All,

I bought a Mini-Griptillian about 2 months ago. Today I noticed that there is no more spring tension in the "locking bar" (for lack of a better term). Its like the spring is busted.

I did a bit of research and I didn't see a review or comment about this happening to this knife.

Anyone familiar with this issue?

I sent an email off to Benchmade and they mentioned that I should return the knife for repair. But has anyone did the repair on their own? Difficult? It would be cheaper to buy a new knife then to have this one shipped back to the states (reversed through customs here), fixed, then re-shipped back here and pay duty again (usually it doesn't happen, but if paperwork isn't 110% correct you gotta pay).

Kris

There should be two springs. Did both springs break? I'd discuss the shipping issue with Benchmade. Since they are the source of the springs, you'd need to go through them to fix it yourself as I don't know where you can otherwise get them. I've never broken an axis lock spring, but IIRC Benchmade is not big on customers dismantling their knives. Good luck, keep us informed.

I *think* both broke... the locking post just floats around and no tension on either side. The blade will open freely too (didn't know that the locking bar is what provided the tension of keeping the blade closed too). Its now in my bag as I can't pocket carry or even use.

I asked BM about the part and fixing it myself due to the cost associated with shipping, customs, etc. If it turns out thats my only option, i'd probably buy a new knife. I can't justify 60-70 bucks to send a knife in for repair (and back again, plus duty on it - again, etc).

We'll see what happens.

I'm not sure if things are just strange in the Caribbean but it would be really strange for you to get charged duty if the box were labeled appropriately. All they need to do is put 'warranty repair' on the customs paper work. To get charged duty, they would have to actually submit paperwork stating that you paid for the knife again...which is false and could be contested (I've done it)

Its happened in the past, where I had items sent off island for waranty repair (have to go through lots of paperwork to get it done), then when it comes back still have to pay duty on it (even with everything filled in correctly). Typical island saying is, "no worries". Holds true to everything. Contest all you like, your up against people who are holding the parcel you want, therefore its their rules. I have contested before, but doesn't matter. Now, this usually happens 1/2 the times I send stuff off for repair. I don't do it anymore for this reason.

Keep in mind, its a line to wait in to get the paperwork done and all that it entails. So, I would have to take 2-4 hours off of work just to get that done. By that stage, its just not worth it.

Kris

That sucks. Shipping between Canada and the US has gotten remarkably better in the past 5 years. I used to dread it and now as long as I don't have to deal with UPS, it's pretty hassle free.

Yeah... when you purchase something (from whereever), its ok. But when there's a problem (warentee repair), thats when things get messed up here.

Update:
Benchmade emailed back and shipping the springs free of charge to me.

Question:
What tools do i need to take apart a mini-grip?

Why not get a Benchmade BlueBox Service Kit Pocket Tool Set. Something I should probably get too.

hummmm... wish the guys emailing me back from benchmade mentioned that! I would of bought one!

I have seen little kits that appeared to be exactly like that, 'cept in orange, near the checkout in hardware stores for 'bout $3 or so...

Kris,
You're wise to do the repair yourself. Benchmade is good, they'll ship parts to you and they'll also fix the knife if you send it in, BUT..... it costs shipping both ways, insurance, and most importantly at least 3 weeks time, more like 4. I know... I have experience with sending and receiving knives from them. They're honorable but busy.

All you need is a torx set, probably a #10 for the pivot and smaller one for the frame screws. A good place to get the Torx set is at Home Depot... I have one that costs about $6 and has all the sizes needed to work on knives.
Husky HD-74502 V. It has sizes #4 through #10 and a #15. You can look it up on the internet to see what it looks like if you want one of those.

The Axis springs are ridiculously simple to remove and install. When you get the knife apart, you'll see what I mean. I recommend NOT taking it apart until your new springs arrive (so everything will be fresh in your mind as you do it). Take care that you set the washers apart in a manner that you can remember to put them back in exactly as they came out.

It's so easy it will surprise you. Good luck.

ON EDIT: With some exceptions, folding knives are simple devices... they're just one step up from fixed blades!!

Benchmade's policy of voiding the warranty because the knife was taken apart worries alot of people. The biggest problem is the washers. They're designed to go in one way and on one side only. In alot of knives, one washer is larger in diameter and thicker than the other, usually on the side that must resist pressure from the lock or bearing. And in some knives, there are more than 1 washer on each side, each designed to go in a certain way. So...take care when removing and replacing the washers. I don;t worry about their warranty policy when it comes to taking the knife apart. The biggest concern here is that you'll take it apart to clean it or something and then later a different problem will arise and the warranty will be voided. Don;t worry about that, their warranty is to prevent people taking the knife apart and then not getting it back together correctly, then complaining because it's not smooth, or the blade is off-center in the frame, etc.

OBG & Stretch,

Thanks for those tips. I'll be on the look out for some torx bits (fyi: one torx bit on a the swiss tool rachet set fits the pivot - 1/2 way there!).

Kris

Once you get your new springs, there is a pretty useful diagram of how the springs go in right here on this site: http://www.equipped.org/pop_up_axis_lock.htm.

Just got the springs and fixed up the knife.

Its a simple basic repair, but getting those washers and knife blade to line up so you can slide the pivot through is a pain (really mean that... lets just say you can tell i just sharpened the blade)!!!!!

Anyways... easy fix. Thinking back, I should have asked for a few more springs.

Standard knifemakers trick - duct tape the blade, or tape some cardboard to the blade. Makes things a TAD safer

Of course I didn't do that... i was too excited to get the springs and get my knife back in working condition!!!!!