How to Disassemble the Spyderco Manix 2 - Flytanium Cage Lock Installation

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[@hovan2yourjunk]

Do you think taking it apart the other direction (clip side scale/liner) would address the issue of lining up the shouldered pivot?

[@metal_complex]

Probably! That's a great point! I'll pin this.

[@hovan2yourjunk]

Metal Complex Ordering 2 of these now...thanks for the video!

[@andrewemerson9319]

That’s what I was going to suggest.

[@NoahFriedman]

That's what I did and it was much easier. 👍

[@smalltimeedc6845]

I just bought a manix 2 last night and the lock is super stiff and sticks a bit before engaging. Would a new cage help this? I'm too nervous to do it myself so maybe a place to send it in?

[@JoshuaCairns]

Thanks for this video! I've had this knife for 14 or 15 years and I'm reasonably certain that it was assembled incorrectly at Spyderco. My wife got me the hollow ground model and sent it to me when I was in the Army. I had great difficulty getting the knife open and the locking mechanism was jammed and the knife couldn't be closed. At the time my only option was to toss the knife or baton it closed, which caused the ball cage to wishbone. I couldn't get help or replacement parts from Spyderco and when I got home the knife ended up in my box of misfit knives. I saw the Flytanium cage lock and bought it last week, and after assembling it incorrectly a couple times and running into the same problems I had years ago I started watching videos. I watched two other videos before yours where their techniques just didn't work. So, thanks! I feel like I found a much-wanted present that's been lost in a closet for over a decade!

[@DZNTZ]

Thanks so much! I’m one of the guys who appreciates watching all the little steps in real time. One helpful hint I discovered - to rotate the pivot (to get the flat oriented correctly) I just put the clip side pivot screw in and used it to rotate the pivot. I also used a Screws4You lanyard tube so I didn’t have to mess with press fitting the original. As a bonus, the Manix with copper scales is now also a perfect doorstop, or wheel chock. It is a lil heavy, but I don’t mind.

[@scottgilmore2421]

For the lanyard tube installation I use a 1 inch long 1/4 x 20 wing bolt and wing nut and two large washers and just tighten them up. Works like a charm!

[@guerillamike5150]

First off... I want to thank you whole heartedly. I have many, many, many spyderco's and have always avoided the manix because of the plastic ball cage. Once I became aware of the flytanium ball cage, I figured that was the answer to my problem but I still had very little knowledge of how to disassemble the ball lock without encountering a horror story. Enter Metal Complex... I watched a couple other videos and felt like yours was the best. I watched over and over again. Once I was confident, I purchased a manix 2, titanium ball cage and titanium scales. While I was waiting for them to arrive, I watched this video at least a dozen more times. Finally, I sat down and scrubbed in. It was so easy. I was able to replay your video in my head and because you were honest about your mistakes, I had none. No spring loss, no flying ball, nothing. I know this was a bit long winded but now I have a beautiful titanium manix and I'd like to thank you for helping me build it.

[@metal_complex]

That's awesome! So glad to hear it helped! 👍👍

[@lelandphill4408]

So where can these ball cages be purchased? The place that makes them are out of stock. And I have my first spyderco Manix 2 coming from blade hq in 5 days.

[@cjanquart]

@@lelandphill4408 Just bought a Manix 2, scales, sharpener, ball cage and scales from Blade HQ. Course I didn't even think about a replacement clip but there's always the next order...

[@cjanquart]

It really helps when you have a good overview of the process and know what the possible trouble areas are, as well as having all the tools at the ready. Even if you know what is or not under spring tension you still can have flying parts, but good on you for avoiding that fate (better lucky than good?). So, I just need to memorize the video? :D

[@lelandphill4408]

Chris Janquart the cage was tricky getting nested back in . I didn’t have any issues removing& changing the scales ,( just take your time .) I watched it again as I was doing it . I got the cage from a site based in Canada ( found the only green one before the restock.) and put a lynch clip directly from the makers site.) my Manix 2 and pm2 are definitely my fav knives I have. Congrats on your purchase and upgrades . Let me know how it goes. 🤘🏼

[@dashcamcalifornia5003]

This was very helpful. I found taking my Manix apart very easy because I watched several of your videos along with some other folks. Had my prepared for some of the pain points and made it very easy🤘got some nice brass scales and brass ball cage installed now and it took me less time than watching this video did! Really appreciate you breaking the process down 🙏🙌

[@tkindschi]

A year and a half later.....this video is still saving people pain and heart ache. Just swapped out my ball cage, and your suggestions made is much less painful. (Only dropped the bearing twice, and managed to keep the spring in hand throughout). ;) Thanks!

