ZT Questions

Binalith

Binalith

Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
391
Ok, so I am getting ready to buy a ZT 0566. I generally cap out around 150 on knives, so this will be my first higher end folder. Usually, I buy 30 dollar folders from the flea market and snap them off somewhere in the engine compartment of my truck. Apologies is thread is misplaced.

1. Am I to understand that the ZT 0566 is an assisted opener but that one can remove the assist mechanism and thus have a true flipper? You'll excuse and hopefully elucidate my ignorance as far as terminology is concerned.

2. If so, can someone post a link to instructions, or is it a straightforward operation that someone with fair mechanical aptitude can figure out. I mean I'm sure it's not overly complicated, but are there things one should know before taking the knife apart.

3. I've read a lot of threads about 'break in time' that contain arguments about the validity of such. I'm cool with that, just want to know what to expect.

edit: I just wanted to say I am not at all concerned about breaking in anything I own. There was just a couple threads where I couldn't tell if people were suggesting that there was actually a problem that warranted returning. I don't feel like dealing with that. Honestly probably wouldn't even notice if there was a problem. Most of the talk about the vagaries of folder action around here flies right over my head. thanks.

4. This is the smallest ZT/Hinderer model with flipper and the frame lock (not sure on the correct term, but I mean thumb-stud contacts frame when deployed) correct?

Thanks all, I appreciate the help.
 
Last edited:
Hi,

A flipper is a folding knife that hs a protrusion that llows the blade to be launched/opened/deployed when pressed with some degree of force. The torsion bar has nothing to do with it. An automatic (by contrast) opens by pressing a button and not the blade itself like the flipper, to launch the blade.

There are tutorials on how to deasist the knives. You will need some torx drivers, available at any hardware/tool store. Should be part of anyones tool kit already as more and more items use these faster types.

Break in time exists with everything you buy. Every buy a new pair of shoes? Ever buy a new couch or easy chair? How about a cap or hat? Some people are almost anal when it comes to breaking things in immediately. My preference is not to buy a new item and have it worn through already. It's a process and part of ownership. It makes me think some folks buy new clothes, and drag thrm through mud, rocks, grease, and dirt before using them "there, now they are broken in".

Yes the 0566 is the smaller version of the 0560. Great knife.
 
I'm on my second 0566. They are assisted openers. I've tried breaking them in, de-assisting them and finally settled on tweaking the spring a bit to decrease the tension needed to open it. The last option has gotten me to where I probably prefer the 0566 over most of my spydercos. Its a very simple to de-assist or to tweak the spring. Just remeove the G10 scale and either remove the spring or bend it gently in and re-install. Both of mine were very hard to operate without one of the mentioned mods. And yes, the 0566 is the smaller of the ZT series.
 
Just FYI...I just picked up a 566 for a lot less than 150 new....closer to 100... Great knife.....I left the assist intact. It is still really easy to use one handed.
 
Very easy to remove the tension spring as was stated.
I found it took some time to break in. I removed the washers and polished them with 2000 or 1500 grit wet/dry sand paper until smooth and shiny. I also cleaned all surfaces and applied a tiny amount of Benchmade lube to the washers. It didn't take long to break in. Now it opens quickly...I prefer the assisted open...and very smoothly. I also adjusted the blade screw...loosening just a tiny bit of a turn...also made a big difference while retaining its' centering.
 
I have removed the spring on 2 different occasions just to try it out as a manual with mine, but found the detent on mine is just too weak to make a decent manual flipper. I know others have had better results than me, so who knows how yours will go. It isn't a deal breaker for me since the knife's positives outnumber the negatives. It's a great size, solid knife that doesn't eat my jeans up when taking it out of my pocket, which I find dictates what I carry daily here lately. YMMV and good luck.
 
cross1178 said:
I have removed the spring on 2 different occasions just to try it out as a manual with mine, but found the detent on mine is just too weak to make a decent manual flipper.
Click to expand...

Meaning that it doesn't open fast enough or that it doesn't stay closed well or what? I'm not sure on the function of the detent. I had thought that it was instrumental in causing the blade to gain velocity on it's way out or assist in keeping it closed or something like that.
thanks
 
Deassisting is very easy but I don't recommend it on the 0566. It really isn't that great of a deassisted flipper even though I've heard replacing the bronze phosphor washers with teflon helps a lot. You should really look around because I bought mine for $105, you can find 0560/0561 for closer to $150 which have the KVT bearing system and are buttery smooth flippers.
 
Binalith said:
Meaning that it doesn't open fast enough or that it doesn't stay closed well or what? I'm not sure on the function of the detent. I had thought that it was instrumental in causing the blade to gain velocity on it's way out or assist in keeping it closed or something like that.
thanks
Click to expand...

