If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your pocket knife doesn’t close, there are some simple fixes that you can make. These fixes aren’t difficult, and they’ll get your knife working again in no time.
Slipjoints
A slipjoint is the joint between the tang of the blade and the handle. This is used for several purposes including opening and closing the knife. The key to using a slip joint is planning ahead.
The best way to close a slipjoint is to apply pressure on the spine of the blade. When the pressure is applied, the knife will quickly and easily close. If the pressure is applied incorrectly, the knife will fold backwards.
In addition to this, the knife’s blade pocket may be clogged with debris. Fortunately, this can be cleaned up using the right tools. It may also be a good idea to disassemble the knife so you can see the obstruction.
Another method is to enlist the help of a blow dryer. If this is possible, be careful not to damage the blade or the tang.
Friction folders
If your pocket knife is having trouble closing, there are a few things to consider. Your first step is to determine what type of locking mechanism your knife has. Some models are ambidextrous, while others require manual action.
The best way to determine your pocket knife’s particular locking mechanism is to disassemble it. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that your knife is actually a fairly simple machine. Depending on the model, you might need to remove the handle to gain access to the mainspring. In most cases, it will only take a few minutes.
If you don’t have time to reassemble the piece, you can use the aforementioned process to try and clean out your locking mechanism. While a blow dryer can do the trick, you might want to protect the non-metal parts with “Q-tips” or a bit of tape.
Lock bar inserts
Lock bar inserts are designed to reduce friction between the blade and the lock. This allows for more longevity and improved performance. If your pocket knife is not closing correctly, consider a lock bar insert.
Lock bar inserts are commonly made from stainless steel or hardened steel. They are usually mounted in the locking bar of frame lock systems. These can be easily replaced.
In addition to reducing wear and friction, lock bar inserts can also help keep the lock in its proper position. This is especially important for flipper knives and other folding tools that require a locking mechanism.
When a lock bar is not functioning properly, it can lead to injury. Typically, a pocket screwdriver can be used to remove debris and clean the lock. Once this is done, the blade will be locked up in the proper position. Then, a lubricant can be applied to prevent this problem in the future.
Liner lock
If your pocket knife won’t close, the most likely reason is a lack of a proper liner lock. Fortunately, there are several options to choose from. Liner locks and frame locks are two common mechanisms found on many folding knives. Each has their advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantage of a liner lock is its simplicity of construction and operation. A liner lock has no locking pin to engage, so it’s easy to use. However, it does require you to have the appropriate hand to close the knife. This makes it a little less convenient for left-handed users.
In addition to being easy to use, liner locks are safe. They use blade liners that are cut out to create a spring-like effect. Once opened, the blade remains in the open position because the spring pal stays inside the handle.
Frame lock
The frame lock is a small device integrated into the handle of a pocket knife. It is similar to a liner lock, but is more powerful and durable. The frame lock’s main function is to keep the blade open.
There are a variety of different types of locks, and they all work by applying some sort of friction to the blade. These include the frame lock, the liner lock, and the mid lock. Regardless of which lock you choose, the springs that are used to hold it closed will weaken over time. Whether you use a frame, liner, or mid lock, you should check your lock periodically to ensure it is working properly.
The frame lock uses a metal locking leaf to hold the blade open. This leaf is usually made of titanium, though it can be made of aluminium as well. If you are considering purchasing a frame lock, make sure it is reinforced with a steel tip.