[@peytonfedler5887]

do you know where i can change my plastic ball bearing for a metal one

[@metal_complex]

Like it says in the video, Flytanium

[@nimby3846]

Thanks MC, I have just done my second Manix up-grade, and it went smooth both times. Thanks to your video!

[@scottyh.6992]

I just received Flytanium cage locks for my Manix 2 and XL. Thanks for letting me know what I am getting into.

[@jayr526]

I sure wish I would have watched this before I took mine apart. But you have given me hope that I can get it back together and not have to pay Spyderco to do it. I'm not even sure that they would. Thank you so very much for posting this I hope you have a very merry Christmas

[@kevin6030]

Yes disassemble from the clip side for right hand carry this will eliminate the d shaped pivot issue

[@i6am6the6thorn]

Ordering my 3rd one now and ti cage lock to put in. Will watch again when it's time to do this. Thanks \m/

[@scottbrossman2086]

Thanks for the video. I got a brass cage for my cruwear manix and I've been waiting for you to do it before I tried lol. Thanks for all the info. I'll be trying mine tonight. Great video. I like your scale too.

[@scottbrossman2086]

The video definitely helped a lot. Unfortunately I just the idea to take it apart from the other side but I got it all back together with hardly any cursing lol. Thanks for the help. I felt more confident with the video playing in the background. I think the brass cage looks great with the black scales.

[@NativeTexMexican]

You should release a directors cut with all the cursing and whatnot on IG...😄

[@fulltangbushcraft6382]

Mothers mag polish , polished the heck outta the ball and blade contact points and omg its amazing now!!!

[@JT-qf8rl]

The struggle was real 😂 I'm glad videos like these are made, very relatable and helpful Entertaining as well Great job 👍

[@pulse381]

Killin me man...got brass scales because of your original scale install video, but now I'm digging the grey w the DLC lol

[@adamsower]

Thanks dude it totally helped me out. I installed the pivot with the D side first seemed way easier.

[@SteveKluver]

Very good! Thank you, for sharing your frustration. : - ) I made a special tool, for putting the scales back on, around the lanyard tube. It's a pair of 'C' clamp vise-grips, with swivel padded feet (11SP). I have a pair of 1/8" thick PVC bushings glued onto the pads. That fit just to the outside of the lanyard tube, and squeeze it all back right into place. No hammer needed. : - ) But I work on a lot of these.

[@michaelschwinkendorf6704]

Just got me a new manix m390. Thanks for the vids as always! Very funny spring action btw 🤣

[@illmannered1]

I don't have a manix at the moment but if I remember correctly you can remove /install the blade by removing one scale/liner and pulling the lock down, but I'm not sure. If I'm right though, you should be able to get the lock and spacer fully attached and just pull the lock back to put the blade on, eliminating the complex series of movements trying to get the lock and blade in at the same time.

[@MrVegaslive]

Wasn't too bad. Little tricky if you're not mechanically inclined. I often use a shoe box just so I don't loose any parts.

[@cjanquart]

Friend of mine told me "get the Spyderco Manix, it's awesome", so silly me buys one...and the cage lock, scales, sharpener, strop...

[@christopherberry1597]

I would recommend using a small vise to re-attach the lanyard barrel on Spyderco knives. I find it gives me much more control over the whole process as compared to using a hammer.

[@willtrax71]

This is a great Video, I watched a Spyderco Shop tour on here and they were putting these things together in seconds lol literally seconds and I don’t see how. I tend to take all of my knives apart outta boredom and the most complex so far is my Infidel lol but a plus is if you disassemble then you know how.. Ahhh think about it lol..

