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Pivot screw on Para 3 immobile

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 10:59 am
by jhe888
I have a new Para 3 (the Bento Box M390 one) and it was very stiff. I thought I'd back off the pivot screws a tiny amount. One is totally immobile - the other is normal. The won't budge a bit, and I am afraid if I try any harder I'll strip the torx socket.

Is there threadlocker on these? Any other ideas?

Re: Pivot screw on Para 3 immobile

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 11:21 am
by Rutger
There will be yes. Heat it up and get good torx bits/handle to get it loose.

Re: Pivot screw on Para 3 immobile

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 12:30 pm
by Brown_Recluse
My suggestion is put the driver and bit into the pivot screw and semi-lightly tap it with a hammer a few times. That has worked for me. Having a large bit driver also helps since you have more torque. As mentioned above, a good torx bit set is necessary. The cheap Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot bit kits won't cut it. You'll either strip the screw or the bit itself. I learned this the hard way.

Edit: I use Wiha bits and drivers. Never had one strip or break. They're the best IMO.

Re: Pivot screw on Para 3 immobile

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 12:31 pm
by Username827
I believe Spyderco stopped using Red Loctite in April 2017. With that in mind, use quality drivers, and care when you apply pressure on the screw. Good luck!

Re: Pivot screw on Para 3 immobile

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 12:56 pm
by Daveho
Don’t force it-
I advocate for boiling some water put the boil water in a mug and letting the knife sit it it for 10-15 min take it out use the bit and give it a little hit and try it-
If it won’t budge go back to the heat.

Re: Pivot screw on Para 3 immobile

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 1:23 pm
by gull wing
Yes !

Re: Pivot screw on Para 3 immobile

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 5:01 pm
by brainfriction
Brown_Recluse wrote:
Thu Oct 11, 2018 12:30 pm
The cheap Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot bit kits won't cut it. You'll either strip the screw or the bit itself. I learned this the hard way.

Edit: I use Wiha bits and drivers. Never had one strip or break. They're the best IMO.
Yeah that's the most important part, it might seem superfluous, but good tools are a must for Spydies. I hear many people complain about rounded out or stripped T8 screws, but its unlikely to happen with a good set of Wiha drivers. I've never really needed to do anything special with the pivot screws, just a fair bit of torque. The scale screws are another story.

Re: Pivot screw on Para 3 immobile

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2018 10:40 pm
by Ric
If you loosen 1 screw is it off-center?
Is the action better after loosen the screw?

I would use the knife. Oil it a bit.
If its not better in some weeks tune the screw.
Get a good set of screwdrivers first.