Basically, the detent is a small ball that keeps it from coming open. With no detent, the blade would fall open pretty much. Personally, I find a good strong detent lets you build up enough pressure on the flipper, so that once it breaks over the detent, it has enough force to open all the way. Mine is just to weak to build any pressure up and it ends up opening only about half way unless I use a bit of wrist motion to flick it the rest of the way. To me a good manual flipper should require no wrist action. That said, i can flick it open easily with the studs manually. I admire ZT for putting the detent on it to give people the option of manual, but it needs some work to make it a good manual flipper. As mentioned earlier, a good polishing and good lube might do the trick, but assisted opening isn't a deal breaker for me and I can live with mine. But if you absolutely plan on making it a manual, you might look at some other makers that make good manual flippers.
 
Cool, thanks for the explanation. Confirmed some things and corrected some wrong ideas.
 
0566 is an awesome knife. I'm glad I picked one up. I de-assisted mine and the action is great.

Overbuilt ZT quality in a manageable EDC size. What more could you want?
 
grownstar said:
0566 is an awesome knife. I'm glad I picked one up. I de-assisted mine and the action is great.

Overbuilt ZT quality in a manageable EDC size. What more could you want?
Click to expand...

Indeed.
ZT makes some great and IMO very convincing knives.
 
I just got in a new 0566 from Kershawguy last week. So far, I am extremely impressed. Overbuilt is pretty much a perfect description; it simply feels solid and durable. The action is smooth, and since I've enjoyed my assisted Kershaws, I've left in the torsion bar on it. Having disassembled a few other Speedsafe knives before, I can say they are very easy from which to remove the torsion bars. The main advice I can think to give is to ensure to have the knife open, and thus relieved of spring tension, prior to disassembly. Good luck and enjoy your ZT experience!
 
Chris_S said:
Deassisting is very easy but I don't recommend it on the 0566. It really isn't that great of a deassisted flipper even though I've heard replacing the bronze phosphor washers with teflon helps a lot. You should really look around because I bought mine for $105, you can find 0560/0561 for closer to $150 which have the KVT bearing system and are buttery smooth flippers.
Click to expand...

I highly recommend getting the 0550 or 0560...in pretty sure you can find the 550 for around the same price. And if it's a flipper you are looking for the 0560 will serve you well but I have the 0566 and it is the tightest knife to open upon purchase...very deceiving. The bronze phosphor washer as mentioned above perform their duty well, but the KVT bearing system is soooo smooth and wonderful, some will say a bit of wrist action is required for the 0566, mine doesn't flip perfectly every time unless I do it a certain way....if this is your first high end knife purchase I would recommend the 550 or 560 like Chris_S mentioned above.

Of the three I like the 550 the best enough that I purchased a second. I see some disappointment in the 0566 and I also see much praise. Just my .02 :) good luck with your new purchase!
 
Thanks again guys. I went ahead and bought a 0566 last night. I'm sure it will lead me to some others down the road.
 
You made a great choice, man. I can't wait for you to get it in your hand. This knife certainly gets a lotta love around here.
 
Binalith said:
Ok, so I am getting ready to buy a ZT 0566. I generally cap out around 150 on knives, so this will be my first higher end folder. Usually, I buy 30 dollar folders from the flea market and snap them off somewhere in the engine compartment of my truck. Apologies is thread is misplaced.

1. Am I to understand that the ZT 0566 is an assisted opener but that one can remove the assist mechanism and thus have a true flipper? You'll excuse and hopefully elucidate my ignorance as far as terminology is concerned.

2. If so, can someone post a link to instructions, or is it a straightforward operation that someone with fair mechanical aptitude can figure out. I mean I'm sure it's not overly complicated, but are there things one should know before taking the knife apart.

3. I've read a lot of threads about 'break in time' that contain arguments about the validity of such. I'm cool with that, just want to know what to expect.

edit: I just wanted to say I am not at all concerned about breaking in anything I own. There was just a couple threads where I couldn't tell if people were suggesting that there was actually a problem that warranted returning. I don't feel like dealing with that. Honestly probably wouldn't even notice if there was a problem. Most of the talk about the vagaries of folder action around here flies right over my head. thanks.

4. This is the smallest ZT/Hinderer model with flipper and the frame lock (not sure on the correct term, but I mean thumb-stud contacts frame when deployed) correct?

Thanks all, I appreciate the help.
Click to expand...

Just wanted to touch on number 4 since it looks like everyone overlooked it. The term "frame lock" describes the locking mechanism. On the stainless side of the knife, a section of the frame is cut out and when opened will move inside to lock the blade in place. The knife does use the thumbstuds as stop pins, however.
 
funny, I was just heading over here to ask one more about the frame lock. anyone know what kind of stainless i is?

thanks for correcting my terminology celtic. is there a term for that thumbstud frame contact business?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top