MICROTECH SECRETS REVEALED: Microtech LUDT Disassembly

[@jmas2190]

Just found this video and I'm glad some one decided to take this knife apart. Just bought same knife same every thing had it 2 and half weeks never carried yet but played with it opening and closing maybe hundred time and already just broke very pissed off not to try and take it apart because it's so new and most likely have to send it back. If this happens again i will be ripping this thing apart. Just very pleased to someone took time to do a video great job.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Thank you! sorry about your knife, hope that warranty helps you out.

[@locksmithdb5987]

I have MANY Microtech knives (2 ultratechs,2 combat troodons,socom elite auto,2 utx 85's,utx 70,Dirac delta and 2 Ludt's) my favorite to carry everyday is by far the LUDT is not too small, not too big, really sharp...easy maintenance and just a great knife!

[@AnthonySmith-sc4zs]

This is gonna be my next knife. It’s not absurdly overpriced and I like how thin the blade is. Plus I lost my only side opening auto years ago so I need another one.

[@hityoutwo]

Nice vid. Always wondered what the inside of one looked like

[@hphillips7425]

The proprietary screws are the only thing I don't like about microtech. If someone disassemble and can't put it back together punish them not every one else. Were the screws loctited. I heard they use 272 loctite and that is for larger fasteners and permanent fastening. Thanks and good video

[@mistersmith3986]

Excellent job brother. Thanks for the vid!

[@tomweeks8664]

Great job. There been alot of people curious about the inners of a LUDT. Thanks to MicroTechs funky screws I have never tried opening any of mine. So that knife does not have any bearings or washers? Thanks for the video.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Correct! Just runs on the hard anodized aluminum

[@tomweeks8664]

@@calebtermorshuizen3046 Your directions are great but I did my LUDT yesterday and lost the button spring. I can't believe it because I waS REALLY BEING CAREFUL. i ORDERED A NEW ONE FROM KNIFEKITS FOR $1.25 AND $7 SHIPPING. SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS-BUTTON STUCK. tHANKS

[@mbeenz]

Great Video! Many Thanks!

[@patrickmccrea3455]

Thank you i just ordered this knife 😊

[@locksmithdb5987]

Jantz supply has Coil Springs....they sell everything for knife making/repairing.

[@greyman1363]

Hope you kept the broken spring so you can reassemble it broken and get it fixed. Warranty is void if they see the new spring . They would fix it anyway but possibly charge you . Sometimes they don’t give a hard time

[@rodneydennis8856]

Anyone know where I can get one of these replacement springs? I ordered 3 different ones a while ago and none of them fit right.

[@John-oz1do]

Great instruction. Tq

[@geoffreydlin8043]

Great video! How did you 1) cut the spring and 2) get the length right?

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

I used a pair of wire snips and then bent it to shape with some needle nose pliars. I filed the end to be the perfect fit!

[@geoffreydlin8043]

Thank you for the fast reply! What did you have to bend? Did you just keep checking using the blade is your guide for the length?

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

@@geoffreydlin8043 You may have to bend the part you cut - it might not sit properly...could be just fine on your first attempt thought! and yes, trial and error for the overall length

[@geoffreydlin8043]

Thank you so much.

[@sonnygunz9207]

Where's a good place to buy replacement action springs (switch blade kits)? And what size and strength , because the factory spring is really nice and strong. Thanks for the video! What do you use your LUDT for? It sure has a lot of dings, but it's nice to see its getting used. 😎

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

I like Knifekits.com and switchbladekits.com. There are a bunch of strength options for the springs, I choose the second strongest usually because the very strongest is too thick for the LUDT channel. 1/2 inch coil springs are what fit inside but be sure to shorten up the top peg of the spring otherwise it will rub the backside of the spring channel. I use my LUDT for just about everything, cutting large cardboard boxes, cutting through plastic, food packages and so forth! Thanks man!

[@jordanhardy7427]

Hey Caleb what coil spring is for the ludt? Could you please link the spring you bought here. Thanks bud

[@jordanhardy7427]

Caleb Termorshuizen Thanks

[@monterom3220]

Hey brother can you clear something up form me. Is the stop pin on the LUDT (I know its floating) supposed to rotate and rattle when I shake the knife? Ive read that that could be normal due to the fact that its floating but if its not, is there a way to remedy it? Any help would be great. Thanks a lot and great video by the way.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Yes the pin floats but I've never had mine rattle since its got pretty tight tolerances. The best way to remedy would be to dab some very thick grease around it on both sides to help it stick in place. Might be worth sending Jason McCoy (Microtech social media/customer service guy) an email detailing the problem.

[@jnavarro3059]

What size is the coil spring. Mine been broken for a year now and now wanting to get it fixed and gonna try and do it myself

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Half inch!

[@WVFAN1958]

So how do you like the knife? And is it worth the money? Thanks for sharing your videos

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

I think the knife is great, the best production auto that i've owned/used. I like the elmax steel and pretty much everything about it (would prefer a stonewash finish). I like how the lock always works, I've had problems with Kershaw Launch models not locking up 100% of the time but that's never been an issue here. For the price, not bad, but $200 gets you a lot these days

[@ballista7367]

I have a dhgate one snd ots amazing. Zero blade play comes with the tool to tighten pivot snd remove body screws very nice clip

[@zokerr]

Nice Vid! How did you figure out which screws for the frame to use? I have a Combat Troodon and would like to change the frame screws.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

well it was a little luck! I measured the diameter of the screws and then the length of the screw, then I counted the threads and compared them to the new screws online. These worked perfect first time, worth a shot at trying the method I used!

