How do I loosen up a Schrade USA Toughtool?

[orca8589]

I have a Schrade Toughtool from the mid-1990's. It's a great tool, I've used it for years, but I've started leaving it at home because the tools on one side are so stiff they're hard to open. I've tried everything - every kind of oil, running it through the dishwasher, overnight soak in a solution of dish soap, etc. It now appears to me that the only fix is a mechanical one, but the blades, tools, etc. are mounted with a rivet (read: non-adjustable) going through.

Any ideas?

thx - cpr

 

[parnass]

I sold my ST-1 Schrade Tough (to open) Tool for the same reason -- the individual blades were too tough to open and they clumped badly. I kept the tool well lubed and the action did not improve after repeated use. Saw no easy way to improve it due to the use of rivets.

I still own a Sears Craftsman version of the Schrade ST-5 and its blades are only slightly easier to open, but they clump together too.

Good luck.

 

[orca8589]

Parnass - thanks for the reply. Mine has sentimental value as my wife gave it to me, so I'll hold on to it and see if someday someone comes up with a solution. People are really impressed with the 'balisong' effect with it's one-handed opening. Mine came with a nice leather sheath that works for a Schrade 70-T or LB-7, and a firestarter stick fit in too. Kind of a nice combo.

I found out that these were made with a small round washer-type spring that puts a LOT of tension on the blades. I guess that's where the tightness originated.

thx - cpr