What to do about sticky locks?

Sonnydaze

Sonnydaze

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
11,700
I keep reading the posts that complain about sticky locks, or those that brag about locks that don't stick.
Why is it that new framelocks seem to stick and stick badly? Not all designs do, but many.
I have a new ZT 0550 that's excellent; smooth and easy. Excellent knife, even if it is a bit larger than I wish to EDC.
I have a new HEST 2.0 that's a real bear to "unstick." I hear folks talking about galling with dissimilar metals and others that say that a bit of exercise will cure the stickiness, but I'm at a loss to figure it out. One popular YouTuber was singing the praises of multiple Hests that he tried in his favorite store, and none of them were sticky.
I'm reluctant to mess with the pivot, as I fear that the blade-centering will be affected. I'd rather sell this thing that to try to re-engineer it.
A little help would be appreciated.
Sonny
 
Lube it or try opening slowly. Aside from that the knife needs to either be broken in or taken apart and the contact faces buffed / sanded.

Just thought of this: spine wack? wacks? it's strong, give it a few medium force bops, why not?
 
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Try putting some graphite(Pencil Lead) on the blade tang where it contacts the locking bar, may or may not work and if it does, may not be permanent .
 
Clean any oil off the tang/lock face and coat it with a Sharpie. Works like a charm.
 
Sharpie and pencil lead are best, avoid wet lubes for lock mating surfaces. But, don't be afraid to let it wear a good bit before trying lube, many will break in and smooth out on their own.
 
Sonnydaze said:
I keep reading the posts that complain about sticky locks, or those that brag about locks that don't stick.
Why is it that new framelocks seem to stick and stick badly? Not all designs do, but many.
I have a new ZT 0550 that's excellent; smooth and easy. Excellent knife, even if it is a bit larger than I wish to EDC.
I have a new HEST 2.0 that's a real bear to "unstick." I hear folks talking about galling with dissimilar metals and others that say that a bit of exercise will cure the stickiness, but I'm at a loss to figure it out. One popular YouTuber was singing the praises of multiple Hests that he tried in his favorite store, and none of them were sticky.
I'm reluctant to mess with the pivot, as I fear that the blade-centering will be affected. I'd rather sell this thing that to try to re-engineer it.
A little help would be appreciated.
Sonny
Click to expand...

Stop fantasizing about your knife while holding it. :rolleyes:
 
A.P.F. said:
Clean any oil off the tang/lock face and coat it with a Sharpie. Works like a charm.
Click to expand...

You guys are out of control. :thumbup:
I just applied some fresh sharpie to one of my sticky Ti lockers and it's now performing better than ever.

Thanks for the great information.
 
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