Loosened pivot for my preferred tension... loctite OK?

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Hi everyone. I loosened the pivot screw on a Gerber Applegate Covert Folder to get what I consider a nice smooth opening action. However, this has left the pivot screw nowhere near tight... I would say a full evolution short of tight. Its not rattle loose and is catching enough thread I think. But I fear the screw coming loose an falling out after tons of opening so was curious if using some Loctite would be a good solution?

Any tips appreciated.
 
minimize said:
Hi everyone. I loosened the pivot screw on a Gerber Applegate Covert Folder to get what I consider a nice smooth opening action. However, this has left the pivot screw nowhere near tight... I would say a full evolution short of tight. Its not rattle loose and is catching enough thread I think. But I fear the screw coming loose an falling out after tons of opening so was curious if using some Loctite would be a good solution?

Any tips appreciated.
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Yes, a small amount at the beginning of the thread. Teflon tape has also been successfully used.
 
Nice. Thanks guys. So its a legit concern that the screw could back itself out? I have opened and closed it a ton since loosening it, and it hasn't fallen out yet.
 
It's a distinct possibility, especially if it's not tight. Screws fall out all the time, the world's an imperfect place. :D
 
Blue loctite is good for keeping the screw in a place that's loose enough for free motion of the blade, but tight enough to prevent blade play. Otherwise, screws at that tightness have a tendency to loosen easily.
 
only get the BLUE loctite....the red one will make it very hard to unscrew and adjust.
 
Use teflon tape. Less mess and you don't have to wait for it to dry.
 
minimize said:
But I don't want to unscrew it! And I have red already... is Red technically safe though?
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Red will make it basically impossible to ever remove the screw. Use the blue, in case you ever need to make repairs, or whatever. Blue will hold plenty strong.
 
Tony8179 said:
It's a distinct possibility, especially if it's not tight. Screws fall out all the time, the world's an imperfect place. :D
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+1 Especially if your knife is held at a specific point for enough time that the earth's rotation will slowly, but steadily undo the pivot screw...:D
 
pas3n7 said:
You're not fooling anybody Bender. The next screw that falls out is gonna be you!
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Awesome. I was waiting for someone to say something.

Seriously though, I've used Red Loctite before and it is a PITA to remove the screws once it has been applied and it cures. It can be done though. A soldering iron is your best friend when it comes to re-liquifying any Loctite. It just takes longer with red than it does with the blue.
 
minimize said:
A soldering iron?? I would need to go that far even if I use blue Loctite?
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I've found water at or near boiling to be sufficient for blue loctite (never tried red). I just heat the water in a mug in the microwave and then dip the knife in for around a minute or less.
 
There's also green LockTite (#271 I think) that's made for parts that have already been assembled. It wicks in and then "kicks."

You don't need to heat it to release it. When you break the parts loose, the 271 granulates so it's like glass dust. It will fight you the whole way apart: which can be a good thing with some applications (just stiffens up the part fit feel of small threaded parts while remaining adjustable, etc).
 
SwimmingBird said:
I've found water at or near boiling to be sufficient for blue loctite (never tried red). I just heat the water in a mug in the microwave and then dip the knife in for around a minute or less.
Click to expand...

Roger that. Thank you sir.
 
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