Picklock with side to side blade play

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Vagabund
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Picklock with side to side blade play

Post by Vagabund »

I have a rostfrei stamped picklock with a slip-in spring, probably made in the late 60s.
It has a notable side-to-side blade play. The distance between the locking pin and the blade spine seems to a little too much, maybe a half a milimeter.
I had a few transitional stilettos with the same issue. I believe, this is how some of this knives came from the factory.
I dissempled the knife and cleaned the parts, now I am thinking about how to solve this problem. Any suggestion?
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sammy the blade
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Re: Picklock with side to side blade play

Post by sammy the blade »

Good luck with it!
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john
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Re: Picklock with side to side blade play

Post by john »

I just had a thought. Would a paper thin washer on each side of the blade help to stop side to side movement :?:
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Picklock with side to side blade play

Post by Bill DeShivs »

We generally refer to that as "up/down" movement.
Replacing the pivot pin with on that is exact size may help. If not, you will have to move metal on either the blade or backspring-depending on how you want the blade to sit. Locking pins can be peened in the direction needed, backsprings can be lengthened by stretching, and metal can be moved on the blade.
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Vagabund
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Re: Picklock with side to side blade play

Post by Vagabund »

To make it clear: it has left-right and vice versa movement. Sure, peening the locking pin would solve the problem, but without heat it would only damage the blade. A complete resoftening and hardening will be necassery afterwards.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Picklock with side to side blade play

Post by Bill DeShivs »

I have never used heat to peen a locking pin. It's a non-issue.
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jerryk25
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Re: Picklock with side to side blade play

Post by jerryk25 »

I thought micro taps will peen while hard taps will fracture work hardened metal.
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Re: Picklock with side to side blade play

Post by Bill DeShivs »

No- it all does the same thing. These parts aren't work-hardened.
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