ZT0300 rattle

[nightman]

I purchased a ZT0300 about a month ago. I have used it very lightly. Today, I noticed it has a very noticeable rattle only when the blade is opened and locked. Lockup is rock solid. There is no blade play. Has anyone else noticed this on their Zt0300 /0301 /0302? Could it be the assist spring inside the handle?

 

[Ankerson]

Could be the AO spring.

 

[Tony8179]

It's the A/O torsion bar in the handle. Or at least it should be.

 

[termiteslayer]

Check to make sure everything is tightened properly.
Could be as simple as adding a bit of lock tight.
My 0301 has no issues.

me - no expert by any means

 

[jdboy]

Just checked mine for you and with it opened I can shake it and hear some sort of faint rattle. I have to shake it rather close to my ear to hear it though!

 

[CharlesIV]

Warning: This could void the warranty! proceed at your own risk!

What I did is took mine completely apart added petroleum jelly (axle grease might work as well) to the torsion rod, the G-10 side of the scales (where the rod rest), and in the opening of the back spacer where the rod locks into it.
You dont have to put a whole jar of it on just enough to get a decent coat throught the process. After you get everything back together I'd give it a once over with a Q-tip to clean out/off any over spillage.

Good luck

 

[nightman]

Thank You all for your quick and informative responses. I won't let a little rattle bother me now that I know it isn't a reliability issue.

 

[kneedeep]

When Speedsafe knives are in the open and locked position, the torsion bar is no longer under tension. In this state, the bar can rattle. As you said, there won't be a reliability issue from it. There is often enough grease on the torsion bar to keep it from rattling. If it becomes bothersome, as has been mentioned, you can just add a bit of grease to the torsion bar.

 

[spiralarchitect]

When Speedsafe knives are in the open and locked position, the torsion bar is no longer under tension. In this state, the bar can rattle. As you said, there won't be a reliability issue from it. There is often enough grease on the torsion bar to keep it from rattling. If it becomes bothersome, as has been mentioned, you can just add a bit of grease to the torsion bar.

+1.....I use lithium grease. It seems to tork about the best and doesn't cause too many issues with clean-up if you get some on the outside of the handle.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

Same issue here and great explanations above. Despite the rattle my ZT 301 has been through the ringer and is still rock solid.

 

[Flatlander1963]

My G10 Tyrade has this issue. What's Kershaws position of this rattle?

I'm glad it isn't a realibility issue but I find it bothersome to my warm fuzzy feeling about quality, fit, and finish of the knife.

 

[Morrow]

My G10 Tyrade has this issue. What's Kershaws position of this rattle?

I'm glad it isn't a realibility issue but I find it bothersome to my warm fuzzy feeling about quality, fit, and finish of the knife.

The rattle doesn't impact operation of the Speedsafe A/O as kneedeep stated already. There is grease in the cavity the spring sits in from the factory. As the knife is used..the grease gets pushed to the outside edge of the cavity and the rattle can begin. It takes about 5 minutes to take it apart and add some grease (lithium seems to work best) to spring area. I guess if the rattle bothers you that much or reduces your warm fuzzy feeling you should send it back to Kershaw and they can add some grease for you.

 

[cziv]

My G10 Tyrade has this issue. What's Kershaws position of this rattle?

I'm glad it isn't a realibility issue but I find it bothersome to my warm fuzzy feeling about quality, fit, and finish of the knife.

Okay - just shook mine and not a peep out of it. Don't you guys cut an ear off. I went to shake it close to my ear and thought - "careful now!"

 

[Flatlander1963]

The rattle doesn't impact operation of the Speedsafe A/O as kneedeep stated already. There is grease in the cavity the spring sits in from the factory. As the knife is used..the grease gets pushed to the outside edge of the cavity and the rattle can begin. It takes about 5 minutes to take it apart and add some grease (lithium seems to work best) to spring area. I guess if the rattle bothers you that much or reduces your warm fuzzy feeling you should send it back to Kershaw and they can add some grease for you.

In all of that response Morrow you overlooked the question which was "What's Kershaw's position about the rattle." Thanks

 

[Morrow]

In all of that response Morrow you overlooked the question which was "What's Kershaw's position about the rattle." Thanks

To be honest, I don't know if Kershaw has a position on this specific issue. I don't work for KAI/Kershaw and won't speak for them. I do know if you aren't satisfied with the rattle you can return and they will fix it.

 

[spiralarchitect]

In all of that response Morrow you overlooked the question which was "What's Kershaw's position about the rattle." Thanks

By all accounts.... It is my understanding that Kershaw's position is that if it is rattling, send it in, or fix it your self.... your choice. It is a known phenomenon.

 

[Flatlander1963]

Thanks guys!! I think I'll go with the lithium grease it myself option.
Were does one get that type of grease?

Btw, I didn't say but G10 Tyrades are really nice knives. It rides really good in my pocket and functions perfectly other than the rattle. The ergos are great. Makes me wonder why it was canceled. Probably a question for another thread though.

 

[Morrow]

Thanks guys!! I think I'll go with the lithium grease it myself option.
Were does one get that type of grease?

Btw, I didn't say but G10 Tyrades are really nice knives. It rides really good in my pocket and functions perfectly other than the rattle. The ergos are great. Makes me wonder why it was canceled. Probably a question for another thread though.

Any hardware store will have a tube of lithium grease....cheap...couple of dollars. You'll need some torx drivers as well if you don't already have some.
If you need any help putting it back together give a yell we'll help. The Tyrade actually has 2 spring in there.

EDIT: I need to correct this post. I am mistaken. The G-10 Tyrades have only 1 spring. The Ti Tyrades have 2. My bad.

 

[Flatlander1963]

Any hardware store will have a tube of lithium grease....cheap...couple of dollars. You'll need some torx drivers as well if you don't already have some.
If you need any help putting it back together give a yell we'll help. The Tyrade actually has 2 spring in there.

Well then I have a project for tomorrow.
I'll let you guys know how it turns out...in fact maybe I should do some photos as I go about it. gw

 

[PG5768]

The screws may be Loctited in place. Heating them up makes it easier to loosen them. I use a cup or bowl of very hot water and soak the whole knife others use soldering irons on individual screw heads. Good luck.