my folder making noise

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ryosuke

Joined
Jun 27, 2006
Messages
359
I have a custom linerlock folder but it started to make a squeaking sound when closing the blade. I don't see any problems at the pivot area but I'm pretty sure it's the detent ball and the very end of the blade that is making this sound. I have this folder for more than a year but never made this sound until two weeks ago and I'm wondering why. The folder works just fine but I don't like the sound everytime I colse it. Is there anything I can do? Please help.
 
Detent's ball bearing or the blade contact (contact to detent ball) is probably worn. Squeking may be rubbing of lockbar onto blade. I'd try oiling like dtownknifekid said.

Or alternatively talk to the maker, maybe he'll put a new ball for you.
 
I had a similar problem, but more of a click. Turned out the pivot had loosened a bit, allowing the linerlock to push the blade toward the other liner when it closed. Easy fix.
 
thanks for your answers. I thought oiling the detent ball is not a good idea because it's meant to be there to prevent the blade to fall open. I don't think the detent ball is worn out. I can visually see it's still there. tightening and loosening of the pivot would not change anything for this folder because it has a ballbearing pivot. maybe I should just send it to the maker.
 
ryosuke said:
thanks for your answers. I thought oiling the detent ball is not a good idea because it's meant to be there to prevent the blade to fall open.
Click to expand...

Don't worry.
The detent ball holds the blade closed by fitting into a hole.
As long as the ball fits the hole properly, oiling the ball will not compromise it at all.
Oil it before wasting the money shipping it back. Oil is cheap, and you can always send it back later--oiling doesn't void warranties.:D
 
If ball is not worn (you can still see it) then maybe it's worn into the blade itself. Have a good look at the folder during travel (from closed to open) at the direction where you can see the contact between the ball detent and the blade as the blade 'travels'.

There may be certain areas where the ball bearing has worn the blade enough to enable lockbar scratching of the blade.
 
If you have carried it a lot then it may have picked up some grit, and that may be the cause. If you can disassemble it then do and clean it out, reoil and put together. If taking it apart is not in the cards, then wash it out with hot soapy water, let dry, and reoil.
 
I oiled the ball and now it's smooth as brand new and the blade stays secure when closed. I've always thought that I shouldn't oil the ball but it worked out perfect. thank you so much.
 
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