Stripped screws?

sph3ric pyramid

sph3ric pyramid

Joined
Jul 24, 2002
Messages
861
Has anyone had problems with stripping out the heads of screws when adjusting the pivot or any other screws? I'm talking about the newer type where there are Torx screws on either side and both have to be adjusted. I was adjusting the lockbar tension on a new Chinook II, and a screw on one side's just about stripped out.

I haven't had any problems with the pivots on the Military and similar, or on any other knives (BM, etc.) but the Spyderco screws in particular are giving me trouble. They're T10 sized, right?

Edit: I did a search, and noticed that they aren't actually Torx screws. Wondering what tools would be optimal in doing small adjustments?
 
My new black Yo came out of the box with what appears to be stripped screws... interesting.

-j
 
I learned the hard way on an older Spyderco, if the pivot won't adjust, don't force it. Stripped the heck out of the pivot screw. Spyderco warranty was less than sympathetic when I sent them the rookie with the pivot screw drilled out even though I offered to pay for a new one.

They did send me a nice catalog and advised me to "retire" it. So.. yeah. Moral of the story is don't strip the head on your pivot screw.
 
Huh....

Is that because they don't have access to those types of pivots anymore? How old is the Rookie?

-j
 
Oh, sorry.

I meant the Torx head slots. No Torx driver seems to fit it without slipping, and there's kind of mushed metal stuff on the inside of the head.

Weird, huh?

-j
 
I stripped the screw hole on the head of the pivot screw trying to loosen it. Being a techie-type I figure oh well I'll drill out the screw and order a replacement. Emailed Spyderco and they said no, send it in we'll fix it or call if we need to charge you. Next thing I got the knife with a letter saying to retire it and not to contact them again on the matter, no screw no phone call, nothing. Just the same knife and me out postage.

Pretty aggravating really especially since I sent them the response back from my first email instructing me to send them the knife included with the request. As far as I can tell they didn't touch the thing. I know it's not their fault but after all the stories about the quality and service of their repair facilities I was expecting anything other than what I got. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt still even though no one has got back to me on the followup email either.

By the way drilling that thing out was no joke I broke 2 drill bits in the process. A couple of older Spyderco models I own look like they might have the same size screw but unless they reconsider or give me a source it looks like I will be out a knife or be forced to decide if I want to try and cannabilize one of my working knives.
 
Maybe someone with better luck in this regard would like to post recommendations on the best equipment to use?

In retrospect mine was so tight I should have sent it to warranty repair first because it did not open like I know a Spyderco should. And clearly the pivot screw was tighter than normal as well. A normally functioning pivot screw should be adjustable.
 
nuciform,

Thanks for the information. That's a very interesting bit of experience. Doesn't sound like the typical Spyderco CS at all...

I'm a little more leery of trying to fix the lockup on my Y now. ;)

-j
 
I had the exact same problem with my Gunting trainer. Sent it in and got a new one back with the same problem.

This also happens with my C2 clip screws (this one seems like a thread problem though).
 
The W and R still has problems.
I sent in a Military with alot of prblems.Nothing real bad but still there.The screws where to long for the clip and rubed the blade,I could fix this but I removed to much off the srew on my first atempt.While working on the screws the lanyard tube fell out.I could not fix that so I sent it in.I called a few days later and the guy got it and was looking at it while I was on the phone with him.I told him about the screws being too long and that I used the screws from my other Mili to attach the clip to that one so I could send it in and I would need extra screws returned with the knife.
Got the knife back with the lanyard tube fixed but the screws still rubbed and there were no extras.I went ahead and fixed the screws and ordered some replacedment torx screws from Microtech to replace the one I had to use in the fixing of the Military.
 
The old style pivot screw on my Terzuola jr seems to be a 3/32 Hex head. I'll try and compare this to my other spydies.

This one loosened much easier which is good cuz it looks like I need to disassemble and do some cleaning, it's swinging like a rusty gate. I am less inclined at this point to send it to Spyderco for any mechanical issues based on the stories I am hearing.
 
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