[@redastrachan8978]

Got copper scales *and* cage as upgrade gifts. I too, will pass on this quicksand operation. Nice vid

[@jmas2190]

The D shaped pivot and the landyard hole were the two biggest problems. Didn't realize there was a D shaped pivot i knew there was on my sage 5 but first time for the manix new scale and titanium cage change out . Really like the new look and i will probably carry more.

[@cjanquart]

Yes a bit of fumbling around was involved as well as screws not sitting completely flush; pushing everything down and not tightening everything until all screws were at least seated was the key. Look like I need to break in my new titanium cage; dropped free out of the box with the plastic one but this one is stiff. Really don't want to lubricate unless I need to (and it's brand new not at hour out of the box).

[@kevinfitz3721]

Will I need to take off the scales from the lanyard tube to polish washers and change out to a flytanium cage? Any help is appreciated

[@richmichaud85]

Nice job. This should really help me if/when I do mine.

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I have that same MXG clip on my Para 3 in stonewashed titanium, it’s been great.

[@anthonysposato1258]

Great Video, answered a lot of my questions, Thanks So Much

[@PinkPummy]

By the title I thought I was about to watch a Nick Shabazz video! ;D

[@peytonfedler5887]

hey man where do you get the metal ball for it? does it come with the ti cage? or do you order the actual ball bearing seperate?

[@BurnedTrashcan]

Had to look it up... 😒 Managed to figure out everything, EXCEPT. the screws got the spring box, I'd they're too tight, it'll effect the play of the blade. Mine for instance, I had everything together but couldn't swing shut the knife. Figuring it was the axis screw, I kept loosening it until they were free fall. And in that I know it must've been something else. Feeling as though I maybe got the ball-but backwards, I searched youtube and landed here. Lmao. Anywho. Thanks for posting! Was helpful!

[@xK1llSw1tchx]

i hate how the deep carry clip on the manix 2 hangs off the edge is there one that doesnt do that?

[@kyleedwards9056]

Hey my man, just picked this knife up today! Where did you get those scales at and what special color are they called? I gots to have me some.

[@frankiejdwm_edc1037]

I like those gray scales kinda looks like the KnifeWorks exclusive gray scale/black blade. 👷

[@gamegun1339]

What is the part number on that bit set and thumb driver

[@alabamainvestigators]

Can I do this with the light weight?

[@lancelink88]

Can you do this modification on the Manix 2 lightweight???

[@edclevel402]

That tiny little driver is giving me the agita. 🤣

[@PaulMoorhousehankooks]

my manix 2 is new and a litlle stiff to open ?

[@geraldkoth654]

If you assemble the scale/liners in the opposite order, you have the D aligned and tightened so the full circle liner just slips right on.

[@TexasDucks]

Do you have any titanium ball cage locks sitting around that you would sell?

[@christianguerrero3959]

Ive scrolled through all the comments and no one has the answer. Is the ball cage swap compatible with the Manix LW versions?Mine has screws and is not pivoted

[@EDCsteals]

“It’s like watching someone roll around in tacks.” Sounds like a PG-13 version of the Saw movies

[@robertm8401]

I'll pass on the installation for now haha. That is one good looking set of scales btw. Matches the DLC blade perfectly.

[@runetorshammare2972]

Where can i get a lock like this?

[@PeterC585]

Great video! Very informative!

[@MrSabram07]

I do the same thing with oil and a q-tip on my guns. Put a drop of oil on a q-tip and paid the oil wherever I need it

[@bradymitten]

Hey brother. Do you think using a heavy duty spring clamp to hold things together would make it easier?

[@metal_complex]

It might! Good question

[@anthonyb2990]

So I noticed that the tab you pull to release the lock isn't the normal black plastic it looks like metal where did you get that?

[@metal_complex]

Flytanium 😊👍

[@erp123naruto]

Thanks this helps a lot

[@hificat101]

It occurs to me that Spyderco could probably make some cash if they ran a scale replacement service. Because I just ordered a Manix 2 XL last night, and I'd love to replace the scales at some point, but not sure I want to go through all this.

