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My Rat, I think it's on its last legs.

Caleb M.

Caleb M.

Joined
Dec 22, 2012
Messages
157
I have an Ontario Rat 1, I love the thing. It has been my EDC knife for just about the last year (2013-14) and I think it's in the need of retirement. The blade play that was non-existent when I bought it, is now terrible. The pivot screws are as tight as possible, so much so that I can't get one out. Does anybody have ans solutions to fix the play? If you do I would be so grateful. If not, It looks I am going to need to work for a new one (pardon the pun).
 
Yes! Take the knife apart and remove the teflon bushings. The RAT and Utilitac use bronze AND teflon bushings and you've likely compacted the teflon. They can be removed without having a negative impact on function, or so those that have removed them have stated.

If that doesn't work, could you post pictures?
 
Thanks mate. I'll definitely try your bushing suggestion. That seems like the most likely culprit thinking about it now! If that doesn't work, I'll definitely post some pictures.
 
Your rat is on it's last legs? That means it has at least two, and from my experience rodents do just fine with missing limbs. They tend to be a bit slow though so make sure it has some friends to keep it company!
 
Smokinape said:
A Tenacious would be just getting warmed up... :)
Click to expand...

Have you seen testing videos on Youtube? I'd say the RAT is definitely the tougher knife with no doubt, so if he did bend the liners or whatever happened if it wasn't the teflon bushing degrading, the Tenascious likely would not have lasted through it either.
 
I can confirm my ontario utilitac 2 had absolutely no side effects when I removed its teflon washers, worked as well of not better. Never needed to take either my Rat - 1 or 2 apart yet (didn't NEED to take the Utilitac apart either, I modded it with stand off's)
 
Caleb M. said:
Yes it is. I would get out the teflon bushings like mentioned, but one of the male pivot screws is too tight to get out and is stripped.
Click to expand...
Ouch, that sucks. I'd contact Ontario and see what they can do to help. Every story I've heard about their customer service has been really good.

Pro Tip: When dealing with really tight screws on a knife, they likely have thread locker on them. If you hold a soldering iron to the tight screw(s) for about 30 seconds, they'll usually come right out.
 
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