Do You Have a Screw Loose?

Virtually all folders are built with screws, and making sure those screws are properly tightened can have a big impact on your knife’s performance. To keep your folder operating smoothly, you need the right set of tools. Most tactical folding knives use Torx screws in sizes from T6 to T10. Using the wrong tool to try to adjust those screws can result in stripped screw heads, serious frustration, and possibly a useless knife.

Folding knives and spring assisted opening knives in particular often need to be adjusted for pivot screw tension out of the box. The easiest way to maintain proper pivot screw tension is to put medium-strength blue threadlocker on the pivot screw threads.

Why threadlocker? One of the most common problems with folders is that the forces generated by opening and closing your knife over time tend to loosen the pivot screw and cause side to side blade wobble or knife failure if the screw falls out. This is even more true for spring assisted opening knives because they have several moving components that generate forces which can loosen the pivot screw even faster.

Threadlocking the pivot screw prevents the screw from loosening and backing out. Medium-strength blue threadlocker is non-permanent and can be removed without heat application, but is tough enough to bind the screw in place so that it will not budge unless forcibly removed with a proper tool after setting.

To threadlock the pivot screw, with your knife closed, remove the pivot screw from the pivot post with a correctly sized Torx tool (or other driver depending on the pivot screw type). Do not remove the pivot post, as this will void your warranty. Apply a couple drops of threadlocker to coat the pivot screw threads, then reinsert and tighten, taking care not to overtighten the pivot screw. Dab off any excess threadlocker. Be sure to check the function of the speed assisted open on the knife to make sure the pivot screw is tightened to the point at which the blade opens smoothly and quickly, but is secure without any side to side wobble. After checking function, for best results let the threadlocker set for a full 24 hours before using the knife again.

The same steps can also be followed to secure pocket/belt clip screws, which also tend to work themselves loose over time if you use the clip to secure your knife in your pants pocket or on your belt.

Taking these simple preventative maintenance steps can help give you years of trouble-free enjoyment of your new Alpha Blades knife.