[@toreycasey1214]

I replaced the ball, lock and spring everything goes together and works until i tighten the last 2 body screws then the lock doesnt engage. When i tighten the top screw i hear a click and then the lock doesnt work? Any thoughts

[@toreycasey1214]

I got it was being a B, put it on my work mat and smashed it repeatedly with my large paw and voilà went together nicely. That lighter spring, ceramic ball and flytanium lock makes the manix a much better knife!

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

@@toreycasey1214 only occasionally is a small paw better than a big paw in smashing. 👍🏻

[@johnwalton538]

What brand are the sypderco manix 2 scales you put on it

[@metal_complex]

Flytanium

[@DB.KOOPER]

Dude they're called pliers, invest in a set or two... The video was VERY helpful though all the same thanks. I'm about to tackle the whole deal on the exact same model of Manix 2. Micarta scale swap, change the cage and spring and add a Lynch NW clip.

[@metal_complex]

Na man. Just so you know, you don't use pliers for something like this unless you wanna dick it all up. Glad you enjoyed though

[@krisoddy6983]

Used my ti cage with awt scales and it feels grindy when pulling it back to close the blade…. Metal on metal feeling. It’s the right way up but just doesn’t feel smooth like the original one does, maybe I have a bad cage! Anyone else had this happen

[@JayP7676]

Like the copper scales, why did you sell it? Is the scales slippery, no grip? It wasn’t that hard take the knife apart, took me 3-5 minutes to take it apart and put together. You don’t need to take the whole knife apart just one side. Prior to installing the blade after the cage is in make sure you put a little lubricant on the copper washer so that it stays on the blade (sticks). No need to hammer the scales out just use a pry tool ( small flat head screw driver , tape up the ends if you don’t want scratch your knife) .

[@Rocko-sp9cj]

I’ve done 5 cage change outs and is frustrating… MC does make very good points. Great info!

[@Apocalyptic-yr6uv]

Holey cow does that look good wow!!!

[@mforrest1508]

If you get a shit load of stick after, open the knife loosen all the screws, press edge into cutting board, tighten screws 👍

[@TheBlankFuture]

holy shit thank you SO much for this comment I was getting such bad stick n click

[@mforrest1508]

@@TheBlankFuture glad it helped... I remember being super frustrated with that.

[@matthewlaidlaw1570]

THIS

[@robpablo711]

What are thoughts on using blue loctite

[@metal_complex]

I use it on pivots. Never on body screws. It's safe to use though 👍

[@Foodiedad17]

Haha you did it. I lightly screwed on both screws on the opposite side of the spring or lever. Pulled back on the cage and laid the blade in straight open instead of closed. I had the pivot tightened to wear the d shape within the pivot lined up with the top scale as I rotated to snap into place. It took a couple times but it finally worked. Then I pressed down on the top lever as I screwed all four screws into place. Pressing down helped to line that area up. Either way this all sucked ass. Haha

[@lelandphill4408]

Did you find the flytanium one had just a touch of play when installed and completely assembled? It works fine , the action isn’t as smooth when pressing the blade release down and the spring doesn’t seem out of line.

[@metal_complex]

No. No play at all with this one.

[@lelandphill4408]

Metal Complex so if you push against the sides of the “arms” you don’t feel it move any ? I wonder if I have something slightly off. Everything looks good tho, without removing it an re installing

[@lelandphill4408]

Metal Complex does it “click” when pressing the release down?

[@metal_complex]

Not at all. All admit this knife as since sold, but I specifically remember being impressed with the lack of play.

[@lelandphill4408]

Metal Complex I must have had something slightly off . Just took it apart and re installed , it’s perfect now. 😂 thanks Mc.( I could only find cooper an brass here . But found a green one on a Canadian website. )

[@tmshaffer]

Where can I find that little bit driver

[@MattP-BandB]

I think it is a Hinderer tool

[@jessebergunder]

Do all the screws have red lock tite on them?

[@metal_complex]

Nope

[@jessebergunder]

Metal Complex thanks man shabazz had me scared said there was permanent locktite on the screws i got a manix on the way

[@brettp_DO]

Any thoughts on whether or not the cage lock work with the light weight version?

[@heavyweightsound]

In case you haven't found your answer the Lightweight version is pinned together so you can't take it apart.

