ZT 0561 problem

J

justinspin

Joined
Mar 7, 2012
Messages
19
I just received my ZT 0561 and I don't believe it is functioning properly. When I push the flipper the blade will not fully deploy, it stops at about a 90 degree angle and needs a pretty good flip of the wrist to fully open and lock in place. It is also impossible to open with the thumb stud, I'm not talking about a "controlled opening" I just mean it will not open at all even with a very strong push and flick of the wrist. I thought it could be just a "brake in" thing but I'm beginning to suspect I may have received a bad apple. I own other frame lock flippers and knives with thumb studs so yes, I do know how to open them! lol.

Is anyone else experiencing this issue? I have dealt with ZT/Kai customer service before and they are absolutely awesome people so I know they will take care of me but I would like to avoid sending it in if at all possible. once again I'm pretty sure this is not just a "brake in" issue because it's pretty bad and seems to have actually gotten a little worse. Any help and suggestions are appreciated:)
 
Not sure about the flipping part, but the thumb studs are very tricky with the detent, has to be pushed at exactly the right angle to work with the studs on mine.
 
jossta said:
Not sure about the flipping part, but the thumb studs are very tricky with the detent, has to be pushed at exactly the right angle to work with the studs on mine.
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If only you knew how many different micro angles Ive tried LOL! however I'm not all that concerned about using the thumb stud. The fact that the blade refuses to smoothly and fully deploy with the flipper is what's getting to me.
 
jossta said:
Not sure about the flipping part, but the thumb studs are very tricky with the detent, has to be pushed at exactly the right angle to work with the studs on mine.
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Exactly what I was going to say -- the main function of the thumb studs on the 0560/1 is to serve as blade stops rather than for opening. The design of the knife, including the detent strength and the placement of the studs, is optimized for opening with the flipper rather than the studs.

The issue with flipper opening you describe, however, is definitely not normal: with the KVT bearing pivot system, once you overcome the detent with the flipper, the blade should fly right out. The only thing I can think of is that you might be putting pressure on the outside of the lockbar when opening the knife, which would increase the force needed both to overcome the detent and to open the blade all the way. But you said you've owned other framelock flippers and know how to open them, so I'm guessing this isn't the issue unless you're gripping the 0561 a bit differently from the others and in a way that puts pressure on the outside of the lockbar.
 
Yea, one of the first things I checked was to make sure I wasn't putting pressure on the lockbar while engaging the flipper.
 
justinspin said:
Tried that and I tried loosening the screw on the lockbar stop, no dice. I'll also mention that the blade seems to be overcoming the detent just fine but just does not want to open all the way.
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Definitely sounds like there's something out of place, fit incorrectly, etc. that is causing significant friction on the blade as it opens. I know it sucks to have a newly acquired, highly anticipated knife leave your hands, but at this point I'd say the best option is to send it in so ZT can have a look at it and repair/replace it.
 
Are you resting your fingers against the lockbar even? On my 0550 when I first had it, if my fingers were even resting against the lock, it was ridiculously hard to open... with the KVT system, from what I've seen.. it should definitely not be having that issue at all.
 
I'd take it apart and reassemble w/ some oil or grease. It's worth a shot to save the hassle of sending it to ZT. If it doesn't fix the problem send her in. Sorry to hear the bad luck, my 560 was flawless out if the box. I'm sure you will fix the problem if you do what members have recommended.
 
Actually, I see what you're talking about. I kind of noticed the same thing on my second Tilt, which I didn't really pay any attention to because I was only using my first Tilt:D. But now that I took a closer look just now, I do notice the opening is a LOT rougher and less consistent. Given that pushing the lockbar open does nothing much to help and the unusually loud "grinding" noise I hear when I move the blade open and closed, I'd say the blade is finished a lot rougher than the first one and that the rough finish is adding a lot of unnecessary friction to it.

Can't really say for sure unless I disassemble both knives, but I strongly suggest that is the case. It shouldn't be a lack of lubrication, ball bearing pivots don't need it. I suspect it would wear in eventually as the ball bearings smooth out the point of contact, but it might take a thousand close/open cycles to do so. Pretty sure we'll both have to send it in to get it fixed up. Sure the knife still opens, but there's no point in using ball bearings instead of phosphor bronze if the action is going to be that rough.
 
When I first took it out of the box there was some oil residue on the blade so I'm pretty sure lubrication is not the problem.
It does suck to have just received a knife that I pre-ordered back in june and have an issue like this but from first hand experience I have faith that ZT will make it right if I do have to send it in.
I would take it apart and have a look but since this is the first knife Ive owned with the KVT bearing system I wouldn't even know what I'm looking at enough to say "ahh there's the problem".
she may have to be shipped out to ZT, bummer.
 
I had a similar prob with my 0200, but just oiled the pivot and it came right

If you not comfortable taking it apart get a cheap CRKT carson knife to practice.

Although using cheaper material they're constructed very similar.

It'd not hectic at all, basically just the pivot screw, blade and a washer on either side of the blade that the pivot screw goes through.

I can strip mine apart and put it back together in less than a minute
 
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If the bearings and surfaces they contact aren't right, then you are going to get rough, hard opening. I went through the same thing, with a knife that has IKBS bearings and believe me, if yours won't flip right out fully, after the detent is overcome, something is wrong with the bearings and how they are fitted. After mine was fixed, there was no comparison in the way it opened.
 
djjonny said:
I had a similar prob with my 0200, but just oiled the pivot and it came right

If you not comfortable taking it apart get a cheap CRKT carson knife to practice.

Although using cheaper material they're constructed very similar.

It'd not hectic at all, basically just the pivot screw, blade and a washer on either side of the blade that the pivot screw goes through.

I can strip mine apart and put it back together in less than a minute
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It's not that I'm uncomfortable with taking it apart, I take my zt 0301 apart once every few months for maintenance, it's just that I wouldn't know what to look for as far as a problem with the kvt system. I think I'll give KAI a call today and see what they say. thanks for trying to help me out guys:thumbup:
 
Try loading up the flipper first, like a push then a pull back. The Lahar was like this. I believe the flipper has ridges on it for this sort of action. Anybody else get where i'm coming from?
 
crom said:
Try loading up the flipper first, like a push then a pull back. The Lahar was like this. I believe the flipper has ridges on it for this sort of action. Anybody else get where i'm coming from?
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Yes, but it shouldn't really need it with the KVT bearings.

It could be one of the KVT washers. Maybe one of the bearings was a little flattened or maybe one is a slight bit under or over sized. Kershaw will take care of you.
 
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