Thread: Pivot pin too tight

Just a minor problem I'd like to seek advice about.
I have a Boker King Cutter that is way too tight on the pivot.
Lately, for some reason, the pivot seems to have gotten tighter than previous to point where it's become dangerous to change the angle of the scales while shaving. Slippy hands etc.
Any quick tips to loosen the pivot pin that doesn't involve removing the pin or cause any damage would be appreciated.
Edit: Apologies if this thread is in the wrong place. :/

It doesn't make sense to me that a mechanical pivot point would become tighter unless the pin became bent, or something got into the mechanism that adds friction.

- Dropped or kinked or stressed the pin area lately? I doubt it...
- Gotten anything gummy into the pin area?

Maybe, clean it really good with soapy water? But, admittedly, I'm stabbing in the dark here.

Moved to the Workshop !!!

And I agree with Larry, but would try a drop of WD-40 in the pivot to clean it out...

The razor hasn't been dropped by me since I had it, but since you (LarryAndro) mention a bent pin, it does jog my memory to when I accidentally squeezed the scales together while closing the blade. Fortunately, I stopped short of catching the bevel.
Is it possible I could have effected the pivot then?
Being a straight n00b I was wondering if the pivot tightening over time wasn't particularly unusual (although common sense tells me the opposite would be more likely) and that someone may have a neat tip to share.

btw...the WD-40 eased the pivot somewhat.

I have never had one tighten up, other then excatly what Larry and I pointed out from gunk/corrosion...
But as I always say never say never when it comes to razors because one will prove ya wrong every time

If you squeezed the scales, it's possible that the scales have simply gotten bound on the pin. I doubt that finger pressure would deform a brass pin.

Is the pin standing out from the scale a little more than it used to? It will feel rougher especially if one side or the other is the one that moved.

But I have no problem voting for gunk or crud that is acting like glue.

The fix I'd try would be to find some thin shims. Very thin, on the order of 0.005 and see if you can slip that in between the scale and the blade tang. If there's junk in there the shim will help push it out. If the shim goes in tight, check to see if the other side is a little looser. If you have one side compressed down on to the pin a thin wedge like object may help pop it back up on the pin and loose the action some.

I've had gunk make a pivot feel tight. Use a bit of floss to get in there and weasel any crap out of it. Those floss picks are pretty good for that.

I've had one tighten up because of rust. It makes sense b/c rust has a higher volume than the original metal. If its rust it should prolly be noticeable, though.

Sorta off topic, but your hands should never get slippery while shaving. It is dangerous, even for just "normal shaving" activities. Keep them dry and lather free at all times.

RicTic,

If it won't stain the scales, try a few drops of synthetic motor (engine) oil on the pivot, and carefully work it a bit.

The motor oil contains detergents and if there is any build up around the pivot pin, it should help shift it.

Just be very, very careful, and also remove all excess oil afterwards !!!

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