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Stretch screw problems?

AT1984

AT1984

Gold Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2014
Messages
346
I bought a new Stretch ZDP-189, and put a deep carry clip on it. I only carried it a few times. Yesterday, I noticed the blade was a little off-center, so I loosened the handle screws slightly (yes...slightly!), to see if the blade would center. The lockback hinge screw head stripped while trying to loosen it. The other screws were easy to loosen. I have a quality Torx bit, and there isn't any damage to the bit...just the screw head. I can't tighten or loosen it, now (since it never turned either way).

Also, there is blade play (open and closed) if I even *slightly* loosen the pivot screw. It's either too tight or too loose, no in-between. I can actually feel the blade scraping on the handles, when I open it. I've opened this knife countless times, trying to "break it in". I've also used a very small amount of lube on the blade pivot...helps for a few flicks, then starts getting tight feeling, again.

Has anyone else had these problems with the Stretch? I really like this knife, and don't want to let it sit in a drawer. It's my favorite...next to my Zulu :)

Thanks!
AT1984
 
No, but then a slightly off center blade has never bothered me, so I've never had the urge to take one apart.

FWIW, the only screws I generally touch are the clip screws, in order to remove it and for those I use just a Torx bit, without the handle. If I can't turn it that way, I heat the screw to break the thread locking compound and try again. Knife screws aren't "aircraft quality" and most Torx drivers allow you to exert way too much force.

Again, FWIW, heating the screw, then putting piece of a thin rubber (like part of a latex glove) between the screw head and the driver may allow you to turn a damaged screw. If you can get it out, you can ask Spyderco for a replacement.
 
Thanks, Deacon. I never thought of the "thin rubber" trick. I think I might just leave it alone...too nice of a knife to mess up! I have the blade centered, and the pivot is a LOT smoother, for some reason. I must've hit the sweet spot. I adjusted the pivot just a "hair" (after many tries), and now it's all good.

AT1984
 
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