Replacement screws for ESEE 5?

moabblade · May 20, 2015

I've had it with the allen head screws or whatever they are called on my ESEE 5. I can never find the right size allen head wrench. I want to replace them with standard flat or phillips head fittings. Black would be preferable or I can always dip them in black oxide.

Anyone know of a source for the fittings that would match an ESEE 5 but be standard flat screw driver or phillips head? What is the correct name for these fittings. If I knew that I could google it.

sd550 · May 21, 2015

Go to McMaster-Carr, I think they have every screw type and fastener available. I would check around and see if you have an industrial supply center in your area, those type stores always carry a lot of different fasteners that you won't find at the home depot/lowes type stores. Also, invest in a good USA made set of allen type wrenches, that will make a world of difference.

Rich S · May 21, 2015

Are they actually allen screws or perhaps torx screws. Torx screws are harder to find locally and you need a good set of torx drivers or else you will strip them like crazy.
Rich

moabblade · May 21, 2015

I have several sets of good allen wrenches. And have since lost that particular size in every one of my sets. They are pretty tiny. I thought I put a set in my bug out bag. But no such luck. Not to mention when in the field I don't want to have to carry a special two set of a tiny allen wrench. When I always have a multitool with me that has standard screwdrivers on it. If you ever wanted to take the scales off in a survival situation you'd be screwed. Not to mention I've stripped and etched this knife. So there is no paint below the scales to ensure no rust gathers there. I did dip it in black oxide though. But still.

What is the name of that barrel type fitting they use? Is it a "chain ring bolt"? And does anyone know the size on an ESEE 5? Is there an ESEE section on this site? I tried joining the ESEE forum to no avail. They gave me a bum password and then never got back to me.

moabblade · Mar 9, 2018

Anyone? Looking for phillips head screws for an ESEE 5.

sd550 · Mar 10, 2018

ONCE AGAIN, LOOK BELOW !!

sd550 said:
Go to McMaster-Carr, I think they have every screw type and fastener available. I would check around and see if you have an industrial supply center in your area, those type stores always carry a lot of different fasteners that you won't find at the home depot/lowes type stores. Also, invest in a good USA made set of allen type wrenches, that will make a world of difference.

upnorth · Mar 10, 2018

You got a lot of good advice here. If these options are unsuitable you can try this. Phone the appropriate business and speak to the manager or front desk guy that you will be meeting upon arrival. Explain that you are bringing in a knife for screw replacement and you don't want to alarm anyone. Then they can use the proper tools to remove your screws, check thread pitch etc and likely install, or do at least one as a test for you, so you are assured. Most people are quite helpful if we come in with a smile and good disposition.

moabblade · Jul 31, 2018

I found black phillips replacement screws at McMaster Carr. It's item number 96640A123. (The originals are allen heads.) This saves me from having to carry around two tiny allen head tools. Much more field expedient. If that's your sort of thing.

eisman · Aug 1, 2018

Why in the heck would you ever have to take the scales off a fixed blade knife?

moabblade · Aug 1, 2018

Blood, water, dirt. I use my knives.

In addition, my knife has had the paint stripped, the markings etched (Because otherwise they are only a bit beyond paint deep. And disappear after a short amount of use. As the paint wears off. The markings are also one of my favorite parts of an ESEE5. So I etched them into the steel. So they'll be there permanently.) and then black oxided it. The black oxide helps alot but is not the best rust inhibitor. I've already cleaned surface rust from underneath the scales. I will be reapplying the black oxide. And a harder coat - one that has not been aged - will hold up alot better. And may add some paint over that - but only underneath the scales.

These are also G10 scales. Fairly rigid plastic. So there is always going to be some kind of gap between them and the steel. Where things like water, blood and dirt can build up. Left to rust it can deteriorate the metal.