ZT 0450 pocket clip play

extrastout

extrastout

Joined
Mar 10, 2013
Messages
1,422
I was very happy with this knife, but then after a day of work, I had to really strain to flip the blade out. I then looked at the pocket clip and it was sitting over the frame lock. The clip was originally on the handle and not touching the lock. Surprisingly the clip moved right back over with no effort. This is not good. I tried to tighten the screws but they are as tight as they will go. in know with hinderers they have a recessed pocket for the clip so this does not happen. This is a major flaw in my opinion. Everytime I brush against an object the clip will go over the lock and hold it down, making it extremely hard to flip open. Is anyone else having this problem?
 
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It sounds like a bad pocket clip. It shouldn't behave that way. Try contracting ZT for service, they do a good job.
 
Agreed with contacting ZT. I sent them a note through their website asking for a deep carry pocket clip. I hadn't heard anything back but then after a while (10-14 days) I got a nice care package from them with 2 of them. Thumbs up for that to ZT!

More pertinently to your issue, I've adjusted the position of the clip to make sure it isn't on the lock bar, but once tightened down it doesn't move.
 
I had this issue with the 0450 I tried and, aside from the knife being too small for my hand, it was the final deal breaker for me. It actually caused the knife to bite me because, after a day of the knife flipping just fine, I pushed on the blade too hard trying to close it and got a bloody knuckle in response. All it was was the clip moving over into the lockbar, but I didn't like the idea of it happening again when I automatically tried to close it again.

In contrast, my 0456 and hubby's 0452 have no clip play whatsoever so maybe it was just that model? No idea but from what I've read it seems to be a common problem.
 
I just checked my 0450cf. I also can easily slide the clip in either position. I'll try the loctite trick to keep it in place. Thanks for this.
 
You are welcome. I have not tried this on mine but i assume it would also help to put a very small ammount of loctite on the area the pocket clip contacts the handle.
 
I cant tighten the screws anymore or the heads start to strip. I was hoping I had a lemon and this wasnt a design flaw. I will try blue loctite and let ZT know about the problem. I work in a machine shop, so leaning into a machine all day pushed the clip back multiple times in my right pocket. The location of the clip is set so any contact moving forward will push the clip over the lock bar. I thought it was the bearings. I was relieved that was not the case. This is only the third week with the knife, so everything should be at factory standards
 
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I'm looking to purchase one of these very soon for my first ZT knife. This has me a little worried, but if ZT's customer service is as good as Kershaws then if for some chance I get one that does this it will get remedied quickly.
 
I wouldnt worry about it. If anything you can just send an email about needing a pocket clip for a 0808 (if i remember correctly) and theyll send you a deep carry clip that will fit the 0450
 
Cscotttsss said:
I'm looking to purchase one of these very soon for my first ZT knife. This has me a little worried, but if ZT's customer service is as good as Kershaws then if for some chance I get one that does this it will get remedied quickly.
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Its my first ZT too, and I was more than happy. I don't see how customer service can help. The holes on the clip the screws go in are way to large in diameter. I loosened the screws and the clip flops all around. Even if I get the clip tight enough, they will loosen fairly quickly since they are over worked. The screws are hold the clip down and the tension on these small screws are suppose to prevent the traveling issue. If I rub into one thing with the clip. The screw cant prevent the clip from moving. The blade does not function with the clip over the lockbar, its a major problem. I am going to contact them today and see what actions I should take. I will update
 
extrastout said:
Its my first ZT too, and I was more than happy. I don't see how customer service can help. The holes on the clip the screws go in are way to large in diameter. I loosened the screws and the clip flops all around. Even if I get the clip tight enough, they will loosen fairly quickly since they are over worked. The screws are hold the clip down and the tension on these small screws are suppose to prevent the traveling issue. If I rub into one thing with the clip. The screw cant prevent the clip from moving. The blade does not function with the clip over the lockbar, its a major problem. I am going to contact them today and see what actions I should take. I will update
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Good luck, and yes please keep us updated on ZT's response.
 
ZT, so far, has been MORE than generous with their CS. I've currently got a 350 out to get the blade swapped to plain edge. In the meantime, I have been using my 909 as my work knife (bit bigger than I generally need compared to the 350).

Friday I was working in my warehouse and brushed up against a 50lb bucket causing the clip to catch the lip and get hung up. Of course, I didn't realize this as I was walking full stride. Bent the clip out about 15 degrees. Totally my fault.

I contact ZT about a replacement cost. They say no sweat, we'll get you a new one in the mail. Can't beat that.

My 450 has never wandered like that, but I don't wear it when I'm "working". It's my going out knife. Keep us posted:)
 
ZT Customer Service is top notch. Chances are the screw holes on the clip are just too large/out of spec, so they should just send you a new one and new screws.
 
Yes I called customer service. They recommended blue loctite on the threads and the heads that contact the clip. They are also sending me a new clip and screws free of charge, just in case this is the problem. They C.S. was easy to deal with
 
I've only ever had this happen once on a 0808 and what I did was bend the clip inward a bit to have more tension against the frame. Hasn't moved over since and no loctite used at all.
 
Is the issue due to a too large screw hole on the clip (could be both holes)? I am just guessing.
 
sharp_edge said:
Is the issue due to a too large screw hole on the clip (could be both holes)? I am just guessing.
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That's what mine felt like, although I didn't take it apart to know for sure. The screws didn't budge in the holes, but the clip was able to wiggle around several millimeters from center, and when it would cover the lock bar, if you weren't expecting it, the knife got very difficult to open.

I'm certain ZT could have fixed the problem, but I sent the knife back since it wasn't a good fit for me in other ways. Both my 0456 and my husband's 0452 don't have either of those problems, I'm just surprised it seems to be more common on the 0450 than I originally thought.
 
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