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If you’re looking to fix your bent pocket knife clip, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll show you the steps and talk about different clips and their pros and cons. By the end, you’ll know how to fix that bent clip and know which clip will best suit your carry style.
Fixing a bent pocket knife clip is quite simple, really. Remove the screws, bend the clip, replace the screws, and you’re done. Apply best practices, such as keeping your screws in a bowl and applying small bends, and you’ll have your knife and its clip like new in no time.
We’ll explain it all in three easy steps in this article. We’ll also throw in some tips on avoiding a bent clip and on how you can ensure you never lose that cherished pocket knife. Fixing a bent clip isn’t difficult, but you’ll want to avoid an incorrect bend – which is one of the reasons you should keep reading.
If you are interested in checking out different amazing Victorinox knives you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
How to Fix a Bent Pocket Knife Clip?
If you hit your bent clip with a hammer to straighten it out, you’ll probably end up damaging the working parts of your knife. So before you resort to that, give these easy steps a go and see if you can get your pocket clip looking like the day she left the shop.
Step 1: Which Screws Your Pocket Knife Uses
The first thing you’ll have to do is determine which screws your pocket knife uses. Different manufacturers will use different screws, but most commonly, you’ll find Hex (Allen), Torx, Phillips, or Flatheads on your knife.
Once you’ve got the right screwdriver in hand, check the bend to see whether it’s a simple bend (more easily fixed), or a twist as well (these can be more tricky).
Assemble the necessary tools, which include the right-sized screwdrivers; two sets of pliers; a clean, flat surface; and a bowl to place the screws in (the last thing you want to do is crawl around on the floor looking for screws).
Make sure to collect all the screwdrivers you’ll need – fixing the clip only takes a few minutes and you don’t want to prolong the exercise with frequent trips back to the toolbox or garage.
Remove the screws securing the pocket clip and put them in the bowl. Be very careful not to drop any, as knife screws can be quite small sometimes.
If you drop one on a dirty workshop floor or even a thick carpet, you may never see it again. Consider using a Magnetic screwdriver set (Amazon link) which will reduce your chance of dropping that tiny screw.
Once you’ve got all the screws out, it’s time to remove the clip. If it’s stuck, check very carefully for more screws before you try to pull it out. You might have missed one, and forcing the clip out could do even more damage.
Step 2: Choose the Proper Tool
Make sure to keep using the bowl for all the knife parts you remove, just to be safe. Now it’s time to get the pliers out. You can use any type of pliers as long as they’re small enough to get a proper grip on the clip.
You can never go wrong with a trusty Leatherman Multi-Tool (Amazon link) if you need a good portable set of pliers.
Grab the clip by the curvature (on the side that attaches to the knife) with a set of pliers held in your weaker hand. With the other set of pliers in your strong hand, bend the clip as close to the curvature as possible.
Try not to bend the middle of the clip (the part that should still be straight), but bend it as close to where it attaches to the knife as possible.
Bending the clip near the middle could result in a ‘bowed’ clip, which will cause the clip to be less effective.
After applying the bend, check it against the knife (don’t reattach it unless you have to). You should be able to tell whether the clip is better now. Keep bending and checking until the pocket clip sits securely against the knife once more.
Step 3: Fix a Bent Pocket Knife Clip
Check that the clip’s lowermost point touches the knife and that the middle of the clip is as straight as possible (a very slight bow is acceptable).
This will ensure that the clip doesn’t make contact with your pocket in just one place but across the surface of the clip (which is what you want).
When you reach this point, your pocket knife clip is ready to be reattached. Take one screw at a time and carefully and gently screw your clip back onto the knife.
Make sure each screw is tightened securely to reduce the likelihood of losing your knife. No point fixing the clip if the screws all fall out, right?
Don’t over-tighten the screws either. You could damage the screw head and thread, which will complicate future repairs on your knife clip. If that happens, you may need to take a drill to your dear knife (to get bad screws out), and it may never be the same after that.
Now that your pocket knife is all in one piece again, it’s time to test it. Clip it into your pocket, onto your belt – whatever you usually do – and make sure it’s a tight, secure fit.
Shake your pocket, whack the knife gently, and see that it doesn’t slip out or fall out even with active movement. If it doesn’t fit snugly, remove the clip and try again. It’s better than having to replace a lost knife.
Some clips will only need one set of pliers and your hand to bend. However different manufacturers will have different types of steel used in their knife clips.
Using a set of pliers and your hand will also reduce the amount of control you have on where you bend the clip. If you can, always use two sets of pliers. Otherwise, it’s okay to follow the below video’s advice and use only one.
TIP: Victorinox pocket knives are one of the most popular pocket knives in the world. Find out how to keep your Victorinox pocket knife sharp in the article below:
6 Care Tips on How To Keep A Victorinox Knife Sharp
How to Prevent Bending of a Pocket Knife Clip?
They say prevention is better than cure – and we agree. That’s why it makes perfect sense to try to prevent bending your pocket knife clip in the first place. Here are three valuable tips for you.
