Thread: Torx screw etc pivot pin question

I don't own any razors that have the torx screw style "adjustable" pivot pin design. Glen had mentioned in his Hart Razor review that such a design makes for necessary retightening, etc.

Can anyone share opinions on whether or not lock tite, or other thread locking substances would work on locking down a screw type pivot pin? Don't they make different strength's of lock tite? If the "permanent" type was used, would the flex of the razor eventually work the screw loose in the bolt?

Info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Chris L

I personally do not see the need for screws to hold a razor together. Pins do their job amazingly well and remain tight for decades if done correctly. One can always tighten them with a spoon if need be. Torx stuff is alright, but is it really necessary? For me no. YMMY.

Take Care,
Richard

Chris,

Henkel does indeed make different formulations of Loctite. In fact, the have far more types then I realized. Here is the link to see the Loctite threadlocking products.

I use barrel pivots with Torx screws on many of my razors. I like them. I have found that if the barrel doesn't extend into the scales, the screws sometimes work themselves loose as you open and close the razor. If the barrels go into the scales, then there doesn't seem to be any twisting on the screws and they stay put.

If I was having Torx screws come loose, I would (and have) used the type of Loctite that you can remove if you need to.

Yes locktite works just fine, I use the Permatex (blue) medium to lock in torx and other screws that find there way onto razors...

But I echo the sentiments that Richard does too,, with one question WHY??? I understand that for awhile everyone thought that all the adjustables were way cool but, I am not sure if you noticed but I don't think one of us Restorers still uses them, unless they are specifically requested...
They just don't work as well as the old fashioned peened pins IMHO...

Just for some adjustable pin love, I'll say that for a newbie they're great. I used them on several of my first attempts at restorations and they do the job easily. They're also useful when doing mock ups. I always hand tightened mine and never used Loctite.

That being said, I posted a few threads detailing my recent endeavors in peening and now that I have the materials and am comfortable with the process, I'm replacing all my adjustable pins with peened rod.

I would be careful with strong or permanent locking agents - generally these are quite permanent (meaning, you'd break the tools or the screws before unlocking). Lightest one might work.

I've also heard of nail polish been used to lock down screws. After tightening, apply minute amount on the bolthead, not in the threads before. And don't let the SWMBO see you having a rummage in her makeup bag . However, I don't know how permanent it would be or how it would work on razor.

For some people the adjustables are a blessing. I have several who request an adjustable just because they even suck at using a spoon to tighten a loose pivot. It's no big deal to tighten the torx or adjustable screw once in a while if needed with the correct sized tool. I use the blue colored threadlocker which works great.

But I only use them if requested and will sometimes use them for the third pin as those never gets loose if tightened and adhered properly.

adjustable pins, done right, work at least as well (and in my opinion) better than the best "true pin" system. The great thing about using good ol' fashioned pinning is that it's very inexpensive and requires no torx driver. But the bad thing is that it's very, very difficult to disassemble the razor for any reason.

I'll do conventional pinning if someone requests it, but I always advise them that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages by a wide margin.

But that's just me. There are advantages and disadvantages to everything and, frankly, in this case, the only disadvantage to adjustable pins is that if they aren't made right, they're hard to adjust or tend to work loose and they cost more than a bunch of 1/16" brass rod and #0 washers. And if you want to throw a wrench in for the user, then it's more pennies again. For people who are trying to pinch pennies, classic pinning is the way to go. The advantages of adjustable pins are that when done right, they'll give you exactly the amount of tension you want whenever you want without any banging on them with spoons or worrying about bent pins, which are VERY common in pinned razors and you can diassemble the razor for cleaning inside and out or swap scales without ever damaging the scales or razor. YMMV

Naturally the question that begs to be answered is what is "done right" ????
and of course when it leaves your hands and the end user takes it apart is it still "done right" ????

So far the only system that I have seen that looks pretty impressive in adjustable pins is the Feather AC system... Warning: DO NOT lose those little springs though when you take it apart......

Again this is all just my opinion and I guess 200+ years of razor makers using one system...

I'm a pinning neophyte.

Most of mine have screws, etc. As Robert says, bend pins are my personal bugaboo. I sent one razor out, that was nice and tight, but apparently the pins was bent. After the customer used it, it wasn't closing right, and chewed up the edge. He sent the razor back to me dissatisfied.

Obvioulsy, that was my fault. But screws are, and stay nice and straight, are quite stiff stainless, which makes for nice repeatable opening and closing action. Also makes for nice mix-and match scales switching.

Both methods have strengths and weaknesses. Obviouly, for traditionalists, there is no question which way to go.