Military Adjustments and Loctite (BLUE only)

H

HoosierQ

Joined
Feb 9, 2010
Messages
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Just got my first Military...LOVE IT. I just had to take it apart since I can and all went well. The blade is not perfectly centered when closed (neither before nor after take-down) but that doesn't concern me much...it is just a smidge off center. I did notice that tightening the pivot screw I was able to adjust both the setting of the knife blade while closed as well as the tension. I doubt it is an accident that the best tension is also closest to center.

I noticed RED loctite on all the screws (red in color at any rate). I put it all back together with out a re-application of loctite because all I have is the real for sure RED permanant stuff. So I am off to get some BLUE loctite.

So here are my questions.

1. Should I bother to reapply loctite? I was surprised how easy it was to pull out the screws in the first place. I could feel some adhesion but that's about it. For what it is worth, I felt a little of the same adhesion going back in. I expect the answer here is yes but this is my first pillar construction knife.
2. What do I clean the old loctite off with? Acetone? Or do I bother? I have only used the permanant stuff on permanant applications so I have no experience down this avenue.
3. So it looks like Loctite 243, Medium strength is the stuff I need correct? Even though the bottle is red, the lable is Blue. Looks like 263, red lable is the perm stuff.

I have seen BLUE in the store so I know I'll get the right stuff but I wanted to consult the Spyderco forum before moving forward.

My hat is off to Spyderco on this knife. Scary sharp, solid as a bank vault and just plain cool. Considering getting an Orange one too.

I also got a Delica for work carry and that is cool little knife, full flat grind, plain edge, gray FRN. Love that one too. Getting either or both of Gray and Brown Endura next probably.
 
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I just got my first military too. Digicam plain edge. I had put off getting one because I thought it might be too big, but I think it's perfect. I really like it alot. Trying to justify getting another. As for loctite, I would personally go with the blue if anything. I'm no expert though. Congrats on an awesome knife.
 
Blue is what I`d use.The Military is an awesome knife. Reckon its my favorite.
 
Blue is fine. I would clean up the old compound before reapplying and that will also get rid of any old oil that could have gotten on the threads. Give it 24 hours to cure and you're good to go.
 
Never use red unless you plan on keeping it that way.. you usually need LOTS of heat to break red. Blue should hold anything and can be broken with some good pressure on a standard driver. Put the red way in the back of your shelf.. you don't want to mistake it sometime.

And congrats.. the Mili is my favorite folder of all time.
 
I've been told that purple loctite is what is recommended for the size screws in knives. It is weaker than blue.
 
Good stuff to know. I did use blue, had never heard of purple until you guys informed me. We'll see how the blue goes but I will look into purple.
 
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