mini-cyclone on/off switch rattles and other questions.

S

s.c.

Joined
Mar 2, 2003
Messages
1,063
Hello all. I was recently introduced to the amazing mini-cyclone and now I've got a regular and a zdp version. On my zdp mini-cyclone, the on/off switch rattles; it works ok, but its a bit annoying. I've tried tightening that screw, but the switch remains loose and rattles. Is this a common problem? What can I do about it? I'm not afraid to open it up if there's a known solution.

Also, how rare is the zdp/ti version? Are there any plans to release other variants of the mini-cyclone?

Thanks.
 
I remember seeing this a few times on here. Here is what some other members have said.

nygiantsfan3342 said:
The torsion bar is under tension when the knife is closed, which is the magic behind the Speedsafe. When the knife is open the tension is gone from the bar and sometimes it can rattle. Some are more noisy than others though.

MY THEORY: It might have something to do with the amount of lubricant is in the Speedsafe chamber. If there is enough lubricant, it prevents the bar from jiggling.

THis has been brought up numerous times, but it is NOT a defect, unless the torsion bar is broken. If its broken, you'll know, because the assist-open won't work.
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Shortknock27 said:
I took apart and cleaned my SG2 Blur and wiped out all of the grease only to find an annoying rattle with the blade open. I took it apart again and put in some Hi-Slip Grease from Sentry and it seems to work really well and no rattle.

Scott
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These statements were also substantiated with numerous replies.

Also, what is the date printed on your Cyclone with the rattle?

Not sure how rare/limited the ZDP version is though...

hope that helps some.

mike
 
sc...I have 3, and fortunately no rattles. One of my regular Mini Cyclones developed a bit of rattle, and Mike is spot on when he referenced those posts...take it apart and put a small dab of grease on the torsion bar. Make sure the blade is open before you take it apart!

The MC Ti/ZDP is an amazing knife...a great value considering the high end materials and workmanship...Hope you enjoy it!
 
Thanks for the reply guys. Unfortunately, the rattle is coming from the actual on/off switch, not the torsion bar. It rattles regardless if its open or closed, and if i gently place my finger over it, the rattling stops. I'll take it apart later this evening to see if I can find a remedy. I could also transplant the switch from my regular mini.

Are there any plans for other variations?
 
s.c. said:
Thanks for the reply guys. Unfortunately, the rattle is coming from the actual on/off switch, not the torsion bar. It rattles regardless if its open or closed, and if i gently place my finger over it, the rattling stops. I'll take it apart later this evening to see if I can find a remedy. I could also transplant the switch from my regular mini.

Are there any plans for other variations?
Click to expand...

My Ti/ZDP Mini rattles very slightly if I shake it, but it's not bothersome.

A judicious application of grease in that area once you have it disassembled might be a solution for the wheel rattle, also...

Hope so...noise can sometimes be annoying as Hades...:D

Ray :)
 
Success! I transplanted the on/off wheel from my regular mini-cyclone. The wheel was very slightly thinner than it should have been, causing the rattle. The thinner one that is now in the regular MC was rattling, so I added a teflon washer that I had lying around to fill the gap.

Only problem now is that I can't seem to get the blade perfectly centered, though I failed to take notice of its placement before taking it apart.
 
s.c. said:
Only problem now is that I can't seem to get the blade perfectly centered, though I failed to take notice of its placement before taking it apart.
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As I understand it, the off-center pressure from the speedsafe mechanism will cause that.
 
rbmcmjr said:
As I understand it, the off-center pressure from the speedsafe mechanism will cause that.
Click to expand...

Sounds possible...a quick-and-dirty test would be to temporarily remove the torsion bar from a knife with an off-center blade and see if it straightens out.

Ray :)
 
sc, the frame lock seems to keep the blade just a hair off-center. Check your blade...if it's a touch off-center to the opposite side of the lock, I think you're ok...
 
You can try loosening all the handle screws and try shifting the handle slabs in relation to each other. A minute shift of the slabs can force the pivot in different directions. If you can, shift them so the blade is off center in the other direction slightly before you tighten up the screws.
 
I didn't realize the Kershaw subforum was so active. Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried all sorts of combinations in the order of tightening the screws and I'm content with where its at. I do enjoy this knife (ZDP/Ti) quite a bit, so much that I have another one on the way, though it seems that the fit and finish on my regular mini is slightly better.
 
On an unrelated note, is there any way to remove scratches on the titanium handle?
 
Use a little soft abrasive, like toothpaste. More than likely, you'll find they aren't actually scratches, merely material left on your blade...but if they are scratches, shame on you for scratching such a fine blade!
 
SPXTrader said:
Use a little soft abrasive, like toothpaste. More than likely, you'll find they aren't actually scratches, merely material left on your blade...but if they are scratches, shame on you for scratching such a fine blade!
Click to expand...

The blade is fine, I was asking about the handles. Not a big deal, as this one is going to be used and I know scratches are inevitable...it would be nice to touch it up once in a while if possible.
 
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