How can I soften the back spring on a Pioneer SAK Mod?

[Wessaen]

Hey all,

I just purchased a Bladeless Pioneer X mod off ebay and the back springs are tight enough that I'm afraid I'll loose a finger nail trying to open it.

Is there a fairly easy way for me to reduce the spring tension or am I SOL?

Was thinking of propping the tools open up at 1/3 position so that the spring is bent backwards on itself for a day or two to see if that might work but I also don't want to break it.

Thoughts?

-Wes.

[kottskrapa]

Maybe it's screwed to hard? Or it's the short springs that does it?

But I think the right answer will arrive shortly

[It's not failure if you learn something from it]

[Myron]

On some of my own mods when I've gotten the pins (screws in your case) too tight, the return snap is also lazy.  Is this the case with your knife, or does the return snap seem normal? 

Have you lubricated the joints with the proper oil?   When I've gotten older, used SAKs and the implements feel tight, a good cleaning and lubrication usually frees them up. 

[pomsbz]

Adjustable spanner (or vice) tightened on the thick unsharpened part of the blade/tool at the base. Hold firm and wiggle side to side relative to handle. Do it gently! Every few wiggles check the action. I've used this trick on a couple of knives including a SAK mod that I overtightened.

[Wessaen]

On some of my own mods when I've gotten the pins (screws in your case) too tight, the return snap is also lazy.  Is this the case with your knife, or does the return snap seem normal? 

Have you lubricated the joints with the proper oil?   When I've gotten older, used SAKs and the implements feel tight, a good cleaning and lubrication usually frees them up.

Return snap is great, I will try out some oil, then follow up with loosening the screws a bit and Pom's suggestion to work at the joint.

Thanks gents!

-Wes.

[T14]

Is there a fairly easy way for me to reduce the spring tension or am I SOL?

Easy is in the eyes of the beholder. If you have your wits about you then yes.

Was thinking of propping the tools open up at 1/3 position so that the spring is bent backwards on itself for a day or two to see if that might work...

This will not work. The spring will only experience elastic deformation during this process, which changes nothing.

Checklist:
Friction issues: Lateral friction caused by overtightening, or Mesial friction at the spring interface due to dirt and grime.
If dirty then clean
If unlubed then lube.
If problem persists then:

Disassemble and reduce spring tension by gently removing metal stock with a file at the interface nub. This can be done to the tool or to the spring, although I recommend working on the spring. The principle is that by reducing the displacement from spring neutral you reduce the spring tension to desired levels.
It is paramount to go slow, and reassemble often to check that the spring tension is reduced "just enough". If you overdo it then you have ruined at least one part. And make sure to keep your grind square to the sides. Trust me, it is important 

-T