ZT 0301 torsion bar

[Gideons]

Hey BF,
After three months of use, the ZT 0301 torsion bar broke... surprised it broke so fast. Just stating my disappointment, I wonder if using (too much) Vaseline to prevent torsion bar handle rattle puts additional wear on the torsion bar? This is the first 0301 torsion bar I've broken, but I have gone through many 0566 torsion bars. Hopefully ZT will still replace the torsion bar even though it is a discontinued model.

-Gideons

 

[tony281sc2]

I would think ZT would replace it but not sure since it’s a discontinued model. I doubt if the vaseline had anything to do with it tho. I’ve used grease on on of my 0350s to quiet it up and it worked good. So I don’t think it would put a strain on it. My father’s Keshaw Cryo and scrambler both broke the torsion bars by just flipping the knives (not abused) so I wouldn’t even mention putting Vaseline in it if you send it back to ZT. That’s why I like bearings over A/O anyday....nothing to break.
Sorry to hear a bad experience with ZT, I just bought an 0808BLK and it came with a rusty pivot. DLT exchanged it for me and I got a great one now. Maybe take it up with the dealer if you just bought it....?

 

[jeffsenpai]

Just request a new one, I did for my ZT 350 and it was in my mailbox less than a week later. I used a silicone grease on mine so it would not rattle.

https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/contact

 

[Rob72]

Yeah, ZT/KAI should take care of you. Torsion bars are strange springs, and can have widely varying lifespans. I had a Boa, back in the 90s that I popped a bazillion times, and it was still going strong when I traded it off. A DLC Leek snapped after a week or so. It depends very much on the bends and the heat treat.

I've made my own replacements, and I believe this is the stock pack I have:
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...its/no-15-straight-spring-wire-prod26220.aspx