Cybertool lite LED module without snap?

[Simon_Templar]

Greetings fellow knights,

Just got my Cybertool lite and like it a lot. However, I noticed that the LED/mag layer lacks snap. The mag's snap is ok after oiling it a bit - less than my Explorer and Champ, but acceptable. However, the LED module (clear housing) has almost no snap at all, meaning you have to push the module all the way back into the knife. It stays in the knife all right and you cannot shake it open or anything, but it does not snap back by itself when (partially) opened. It does not feel broken per se, but I am used to SAK tools snapping back into the knife's body by themselves. Did I receive a lemon or is this the LED module's normale behaviour?

Many thanks for your help,

Simon

[Max Stone]

Hi Simon. It’s a bit of hit-and-miss. I have 5 Lite models across the range (one clear) and the snap is poor on all of them, but they all stay closed. And you only lift the module to change the batteries so I’m not stressed.

I suspect that as the pivot area is plastic, it will never be as smooth as a stainless steel tool, and will be affected more by heat and dirt.

I still want to look at a mod, slotting the plastic pivot so when the LED is rotated upwards you can lift it off the pivot, to clean the SAK or use the LED independently. But will mean a rebuild...

[kamakiri]

Older modules have a 'clip' on the tail end and should have a weak, but positive 'pop' into place.  Newer modules, both gray and clear move the spring very little, but should still be retained in the closed position from light spring pressure.  I wouldn't say any of them have any 'snap' to them.

[Simon_Templar]

Thanks very much for your replies, Max and kamakiri. I guess I will just have to live with it then.

(...) And you only lift the module to change the batteries so I’m not stressed.

I suspect that as the pivot area is plastic, it will never be as smooth as a stainless steel tool, and will be affected more by heat and dirt.

(...)

I am just worried the module might open inadvertently in the pocket given there isn't anything to hold it back in the knife if something gets caught in the LED module's nail nick. Well, we will see.

Interesting theory about the plastic pivot area, but I don't think that can be the (only) reason for the LED module's lack of tension given that the magnifier's snap is very similar to the steel tools' one. I bought the Cybertool new by the way, so we can exclude any wear and tear as being responsible for the LED module's lack of snap.

I still want to look at a mod, slotting the plastic pivot so when the LED is rotated upwards you can lift it off the pivot, to clean the SAK or use the LED independently. But will mean a rebuild...

That would be cool, like the removable saw of the rescue tool. I for one would certainly want one.

[Max Stone]

The snap is dependent on the length of the tool, the tension on the spring, the lever action created by the shape of the tool’s pivot area, the ‘stop’ being either a hard stop or on the pivot, and how free the tool is between the liners.

The Vic engineers may have selected a low tension on the LED module as it’s electronic and not a tool that needs a snap in the ‘deployed’ position. I don’t think there’s a risk of accidental opening unless you really get it hooked on a loop of thread or something. You can file off the nail nick and still pull it up from the switch if you’re worried about snags.

On the remove mod, will lose some tension on the inline Phillips while the LED is out. Need to get a donor to try this out...

[Simon_Templar]

The Vic engineers may have selected a low tension on the LED module as it’s electronic and not a tool that needs a snap in the ‘deployed’ position.

True, it could just be a deliberate design decision to have no snap. This would also explain why the older modules had that small clip to hook them into the knife. Still, given that Vic has removed that clip in the newer version, they could at the same time have added at least enough snap to pull the LED module back into the knife if opened just a tiny bit.

It feels really weird (almost a bit disturbing) to have a SAK tool without any of that characteristic snap for which SAKs are famous (and which even Vic themselves advertise as one way to distinguish a genuine SAK from a fake one...)

[Régis-Joël Charnay]

I have all models with led and the latest have no clip but it works perfectly without risk of opening

[Simon_Templar]

I have all models with led and the latest have no clip but it works perfectly without risk of opening

Thanks, that's good to know. I guess my copy of the CT is not faulty then and I will just have to get used to it. The CT lite as such is nicer than I thought: the LED illuminates not only the bit driver but also the large blade, which could facilitate cutting jobs in dark surroundings. Very nice

[kamakiri]

Agree with others that there is no problem with the module opening unintentionally.  At least it never happens with mine.

The thing I would change or re-engineer is the switch button. If I'm slipping it into a tight pocket or pouch, there is a chance that the switch will turn on.  I don't think the top of the switch needs to be as 'grippy' as it is.  I would prefer 'innie' vs. 'outie' texture wise.

[Simon_Templar]

Swell, now I have another thing to worry about

[kamakiri]

Swell, now I have another thing to worry about

I was only trying to exchange what you'd worry about, not add to the list. 


Utter fail.