Loose Screws?

D

dcgisme

Joined
Feb 3, 2009
Messages
46
Hey folks,

I was out recently (this past Memorial Day weekend) making some great use of two Becker knives (a BK2 and BK9) and couldn't help but notice both had loose handle screws after batoning. Even for a brief period of time.

I was out in the WV mountains at a cabin and didn't happen to have a hex wrench on me, so I carefully improvised to tighten the loose handle screws. And this was sub par at that (you know, the right tool for the right job ...).

So, a couple of quick questions, if I may?

1. Does this seem to be a common experience? Do most folks find the screws quickly loosing up after some hard work? This actually surprised me a bit.

2. If so, what methods have you found for alleviating this problem? One that is non-permanent and will allow for easy removal and re-installation at a later date?

3. Finally, my son-in-law managed to return my (now much prized) BK2 back sans one screw (and nut). Any ideas how to get one of these? Think Ka-Bar will sell/give me a replacement set?

As always, life is busy for most folks so I appreciate any helpful feedback offered.
 
1. It's not unheard of. Okay, okay, it seems to be relatively common with new Beckers.

2. Blue LokTite seems to do the trick.

3. I've never had to replace one, but I've heard that they are common screws and nuts. You might want to take the remaining screw and nut to your local Home Depot, Ace Hardware or whichever hardware store you like to match it, and get a replacement. Buy spares (just in case).

4. I know you didn't have a #4, but I just thought I'd throw it in. Carry an allen wrench for emergencies (I do).
 
Looking at my BK-2 it looks like the screws are 10-24, 3/4 inch long. Bring the handle slabs into the hardware store just to be sure.
 
10-24 they are and are commanly available at any hardware store. You can even replace them with some fancy stainless ones if so inclined.

Blue Loctite works great to secure them against vibration, or in a pinch lacking any Loctite, use a dab of the Misses nail polish on the threads.;)

Another option may be to get a few 10-24 nylock nuts, assuming they will fit the handle recesses and not protrude.

I bought an elcheapo set of hex keys at Harbor freight, the kind that fold up into a handle like a swiss Army Knife, and disassembled the set.
19717%20%20%207%20pc%20Metric%20Hex%20Key%20Set_jpg.jpg

Taking the one that fits the 10-24 screws, it will have a loop on one end for the pivot shaft in the set as originally constructed. Use that key with the loop already on the end and affix it to your knife lanyard, bammo, presto, a ready made Becker handle screw tightener upper

Chuck
 
I like it, chuckinohio. The loop on the end would be a nice thing. I've just been carrying a standard one taped to some other gear: I like your idea better.
 
These kind look like they would work also, my only concern would be the wound spring thingy coming off during some chopping or batoning and becoming lost. Maybe a dab of solder would work for that???

You wouldn't even have to attach it to your knife, maybe attached to multi tool lanyard, or firesteel, or compass lanyard etc...
Allen-Wrenches-555228.jpg



Chuck
 
I used to have a set like that. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but after banging around in my toolbox for awhile the springs got distorted and wouldn't hold anymore. Granted, it was a really cheap set; there are probably better ones out there that hold up to repeated use.
 
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