Question about pins and their effect on the "spring" tension

[iforgeiron]

Hi all, my first post here.
I'm restoring an early camillus electrician's or linesman's knife. I disassembled and cleaned it up. When I reassembled it I noticed that the two pins that go all the way through the knife handle, liners and rocker/spring things that put tension on the blades (not sure what those are called) were smaller than the 3/32" pins I bought for it, but much larger than the next size down 1/16". I proceeded to use 1/16" pins....

Now it seems the blades are just a little too easy to open and close, they lost some of the tension they had before I took it apart.
QUESTION: Is this because the pins are too small and allowing the rocker/spring pieces to float too easily and not tension the blade...or just because I cleaned and oiled it up... The blade isn't loose side to side just a little to easy to open and close...

Any help would so greatly be appreciated. I've been a good newbie and used the search button...I found great info on downsizing larger rods, etc. but no answer to my question. Thank you all and cheers!

-Chris
San Diego

[jaswarb]

The Camillus Electrician knife I have been working on has a similar issue. I believe the pins were placed in the spring first and then the linerlock and liner/scales placed before the pins were spun. I can't see any other method to use pins fat in the center and thin at the edges. I simply drilled the handles to 3/32 and peened the pins. Everything tightened up nicely. MuskratMan might divulge his secret process. I have a TL-29 Camillus Electrician knife he rebuilt beautifully. It snaps like a bear trap.

[iforgeiron]

Thanks, I think that might be the ticket...drill those liners out and fit the center...thanks!

[orvet]

QUESTION: Is this because the pins are too small and allowing the rocker/spring pieces to float too easily and not tension the blade...or just because I cleaned and oiled it up... The blade isn't loose side to side just a little to easy to open and close...

It is precisely because the pins are too small. The 1/16" pin allows too much slop to properly tension the springs. Use larger pins.

I measured the hole in a spring from a Camillus TL-29 and the hole in my spring is plenty large enough for a 3/32” (0.0938”) pin. The hole in my spring is large enough to pass a #36 drill through it. A #36 drill is 0.1065”.
I would recommend turning down the 3/32” pin if it won’t fit. If it will fit the spring, but not the liner, drill out the liner.

Your local hardware store probably stocks brass rods for pins. Both Ace Hardware & True Value in my area stock them. You might also check a hobby shop.

Welcome to AAPK!

[muskrat man]

Dale nailed it on the head. NEVER use pins that are smaller than the holes, nothing but problems will come from this. unless you have a super strong spring that you actually want to weaken a bit like an overly strong GEC #73

[coffeecup]

. . . . like an overly strong GEC #73

There's another kind?

[iforgeiron]

Much Thanks and gratitude everyone.
That was exactly right.
Last night I drilled the liner a little larger and used the 3/32" which still gave it a little play.
It's very springy and tight now!

[muskrat man]

. . . . like an overly strong GEC #73

There's another kind?

LOL, point taken