Lube a bad idea? And how important are these?

C

CK_32

Joined
Apr 28, 2013
Messages
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So my RAT 1 came a little tight from the factory. It loosened up after flipping it open and some EDC use. So I decided to unscrew the center screws and it got a little smoother but still not finger flip open loose.

So I took it appart to put some rem oil on the washers.. Now its tight as a MF.

I tried putting these in and out but are these important to keep on the blade?




Also why is it so much rougher to open and close with lube? Iv'e already literally one turn from taking out the blade center screws what did I do or change? Its back together properly.. Was lube a bad idea?
 
10% open seems eh.. But the 20% to 100% blade deployment feels like a ton of friction.
 
I modded a Rat 1 a while back and had a hell of a time getting it back together and centered. I finally got it after taking it apart and putting it together a few times.The gritty feel that you are experiencing sounds like you have some dirt in the pivot. take it back apart and clean everything very well.Those Teflon washers make it smoother but not totally necessary. Good luck.
 
Reading you 2nd post,it sounds more like something is not lined up right. Same advice,take it apart clean everything and try again.look at the bronze washers closely and make sure the are not bent or have a burr.I had to overtighten the pivot on my Rat1 to get things to seat up then backed it off to get it to open smooth.
 
Yea it feels just like dirt or something causing friction. And I was just about to snap a pic the blade is now touching the liner.. I just took it appart to retry. Im just so confused why its not fitting right.. Im usually pretty good with tools and machines parts.. I cant figure pout why this stupid thing is binding.

Ive cleaned it with a qtip and made sure nothing but lube is on the knife. But ill try again.
 
And I'm glad those washers aren't important.. My dog just licked and ate one... SMH....


Now it wont center and I can push the blade to the left.. With a spring feeling from the lock..



The blade is actually hitting the liner now. But again on closed position I can push it and touch the left liner.. All screws are fully tightened
 
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LOL about your dog! I feel your pain.I took many knives apart and put them back together with no problems but my Rat1 put up a heck of a fight.
 
Yea I finally got this dam thing back to center and as rough as it was from the factory.

I've been trying the index finger flip I see a ton of guys do on YT but its not happening with this blade. I have to wrist flip to whip this stupid thing open. I was going to try to polish the blade where the washers go this weekend but I'm not sure if I want another head ache to reenter this thing
 
I agree with fast14riot - when you disassemble a knife, it is always good to clean off all surfaces before re-lubricating and reassembling. This is especially true if you are changing the type of lube you are using as some don't mix well (e.g., silicone and oil).

Personally, I would disassemble the knife again and gently polish the blade's pivot area and the liners around the pivot with 1200-1500 grit. Don't remove much metal and be gentle as you don't want to loosen up the tolerances. This might help get rid of any small burrs or grinding marks that could be causing the rough action.

Just my $0.02.

TedP
 
You are going to have to retrieve your missing washer on the other end and re install it.
 
The Teflon washers were there for a reason. Plus Teflon is pretty slick. I wouldn't expect much after tossing the washers. It will cut but smooth opening will be questionable.
 
Yeah, flatblack's RAT1 was a royal pain. I tried to help out on that one.

When reassembling, try shifting the scales/liners back and forth to try and line the blade up. Also, if you pulled the back spacers out it is important that they go back in the same spots, they sometimes aren't all exactly the same. Try really crankin down on things, without the teflon washers in there, your stack height at the pivot is now shorter than it was before allowing the blade to move side to side.

-Xander
 
i once used rem oil on a knife- and it tightened up so bad i had to return it - can't prove it was the rem oil (can't think of how it could cause this), but i'll never use it again - 3 in 1 or wd-40 for me now.
 
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