Spyderco screws

Screebo

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So what’s with this version of a flat head torx screw that Spyderco typically uses. I don’t think it’s my imagination that they are manufactured with a small chamfer leading into the torx socket. Why on earth would one wish to minimize the area of contact between the driver bit and the torx socket. I’ve heard folks say that their Spydie must have been “used” because it had screws with rounded sockets. I’ll bet this is what they are describing. It requires care in removal and installation to not skitter off the contact area and strip the head. Hmmmmmm. That’s what I say!
Note: No! I didn’t damage any screws as I’ve yet to feel the need for disassemble 😇👍
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During a certain period of time, spyderco put loctite on their screws so if the screws won't budge don't put too much pressure on them. If you don't feel comfortable removing the screws with heat to break the loctite, might need to send it back they will loosen them for you for free. Well "free" except shipping.

I experienced it on this knife below which I'm brainfarting on the name...
20230416_173130.jpg
I stuck the knife in the oven and slowly worked the screws out. I know, stupid thing to do, I'm thankful it worked lol.

Also experienced it on a CF millitary which I sent back for loosening and re-centering.

I don't think they abuse the loctites on newer models now, though I haven't bought one in awhile.

Good luck!
 
Spyderco has been using those type of screw heads for years now. I’ve removed a many one of them without an issue. Just be sure to use a good quality brand of torx bit and it’ll be fine.
Agreed, it won’t pose a problem for me either. Just a wee bit odd in my opinion.
 
During a certain period of time, spyderco put loctite on their screws so if the screws won't budge don't put too much pressure on them. If you don't feel comfortable removing the screws with heat to break the loctite, might need to send it back they will loosen them for you for free. Well "free" except shipping.

I experienced it on this knife below which I'm brainfarting on the name...

I stuck the knife in the oven and slowly worked the screws out. I know, stupid thing to do, I'm thankful it worked lol.
Just use boiling water. I always bring a cup of water to a boil in a microwave then remove and dunk the portion of the knife with the stuck screw for about 30 seconds in the hot water. It’s usually easy to remove afterwords.
 
During a certain period of time, spyderco put loctite on their screws so if the screws won't budge don't put too much pressure on them. If you don't feel comfortable removing the screws with heat to break the loctite, might need to send it back they will loosen them for you for free. Well "free" except shipping.

I experienced it on this knife below which I'm brainfarting on the name...
View attachment 2154927
I stuck the knife in the oven and slowly worked the screws out. I know, stupid thing to do, I'm thankful it worked lol.

Also experienced it on a CF millitary which I sent back for loosening and re-centering.

I don't think they abuse the loctites on newer models now, though I haven't bought one in awhile.

Good luck!

Mantra 2!

A soldering iron can also be helpful at working loose stuck screws.. targeted application of heat vs "cooking" your whole knife haha. I'm very glad Spyderco has shifted away from the red stuff..
 
Yes, I had a new DF2, and could not get the screw loose to take the clip off. The head was messed up. Too much Loctite, or whatever. All Spyderco would do is suggest I buy a new clip kit for $8. Still had to get the screw loose, which I used a heat gun to do.
 
During a certain period of time, spyderco put loctite on their screws so if the screws won't budge don't put too much pressure on them. If you don't feel comfortable removing the screws with heat to break the loctite, might need to send it back they will loosen them for you for free. Well "free" except shipping.

I experienced it on this knife below which I'm brainfarting on the name...
View attachment 2154927
I stuck the knife in the oven and slowly worked the screws out. I know, stupid thing to do, I'm thankful it worked lol.

Also experienced it on a CF millitary which I sent back for loosening and re-centering.

I don't think they abuse the loctites on newer models now, though I haven't bought one in awhile.

Good luck!
Mantra 2. Also, agree with others. A soldering iron can be used to warm the screw and release loctite, but you need to be careful.
 
Red Loctite's max temp is 300F so that would be some seriously boilin' water.

For some reason this guy is super persuasive. He's even convinced me to buy the odd knife or two.

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.

 
Red Loctite's max temp is 300F so that would be some seriously boilin' water.

For some reason this guy is super persuasive. He's even convinced me to buy the odd knife or two.

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.

View attachment 2155897
I like this, enough to last a lifetime!
 
Red Loc-Tite is for mounting studs in engine blocks.
Blue is more than enough for the small screws in knives.
 
Yeah, I don't get it either. The knives are way too expensive for the crap hardware they use, even after people have complained about the screws for years. You would not need to buy high end bit drivers if they would put some better hardware in their $100+ knives... it would not cost them that much.
 
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