Removing oil from pivot/bearings

Scott K.

Scott K.

Joined
Mar 9, 2019
Messages
117
Hello BF!

So I have ordered some KPL (dying to try it out), and currently have 2 knifes I can’t disassemble (I’m not a warranty void’er lol). I also don’t want to mix lubes.

As of now they have Daiwa oil on the bearings (Chaves Ultramar) & on the washers (Para 3).

I am curious on how you guys would go about degreasing them and getting the Daiwa oil out? Have any detergent suggestions? Techniques/Tips?

Thank you for your time!
-Scott K
 
Scott K. said:
Hello BF!

So I have ordered some KPL (dying to try it out), and currently have 2 knifes I can’t disassemble (I’m not a warranty void’er lol). I also don’t want to mix lubes.

As of now they have Daiwa oil on the bearings (Chaves Ultramar) & on the washers (Para 3).

I am curious on how you guys would go about degreasing them and getting the Daiwa oil out? Have any detergent suggestions? Techniques/Tips?

Thank you for your time!
-Scott K
Click to expand...

Flushing the pivot by shooting zippo lighter fluid through the pivot area works pretty well.

You could also swish and swirl the pivot side of the closed knife in a cup of acetone. Just be aware that this will strip any oil and will quickly evaporate leaving the whole area it touched bone dry.

You’ll have to work some drops of lube i to the pivot and open and close until the ball bearings are coated again. You will likely have to put a drop on the detent ball and along the path it rides on the side of the tang.
 
Thank you Lapedog Lapedog . That sound like it will work.

Will the acetone ruin the scales (Para 3) or strip the DLC coating from my Chaves Ultramar?
 
You could also try brake cleaner aka Brakleen . I have used it to clean a lot of knives and never had any ill effects on scales or coatings. Do NOT use carburetor cleaner it could mess up your scales.
 
^^^^^+1 on the soapy water(Dawn soap) then rinse in fresh water then blowout then relube.Dawn in warm water will definitely not hurt or discolor scales.
 
I think I will try the hot soapy water first, I don’t want to ruin anything. I do want to ensure I get all the old oil out though.
 
if dawn can get nasty old oil off a baby duck gently it should definitely work fine on your knife.lol
 
Scott K. said:
I think I will try the hot soapy water first, I don’t want to ruin anything. I do want to ensure I get all the old oil out though.
Click to expand...
Just make sure to dry it out so it doesn't get rust. If your putting kpl in, that will help resist rust. But get it as dry as possible prior.

Otherwise all the options mentioned are idea. But g10 will change color with some of this stuff. The titanium knife won't be affected at all. Just keep the solution off the inlay if any.
 
I say take the para 3 apart...flush the washers/bearings in acetone. Clean the rest of the knife with acetone on a clean rag. Wear gloves.
And dont tell spyderco you took it apart. ;)
If all goes well. Do the same with the Chaves.
Gotta do it sometime. You only live once.
:)

Edit: To delete incorrect information. Apologies.
 
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Rubbing alcohol is mostly isopropanol not acetone.
Fully cured epoxy, which is used in G10, may not be affected much by acetone, when the exposure is transient.
I would not use it, though.

Warm soapy water, ethanol, warm water, dry, and lube.
 
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@miso 2
(Facepalm) smack! Im a little tired. Lol. I apologize. You are 100% correct.
 
I use CitraSolv natural cleaner / degreaser.

Some outfit makes it in an aerosol can with the plastic straw / nozzle jobbie, and it works like mad.

If I don't have any around, the Dawn dishwashing liquid gets the nod.
 
Thank you all for your input!

First I will do hot water and dawn with a tooth brush, then use canned air/hair dryer.

Then I will rinse with rubbing alcohol, and then do canned air/hair dryer.

That should hopefully degrease everything. (Still not going to disassemble the knifes)

Thank you all for your time!
 
Almost sounds like you have fallen into the Over Lube trap. Just one drop of lube on the pivot is all that is needed. Any extra runs down between the scales and liners. Wet lube will attract pocket lint etc. Dry lube works well. Compressed air, keyboard air works well for blowing out or just pucker up and blow.
 
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Taking apart a spyderco doesn't void the warranty. Damage from disassembly voids it. So take the thing apart, it's not that hard. Clean it with rubbing alcohol and lube SPARINGLY! Reassemble and enjoy.

As for the ultramar... Take it apart too. Lol
 
I prefer warm soapy water, rinse with hot water, use something to displace water such as a few drops of 91% isopropyl alcohol, compressed air (for electronics, etc.) to further dry, and then apply oil.
 
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