Tip1: Carry Your Knife Correctly
Carry your pocket knife wisely. Carrying the knife on the outside of your pocket – clip in – could cause the clip to bend over time, as there’s more weight on it.
What’s more, you also increase the chances of catching the knife on obstacles (such as a seatbelt when entering/exiting a vehicle) and possibly bending the clip.
To reduce the risk of this, carry the knife on the inside of your pocket with the clip facing out. You’ll be less likely to catch it on something, and it’ll be more concealed at the same time – a double win.
No matter how you carry your knife, check for bends as often as possible. Try checking the clip before and after carrying your pocket knife.
If you ever see the clip bending away from the knife at all, fix it immediately. If you can’t, switch knives until you can. It’s not worth losing a knife.
Tip 2: Treat Your Knife Right
Avoid using your clip to attach your knife to things it shouldn’t be attached to. For example, overly thick belts, that handy tree branch while you’re busy with something.
The fence while you’re out and about – always keep it securely in your pocket, and avoid the back pocket when you can (forgetting about the knife and sitting down may bend that clip as well).
Tip 3: Invest In A Better Clip
It might also be worth investing in a better pocket clip for a more secure carry. There are a variety of pocket clips available (Amazon link). Regular clips allow easy access to your knife, but the clip pinches your pocket higher up.
The deep carry clip grabs on deeper in the pocket for a more secure fit. Another clip worth mentioning is the milled clip, which is less prone to bending, normally constructed from tougher materials.
The milled clips can also come in a variety of custom designs, adding extra flair to your knife.
TIP: Lubricating your pocket knife can add years to its lifetime. Find out how to do it and what lubricants to use in the article below:
Lubricating a Pocket Knife in Three Steps: Can You Use WD-40?
BTW: If you want to know more about Japanese and other knives and their sharpening, check out the books listed above. These books are recommended by professional sharpeners and knife makers (Amazon links):
- Japanese Kitchen Knives: Essential Techniques and Recipes
- The Knifenerd Guide to Japanese Knives
- Knife: The Culture, Craft, and Cult of the Cook’s Knife
- Sharp: The Definitive Introduction to Knives, Sharpening, and Cutting Techniques, with Recipes from Great Chefs
Selection Criteria for Pocket Knife Clips
Choosing the right pocket knife clip is crucial as it significantly impacts your pocket knife’s user experience, security, and longevity. Here are several factors to consider when selecting a pocket knife clip to ensure it meets your needs and preferences:
Material and Construction
The material of the clip is a pivotal factor as it determines the durability and resilience of the clip. Common materials include stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum, each offering different levels of strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Evaluate the construction quality of the clip, ensuring it is robust and well-made to withstand regular use without deforming or breaking.
- Stainless Steel: Offers a balance between strength and flexibility but may be prone to corrosion.
- Titanium: Known for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties but can be less flexible.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion but may lack the strength of other materials.
Compatibility and Installation
Ensure the chosen clip is compatible with your pocket knife model to avoid any fitting issues. The clip should align well with the knife’s mounting holes and should not interfere with the knife’s operation. Installation should be straightforward, with the clip securely attached to the knife without excessive play or movement. Consider clips that come with the necessary mounting hardware and clear installation instructions.
Design and Functionality
The clip’s design should complement the knife’s aesthetic while serving its functional purpose effectively. Consider the clip’s tension, length, and curvature, as these factors influence how securely the knife attaches to your pocket and how easy it is to access. Opt for a design that provides a firm grip on the pocket material without being overly tight or difficult to slide on and off.
Carry Options and Positioning
Evaluate the clip’s carry options, such as tip-up or tip-down carry, and whether it allows for ambidextrous use. The positioning of the clip should be conducive to your preferred carry style and should not impede the comfort or accessibility of the knife. Some clips offer multiple mounting positions, allowing users to customize the carry orientation to their liking.
User Preference and Lifestyle
Your personal preferences and lifestyle significantly affect selecting the right clip. Consider how and where you intend to use the knife, and select a clip that aligns with your needs. For instance, opt for a low-profile, deep carry clip if you prioritize discreet carry. A standard clip with moderate tension may be more suitable if you value ease of access.
Selecting the right pocket knife clip involves careful consideration of various factors, including material, compatibility, design, carry options, and personal preferences. By paying attention to these criteria, you can find a clip that enhances your pocket knife’s functionality, convenience, and enjoyment, ensuring a seamless and satisfying user experience.
Conclusion
Pocket knives hold great value for every individual knife owner. Much like an extra limb, our pocket knives serve a different purpose to each of us. Thus the knowledge on how to fix a pocket knife clip (and maintain it) is invaluable.
Remember to check your knife clip before and after every use. It only takes a few seconds and can prevent you from losing that cherished knife – whether it’s a simple, practical knife or an expensive heirloom piece.
Fix problems as soon as you spot them and enjoy peace of mind with your everyday carry.
TIP: The most important part of all knives is the blade. And the blade always needs to be sharp to give you the best performance. Check out the best sharpeners for pocket knives in the article below:
The 4 Best Knife Sharpeners For Pocket Knives
