Spyderco Military - possible screw problem?

J

jbubs

Joined
Jun 16, 2012
Messages
6
Hi All,
I just purchased a new Military. I noticed there is a slight gap between the g10 and one section of the backspacer. So I tried to tighten the torx screw to seal the gap, but it just turns without catching or tightening. I've read you need 2 torx drivers to tighten these because the opposite side will spin, but since I don't have 2 drivers, I just used the one and the opposite side didn't turn at all. I tried some of the other backspacer screws, and they all tighten down.
Did I get a defective knife? I can still return the knife as I haven't used it yet.
Thanks in advance for any advice/help,
jbubs
 
Hard to say if it is defective, but it's not fitting your likes, from the sound of things. Any reputable dealer ought to allow you to return it, and Spyderco would almost certainly take care of it if you send it in. I'd contact the seller first though.

To answer you real question. It should be tight, and in the unlikely event that it ever would loosen up you should be able to tighten it easily enough with the proper tools.
 
I really like the knife. I guess I'm just hoping there's an easy fix, so I don't have to go through the trouble of returning it...
 
To be honest, I would simply return it to the dealer. It does sound like the knife is defective.
 
jbubs said:
I really like the knife. I guess I'm just hoping there's an easy fix, so I don't have to go through the trouble of returning it...
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There is a lot to like, but a better example will be even easier to like. Would you rather have hassle of returning it or the hassle of never knowing how good it could be?

These screws also help keep the blade centered. Get it fixed right be someone who knows (Spyderco) or send it back and exchange for one that does not require any attention.
 
I just rechecked all 4 back spacer screws - the 2 on the clip side (for righties as it comes from the factory) are tight, the 2 on the opposite side both spin and won't tighten. How odd...
 
jbubs said:
I just rechecked all 4 back spacer screws - the 2 on the clip side (for righties as it comes from the factory) are tight, the 2 on the opposite side both spin and won't tighten. How odd...
Click to expand...

It sounds to me like the either the screws themselves or the threads inside the back spacers are stripped out. If this is the case, there's nothing that can really be done to fix this issue other than replacing the back spacers and screws, this is assuming you can actually remove the screws.
 
I'd send it back to the dealer, it's not normal at all, the screws should be tight and you don't need two drivers to tighten them as they are screwed in threaded metal inserts in the spacer.
 
Don't the new Militarys have a one piece spacer and not the plastic one with steel inserts? Think my M4 Millie has what looks like an anodized aluminium threaded back spacer.

Anyway it looks like you should return it
 
Out of curiosity I decided to take it apart. Seems there is something wrong with the threads in the backspacer (at first I thought the backspacer was plastic - sounded like it when I tapped on it, but then I dropped it on my plastic counter and it sounded like metal, so aluminium is probably right). I couldn't find my magnifying glass, but the screw holes looked either stripped or improperly machined.
To me, after taking the military apart, the beauty of it is its simplicity. Easy to take apart, easy to put back together, few parts. I'm really impressed. Funny thing is, even with the 2 loose screws, the blade has been perfectly centered, even after disassembly. Another thing I noticed is 5 12 stamped on the tang. Must be the production date.
Thanks for all the input.
 
Bummer. You may have made your return/warranty options more difficult now.
 
clich said:
Taking it apart voids the warranty.
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Sort of. Taking it apart arguably does not void the warranty if it is properly re-assembled and the skilled maker (spyderco) can not detect any damage created by the person who dis/re-assembled. In this case, it may be a very difficult case to make that the thread damage was not created by the user during his efforts...other than taking his word on this subject.

As I said, bummer. I think the wise move would have been to send it back to the seller, and not take on any potential undue risk.
 
Yeah, I'm familiar with Spydercos warranty. I was thinking that I would just order a new spacer and screws from them, not send the knife in.
 
They do not sell parts. They may send some screws to you, but I doubt they will sell a spacer to you.

Your best bet may now be to buy standoffs from a knife-makers supply shop and eliminate the spacer. It will give the knife an open design which is not a bad thing.
 
JNewell said:
In theory, but if Spyderco doesn't feel that disassembly was responsible for the issue, they won't stand on the warranty exclusion. :thumbup:
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I'm not so sure that is always the case. There have been a few threads where people have been turned down for warranty work and told the knife had been taken apart and the warranty void. And the problem with the knife would not be caused by taking it apart and putting back together incorrectly. Of course no one knows all the details of these situations but from the info in the thread it sure seemed like disassembly equaled voided warranty and knife returned.

What bothers me about this warranty is that it is only stated somewhere on the Spyderco forum. I have a lot of knives with a warranty clause that says nothing about disassembly automatically voiding the warranty. If that is their position then it needs to say it in no uncertain terms with the paperwork that comes with the knife. And all the knives that came with paperwork that did not say anything about a total void of the warranty need to have their particular warranty stood behind by Spyderco. Who in the world is going to go dig through the Spyderco forums to find a post by an employee stating a warranty that is different than what comes with the knife? If lawyers weren't so expensive there is no way the current warranty would hold up, but no one is going to go that far for a knife that is a couple hundred bucks at most.

Sorry, but this bothers me.

And are standoffs threaded?
 
Every standoff I have ever purchased was threaded. There are several potential solutions available outside of warranty.

Honestly at this point (if it were me) I'd not try the manufacturer route. Just order up some standoffs and fixit, or find a qualified modifier to do it for you.

If you want a backspacer either find a pumper to make one for you, or drill yours out so standoffs can be run inside of it.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
I'm not so sure that is always the case. There have been a few threads where people have been turned down for warranty work and told the knife had been taken apart and the warranty void. And the problem with the knife would not be caused by taking it apart and putting back together incorrectly. Of course no one knows all the details of these situations but from the info in the thread it sure seemed like disassembly equaled voided warranty and knife returned.

What bothers me about this warranty is that it is only stated somewhere on the Spyderco forum. I have a lot of knives with a warranty clause that says nothing about disassembly automatically voiding the warranty. If that is their position then it needs to say it in no uncertain terms with the paperwork that comes with the knife. And all the knives that came with paperwork that did not say anything about a total void of the warranty need to have their particular warranty stood behind by Spyderco. Who in the world is going to go dig through the Spyderco forums to find a post by an employee stating a warranty that is different than what comes with the knife? If lawyers weren't so expensive there is no way the current warranty would hold up, but no one is going to go that far for a knife that is a couple hundred bucks at most.

Sorry, but this bothers me.

And are standoffs threaded?
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In my experience with a lot of different types of products over a lot of years, a large majority of manufacturers (probably ever one I've ever dealt with personally) seem to have printed policies and warranties like Spyderco's and seem to handle things - in real life - the way I described them. I don't let it bother me, and I recommend that perspective for others. Reading the fine print isn't going to lead to anything other than coronary disease. :D
 
I used standoffs and replaced the backspacers on 2 of my Militaries. Looks better too. You can also get black T8 4-40 flathead screws and 4-40 threaded standoffs to replace the T6 5-52 stock screws and aluminum backspacer. Might have to grind them a little for the best fit, but the mod is so worth it.
 
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