Screw Removal Question

PA Trout

PA Trout

Platinum Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2015
Messages
435
Hello, folks!

I have a nice collection of Spyderco knives that I've been amassing for EDC rotation. I absolutely LOVE them.

One of knives I really enjoy is a Red Paramilitary 2 in M390.

I wanted to change the clip orientation and when trying to remove the screws, they just simply won't budge. I've tried heating them with a hair dryer, throwing them in the freezer for a bit, and voodoo... they are still locked in solid.

Does anyone have any suggestions short of sending it back to Spyderco for some assistance (which is becoming more and more of a probability)?
 
I've had seized clip screws before too. I heated up a nail with a blowtorch in some vise grips. I just touched the tip of the nail directly to the screw for about 10 seconds. With a perfect fitting Wiha bit and lots of downward pressure, I was able to break the pesky little screw loose. :)
 
91bravo said:
I've had seized clip screws before too. I heated up a nail with a blowtorch in some vise grips. I just touched the tip of the nail directly to the screw for about 10 seconds. With a perfect fitting Wiha bit and lots of downward pressure, I was able to break the pesky little screw loose. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you, sir! I'll give this a try tomorrow.
 
From the source, Sypderco posted by Michael Janich.

How to Remove Stubborn Screws from a Knife

According to the manufacturers of Loctite 263, the red Loctite used on Spyderco’s US-made knives, screws treated with it can be removed by applying heat. However, its specifications state that a temperature of more than 360 degrees Fahrenheit must be reached for it to soften. Such temperatures could easily damage the scales and other components of your knife. Instead, we recommend the following process:

1) Ensure that you have the proper size Torx® driver for your screws and that the driver head is in good condition. A single-piece, screwdriver-style driver works best.
2) Place your knife on a workbench or other hard surface. Use a paper towel or rag to protect the handle from scratches.
3) Insert the tip of the Torx driver into the screw head and ensure that it fits properly.
4) Tap the handle of the driver several times with a hammer to “shock” the screw and break the Loctite bond.
5) Maintain a firm, constant, downward pressure on the Torx driver as you rotate it to remove the screw.
6) If this method is not successful on the first try, repeat as necessary or return your knife to Spyderco with $5.00 for return shipping. We will loosen your knife’s screws upon request.
PA Trout said:
Hello, folks!

I have a nice collection of Spyderco knives that I've been amassing for EDC rotation. I absolutely LOVE them.

One of knives I really enjoy is a Red Paramilitary 2 in M390.

I wanted to change the clip orientation and when trying to remove the screws, they just simply won't budge. I've tried heating them with a hair dryer, throwing them in the freezer for a bit, and voodoo... they are still locked in solid.

Does anyone have any suggestions short of sending it back to Spyderco for some assistance (which is becoming more and more of a probability)?
Click to expand...
 
Denke42,
Great post thanks, I also spoke directly with Spyderco customer service.
They do not use heat on the screws,, the procedure you outlined above is exactly what was explained to me.
In addition, Spyderco uses Wiha torx drivers and emphasized a proper fit driver is essential to avoid screw head damage.
The OM2 Red G10 M390 models were made after Spyderco discontinued the red Locktite 263 application and that should not be the problem.
If you feel the need to use heat,,, a hot air gun is not very efficient and may damage the G10 scales,,, a soldering iron with small tip inserted into the torx head will direct the heat down into the screw body and efficiently soften the Locktite.

Regards,
FK
 
Excellent information! I'll be trying this in the next couple of days. I'll report back the status at that time.

Thank you all!
 
+1 on screwdriver or precision screwdriver style torx drivers. Better feel than bit inserts, which helps with proper sizing and alignment.
 
Yeah I also recommend getting better bits. Wiha all the way. You need the metal to have different tolerances than the usual stuff you get at home depot or something. Just like we have fancy steels for our knives you can get bits in fancy steels too, and just like paying for our blades it's worth paying for those bits.
 
Danke42 said:
From the source, Sypderco posted by Michael Janich.

How to Remove Stubborn Screws from a Knife

1) Ensure that you have the proper size Torx® driver for your screws and that the driver head is in good condition. A single-piece, screwdriver-style driver works best.
2) Place your knife on a workbench or other hard surface. Use a paper towel or rag to protect the handle from scratches.
3) Insert the tip of the Torx driver into the screw head and ensure that it fits properly.
4) Tap the handle of the driver several times with a hammer to “shock” the screw and break the Loctite bond.
5) Maintain a firm, constant, downward pressure on the Torx driver as you rotate it to remove the screw.
Click to expand...

The perfect answer...
 
Wiha... Oh, Wiha...

Gentlemen, this COMPLETELY fixed any challenges I had with the clip removal.

Thank you all so much for the feedback. Now I can say I'm a little wiser and have an AMAZING Torx set!
 
Wiha is a top end brand but not the only game out there a good tool goes a long way its why most people here by knives that aren't $20 or less. Key thing with good drivers & bits is they will be hardened not some soft piece as despite what your brain might want to think a harder bit is less likely to cam out a head.
 
PirateSeulb said:
Wiha is a top end brand but not the only game out there a good tool goes a long way its why most people here by knives that aren't $20 or less. Key thing with good drivers & bits is they will be hardened not some soft piece as despite what your brain might want to think a harder bit is less likely to cam out a head.
Click to expand...

You totally described where my head was!
 
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