[@brettp_DO]

@@heavyweightsound I haven't looked into it. Thank you for the information!

[@heavyweightsound]

@@brettp_DO Btw there's a way you can Dremel out the rivets if you can find replacement hardware. There's a guy on KZbin with a video showing how to do it with a carbide Dremel tip

[@christianguerrero3959]

The newer versions have screws. So same question. Are the ball cages are compatible for LWs?

[@spyderg6509]

Brian said the same thing it’s difficult to reassemble

[@MrIliff]

What brand/model is your torx bit driver please. Thankyou

[@r.w.6251]

Thanks for the effort, but you made this so much harder than it really is by doing it from the wrong side.

[@mickkeim4142]

Yes...that looked like fun...lol.

[@metal_complex]

Haha

[@JasonCosby-bv6nw]

Awesome spyderco

[@sterling3bo]

Are these the copper or brass scales?

[@metal_complex]

Copper 👍

[@sterling3bo]

Gracias!

[@shaggy_e210]

The Benchmade Griptillion is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever put back together

[@Chingus696]

Actually I believe you could have left the back screws in and just pulled the cage back and removed the blade

[@russelmuldowney8736]

This guy busted out the Texas Instruments Ti-30X

[@abc456f]

I'll wait till the plastic cage breaks. This is worse than reassembling a benchmade axis lock.

[@Dmhlcmb]

Lol. All you need is about an inch long piece of painters tape and you can do it 1st try every time.

[@robertreyes4391]

I think if you would of kept filming the whole time you would of gave @bladehq a run for their money on their 10hr video😂 If you decide to customize another knife I want to see the whole vid. Bloopers, cursing, your wife yelling at you saying dinner is ready😂

[@metal_complex]

Haha.. the original was basically that 🤣

[@bccraddock8919]

Good information, just got tired of looking at your thumbs or everywhere but the knife.

[@metal_complex]

Well, I tend to use my thumbs a lot when I'm handling something.

[@kd5uxb]

@@metal_complex Still a goog and informative video, even with the thumbs.

[@JohnBarrow1961]

It’s not helpful if you don’t say why installing that part makes the knife better.

[@metal_complex]

Its made out of titanium, and the original is made from plastic. I kind of feel like that was implied... but there you go.

[@nico-max]

Bonjour de France, peut tu faire une vidéo sur le centrage de la lame d’un pliant. A salute

[@roadracerqx893]

Man, I’m starting to look at a 1st Spyderco (Manix2) and I *have* to mod it to make it work nicely? Seems most complain the spring, ball, and cage all contribute to the action being too stiff? And the lanyard barrel may require buying a tool to press it out? This Manix looks like a pain in the azz. 😡 Guess I’ll stay with the Chinese makers, LOL….

[@-tzadakim-7805]

Oh my gosh this sucked taking apart and putting together, my thumb is sore.

[@jeffbros293]

wont buy from flytanium again.way overpriced and full of imperfections.not impressed at all with 2 different sets from knifecenter

[@jeffbros293]

china trash.im done with it all.usa must start making their own goods again

[@metal_complex]

I've purchased flytanium products dozens of times. No issues with any of it. Buy from where you want and who you want. But im definitely going to counterbalance this statement.

[@matthewlaidlaw1570]

I'm not sure if I just got a defect or what but (and I'm pretty sure I bought the wrong one) my ball cage no matter what is too big and grinds against the scales on one side. I just bought from the actual flytanium website and not some sketchy one

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

Flytanium is made in China.

[@NobodysDarling138]

Can you please help me? I've got a manix 2 lightweight in maxemet, but lightweight is rivited... can I send it to you in your talented hands to swap the scales and possibly the cross bar?? Or can you recommend anyone or anywhere in California (preferably the L.A. county area) that might be able to help me?? I love your channel and your reviews have been really helpful and informative. Thanks for what you do man. I've got a full custom knife I'd love you to see as well, from an incredible russian maker/shop that definitely deserves some attention. They're absolutely talented and use some absolutely beautiful and unique parts and materials. I'll add you on IG but idk if I'll be able to get through your DMs lol. Cheers man, keep on keeping on!