Victorinox Spirit - the pliers do not fully open

z1913 · **on:** January 10, 2026, 04:43:32 PM

I got an used Vic Spirit. When I open the pliers, it opens to approx 2,5cm and then the handles disengage and start to fold. Is it normal? I did not have Spirit before.
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It is possible to fully extend the jaws when pressing the jaws directly.
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I tried to clean it and lubricate it but it remains the same. Can you somehow tighten the handles? Thanks!

IMR4198 · **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2026, 05:15:31 PM

Friend Z, you seem to be having bad luck with your recent used purchases. You have to figure that a good portion of the things for sale used are offered because there is something wrong with them. Not all, of course. At least you can send the thing back to Victorinox as a last effort.
Best wishes. G

nate j · **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2026, 05:34:05 PM

Hopefully someone who actually owns a Spirit will chime in. But here are my initial thoughts:
1. This is not normal.
2. Tightening the handle probably isn’t something I would personally attempt, especially if it isn’t noticeably loose. It is pinned together, so I think you would have to press or peen it to tighten, and it would be easy to overdo it.
3. The plier head looks pretty crudded up. I wonder if the real issue isn’t stiffness/junk in the plier head, as opposed to the handle being too loose. If you haven’t already, I would focus cleaning and lubrication efforts on the plier head.
4. Perhaps worst case, you could either use it as is, or as Gary says, send it back to Vic.

Antti Lammi · **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2026, 06:14:56 PM

Thats not normal for Spirit, i have 2 Spirits and they dont do that, i would return it or sendit for warranty to get it fixed.

z1913 · **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2026, 07:14:00 PM

Thank you all, I will send it for repair.

madfishcat · **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2026, 07:36:00 PM

My spirit pliers open to 3.4 centimeters. But they're over 20 years old and have been working all that time. If you're interested, I'll get one just like yours out of the drawer and try it on.

Basically, in my experience, unless it's a mechanical imbalance, you risk noticeable play in the pliers after cleaning.

z1913 · **Reply #6 on:** January 11, 2026, 08:46:58 AM

Quote from: IMR4198 on January 10, 2026, 05:15:31 PM

Friend Z, you seem to be having bad luck with your recent used purchases.

The items in question were part of lot of knives I recently bought. I bought them because they contained other items I wanted so these other knives and tools are kind of collateral damage I have to deal with now…
But actually the Mountaineer I asked in the other SAK thread, loosened up nicely and is in solid working condition now!
So hopefully this Spirit will follow the same path - only with Vic support. Other than the pliers not fully opening the tool seems to be in very good condition - no play in the head, all implements seem to be almost unused. So I keep my fingers crossed.

IMR4198 · **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2026, 12:51:59 PM

Quote from: z1913 on January 11, 2026, 08:46:58 AM

The items in question were part of lot of knives I recently bought. I bought them because they contained other items I wanted so these other knives and tools are kind of collateral damage I have to deal with now…
But actually the Mountaineer I asked in the other SAK thread, loosened up nicely and is in solid working condition now!
So hopefully this Spirit will follow the same path - only with Vic support. Other than the pliers not fully opening the tool seems to be in very good condition - no play in the head, all implements seem to be almost unused. So I keep my fingers crossed.

That makes sense. Items bought as a lot often include good and bad. The good news is you put your Mountaineer in good condition with just a little work and soon will have the Spirit working as well. Victorinox service is legendary. Best wishes. G

PS I think everyone might like to see a picture of your nice Mountaineer if you find time. G

Farmer X · **Reply #8 on:** January 11, 2026, 04:17:45 PM

Quote from: IMR4198 on January 11, 2026, 12:51:59 PM

Items bought as a lot often include good and bad.

That is so true. My Rover (which is in good order) came in a lot that also included a badly beaten inexpensive Japanese lockback whose blade can be disengaged as if it were a slip joint.

I think that sending the Spirit off for warranty work is the best option, especially since my experience with Victorinox's repair department was positive. Good luck with it!