PM2 metal on metal grinding noise?

Armithius

Armithius

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Feb 24, 2013
Messages
451
Hey all, just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? I recently picked up a PM2 in CTS-204P off the exchange, and it lasted about a week before it stopped opening smoothly and started making a terrible metal on metal grinding noise. I tried adjusting the pivot, but I don't think that's where the issue lies, as if I hold the compression lock over, the blade swings freely. Has anyone else experienced this issue? I contacted the spyderco service department, and they said to send it in, but turn around time is about a month right now and I don't know if I can live without my favorite EDC for that long. Basically I'm just looking to see if anyone has any insight as to what could be causing the issue and if there's an easy way to fix it so I won't have to send it in. Thanks!
 
Do you have any fresh marks on the tang of the blade?
Are there any signs of debris in the lock?
Since it worked normally when you received it I'm guessing a foreign object is lodged in the lock and/or pivot.
The first solution is a scrub down with soap and hot water, followed by lubrication.
If that doesn't work then your best bet is to send it back to the factory and be patient.
Sorry, and best of luck.
 
I had one like this that I returned and there was an issue with the dent ball that had to be fixed.
 
Since it swings freely with the compression lock disengaged it sounds to me like its the detent ball scraping the tang of the blade. Try applying a drop or so of lubricant (I use sentry solutions tuff glide) directly on the detent ball and work the blade back a forth a few times to see if that helps. Let us know if that works
 
That makes sense. Perhaps I'll try lubbing the detent ball then. I'll see if I can find any of that tuf-glide. Though I'm a little nervous, won't disassembly void the warranty? If I do end up having to send it in, I don't want them to refuse me service because of that.
 
Armithius said:
That makes sense. Perhaps I'll try lubbing the detent ball then. I'll see if I can find any of that tuf-glide. Though I'm a little nervous, won't disassembly void the warranty? If I do end up having to send it in, I don't want them to refuse me service because of that.
Click to expand...

No disassembly necessary to lube the detent. Tuf-Glide has a needle tip applicator to reach into small places.
 
Nic S. said:
I had one like this that I returned and there was an issue with the dent ball that had to be fixed.
Click to expand...

mine does this as well, the scraping noise, but shouldn't the detent ball touch the blade? i'm missing how there was an issue to fix? ball had to be polished and blade as well.....or.....? thanks for the follow up and information. appreciated.....
 
Yea as said before you wont have to disassemble it to lube the detent. Just open the blade till its almost fully open but don't let the lock engage, then you'll clearly see the detent ball and you can lube it from there
This is easiest to use: http://www.amazon.com/Sentry-Soluti...UTF8&qid=1378246066&sr=8-1&keywords=tuf+glide

20130903_150431_zps1956c5aa.jpg
 
Awesome, I will give that a shot then. Thanks all! I'll let you know how it goes. :)
 
As an aside, you mentioned in the OP that you adjusted the pivot. You do NOT adjust the pivot on a PM2 (or other bushing pivot systems) because they're simply not designed for it. ;) Its why its great actually, you fully torque down the pivot and it'll hold the blade smoothly and firmly without restricting its movement.

As far as the scraping goes, yes lubricant (tuff glide) as it may be nothing more than two unlubricated metal components galling. Do be careful that there is no grit or crap stuck under the ball, because that'll do it too.
 
Oh, whoops. I was completely unaware of that. Suppose that rules that out then. I'll just get some compressed air and some tuf-glide and see what I can do with it this weekend.
 
hunterseeker5 said:
As an aside, you mentioned in the OP that you adjusted the pivot. You do NOT adjust the pivot on a PM2 (or other bushing pivot systems) because they're simply not designed for it. ;) Its why its great actually, you fully torque down the pivot and it'll hold the blade smoothly and firmly without restricting its movement.

As far as the scraping goes, yes lubricant (tuff glide) as it may be nothing more than two unlubricated metal components galling. Do be careful that there is no grit or crap stuck under the ball, because that'll do it too.
Click to expand...

I thought there was just a thread about the PM2 not having a bushing pivot. I had to set my pivot tension where I wanted and used locktite because that's what I had heard most people did who wanted to have the blade fall freely when unlocked.
 
jbmonkey said:
mine does this as well, the scraping noise, but shouldn't the detent ball touch the blade? i'm missing how there was an issue to fix? ball had to be polished and blade as well.....or.....? thanks for the follow up and information. appreciated.....
Click to expand...


I'm not to sure I was just told there was a detent problem. Idk if there was a bur on the ball or if it was misshaped
 
One way to fully clean the detent ball without disassembly:

Move the blade to half open
Compress the lock bar against the G-10 scale FULLY
Insert a narrow piece of paper between the detent ball and the blade
Let go of the lock bar so the detent ball compresses against the piece of paper
Move the blade ALMOST open and closed. Don't open the blade all of the way, as it will tear the paper and gum up your lock

This should remove any gunk in the detent track and hopefully remove crud from the ball. If the paper comes out dirty, repeat the process. Whenever my PM2 gets grindy, I do this and it usually clears right up.
 
hunterseeker5 said:
As an aside, you mentioned in the OP that you adjusted the pivot. You do NOT adjust the pivot on a PM2 (or other bushing pivot systems) because they're simply not designed for it. ;) Its why its great actually, you fully torque down the pivot and it'll hold the blade smoothly and firmly without restricting its movement.
Click to expand...

That's not quite accurate. The Para2 has a stepped pivot, not a bushing. And if you crank down on the pivot bolt all the way, you can constrict the blade significantly. By turning the pivot bolt just a fraction of a turn, you can tune the feel of the knife to your liking. Personally, I like mine a bit on the loose side - at the expense of some very slight blade play. You can also affect the feel of the knife by tightening/loosening/rotating the stop pin.

TedP
 
Alright, I tried the paper trick suggested and that didn't help, so I ordered myself some tuf-glide and we'll see if that helps. If not, then I guess I'll have to send it in for service. Thanks again for the suggestions folks. I'll keep you posted.

Edit: Bah, no such luck. Looks like I'm gonna have to send it in for service. Hopefully they'll be able to fix it up good as new. I don't wanna have to retire my new favorite EDC after only a week of use! :(
 
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Tuff - glide is better for Teflon washers than bronze phosphor. I have fallen in love with nano oil, and in my experience works much better. It's about $18 a tube, but will last for years.
 
Not to derail this thread, but I really want a PM2, however I keep seeing threads related to this. Grinding noises, blade play ect. Seems this is why some prefer pinned knives? No?
 
I don't think blade play is all that common with them. Mine is a little gritty but when it's open it feels like a fixed blade. So while it may not be the best to play with, it's a superb knife.
 
I agree with Gmrpnk21's suggestion of nano-oil. It too comes in a nifty little applicator and that $18.00 tube will last you a LONG time.
 
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