can't move at all. (Why? so you make sure that the female end of the pivot is drawn all the way snug into the knife so your adjustment is correct.)

Loosen the male part of the pivot so you can move the blade the way you want to. Open the blade, hold the lock disengaged with one hand and use the other to check for any side to side play. If there is not any side to side play, close the knife and check how the blade opens again. If there is side to side play, tighten carefully making sure you don't push the other part of the pivot bolt out of the knife.

If it is too tight, loosen the male screw carefully so you don't push the other part of the pivot bolt out of the knife. Open the knife again and check how it opens.

Repeat the unlocked/fully open/wiggle bit a few times to make sure that everything is settled properly. If the tension is good, let the loctite cure, ideally overnight.

This is more or less adapted from the CRK instructions for adjusting the pivot tension on the Umnumzaan, and I've found that it works really well.

BTW, to answer your original question, squirting threadlocker into the pivot bolt after it's together and at the right tension won't work well, if it works at all. The only threadlocker that Loctite sells that is designed to penetrate assembled fasteners is green, and if you use that my own experiences suggest that you will be returning the knife to the maker next time you attempt, unsuccessfully, to disassemble the pivot bolt.