Craftsman knife

[Ratchet]

Bought a Craftsman USA made knife for a fairly good price, (used) but in good condition, however there is some "play" wiggle room on the one blades when its extended and in the locked position...., is there any way to fix it or should it just be left "as is"? Its kindof neat as it has a "Flying Eagle with Script" on the shield.

and if it can be fixed, is there a good honest knife repair shop to send it to?

I'd include a pic but I don't have a digital camera (yet - Christmas is approaching!!).

Ratchet

[orvet]

The way to fix it will depend on how it is constructed.
If you can see the pivot pin on the outside of each bolster, you can probably take the play out by tapping the pin with a hammer to tighten the blades.

If it was made by Schrade, it probably is of the Swinden Keyhole construction. If it is a Swinden type, tapping it won't work. You will have to cut the rocker pin & take the knife apart. Then the easiest way to fix it is to drill through the bolsters and put a pin all the way through.
NOTE: I have not done this, but am told that is the easiest way to fix your problem. I have taken Swinden type knives apart & that appears that it would work.

You might send a PM to Muskrat Man. I think he has done this.

Good luck,
Dale

PS- You might try scanning a pic of the knife if you have a scanner. Many of us use that to take pics of our knives.

[Ratchet]

Muskrat Man.... heard you are a whiz with the slip joints....
got this recently, but there is some "play" wiggle room on the first blade, got some advice already on a couple of ways to fix it..., what you think?

[muskrat man]

I replied to your PM Ratchet. Like Dales says, tapping won't do much good unless there is VERY little play. you can drill through the bolsters if it is of keyhole construction and re pin the entire knife. I have done this with success.

[stockman]

Hello Ratchet, I have repaired a knife by drilling the bolster and re-pinning, it worked. I did not know about the keyhole until I got started on this knife, I thought I had ruined it. My only problem was knowing where to drill, got lucky I think.

Stockman

[Ratchet]

Thanks for the info & advice....