[@zokerr]

Thanks!

[@jjjw2667]

Where did you happen to find the replacement coil spring, I've been looking all over for one for my mini udt.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

I think Jantz supply has them

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

I saw a torture test for this knife in the X-Ring channel and the lock is very strong. Why do you think its so strong?

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

It's for sure a combination of things. 1. the handles are made of solid aluminum and since aluminum is soft its more likely to bend rather than snap. So some strength is included in the material itself. 2. the stop pin is very beefy, it's much more heavy duty than some other knife companies for sure. 3. The lock doesnt stop working when stuff gets shifted around slightly because the interfaces are cone shaped. As the lock gets older and more worn it just sets deeper. The fasteners are all high quality as well, no corners skipped. The lack of washers also makes the clearance between the handle and blade practically zero reducing the moment arm of lateral blows to zero.

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

@@calebtermorshuizen3046 thanks for your reply. These Microtech knives are starting to grow on me.

[@bladecollector7]

How did you get the small screws out initially

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

pliers

[@rookwayne1073]

Good video

[@red19841984]

Would this be the same for the hen3?

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

i do not know

[@jw7641]

Would you be able to remove the spring to make it legal in places autos are not allowed?

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Yes! You would be better off buying a manual knife in the first place though, in my opinion. This knife has no thumb stud or easy way to open it

[@DV77737]

Nice

[@itsme5279]

Great Video

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Thank you! Hope this helps some people get an idea of how an LUDT works

[@adriennehutchins4231]

Where did you find the replacement coil? Having a hard time finding one online

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

I think that knifekits.com has them in stock

[@dave-504]

if the blade favors a side when closed would a pivot tool help adjust it to center. I figure it will, I was told it wouldnt, which I dont see why as any other knife would. thanks

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

not as much as maybe a framelock knife but it will help a little...hope that helps

[@dave-504]

thanks i found a centered one instead

[@Apalm12]

Man how did you break your spring had mine for forever and open and close it none stop never seen one break

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

I've actually had two break now, my guess is it's because I don't store it in the open position so the spring is under maximum compression at all times. sometimes months will pass without me opening it.

[@tzddrmz]

Where can you get the replacement spring? Mine broke as well... Also, what size are those screws, link doesn't go directly to the product...

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

I got my spring at knifekits.com, its 0.50 inches and I prefer the medium strength. About the screws, I don't quite remember what size, the link used to work. It was honestly just an educated guess about sizing that ended up working perfectly. I can try to update that link though, its been over 2 years since that link was put in place so I'm not terribly surprised that it no longer works.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

correction, the spring should be the "High Torque" version

[@tzddrmz]

@@calebtermorshuizen3046 thanks for the reply, I am pretty sure I found some, but we will see. Thanks again!

[@jasinZ28]

You can buy the microtech screws and the screwdrivers on dhgate.

[@tyhansen3466]

Does it work without the spring? I want to be able to open and close my knife with one hand

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Yes it works, but since it has no thumbstud it's tough to get open.

[@tyhansen3466]

Can you flip it open like an axis lock?

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

@@tyhansen3466 I'm not sure, maybe if the pivot was loose

[@vantalarus4700]

Thank you. Было полезно. Имею схожую модель.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful. And yes I'm sure this video would be helpful for other similar models as well.

[@bladecollector7]

Do you still edc this knife? I just got one and I'm curious on how it's holding up. I'm pretty rough on knives

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

absolutely, I still carry it often but I'd say if you're looking for a beater then this isn't your ideal knife. Steel will hold up though and so will the lock/action. Overall it will last almost forever with the replacing of springs but it won't fit the overbuilt/indestructible criteria like some other knives

[@bladecollector7]

Caleb Termorshuizen thanks man great video too

[@stephenprouse]

anyone know how the knife functions without or with a broken spring? will it still open, lockup, and function as regular folder? or is it totally useless?

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

It actually works quite well without a spring, you just have to get used to a flick of the wrist to open the knife. Otherwise its decent, very smooth.

[@stephenprouse]

Caleb is your blade satin or bead blast, I can't tell. I like the finish so wanted to know.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

bead blast! shows wear a little faster than satin but looks nice with the hard anodized aluminum

[@frankperricone6628]

The link to the screws no longer works, can you please provide the make/model/size/specs of the screws? Thank you.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

I don't have an idea of the actual screw sizes anymore, I made this video 4 years ago and that link was all I really had. I think knifekits.com has some compatible screws and springs though.

[@frankperricone6628]

@@calebtermorshuizen3046 Thank you so much.

[@rookwayne1073]

I have one almost like that but mine is a combo blade.

[@AR15UserRev1]

Where did you get the spring?

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

knifekits.com

[@locksmithdb5987]

I did buy a microtech tool also.

[@Jimatuscc]

Good job, but I still wouldn't dare. I love the way these knives lock closed and cannot be opened unless purposely fired.

[@Dominik047]

How did you get the screws off in the first place. My spring broke and I can't get the mf off

[@crominion6045]

If you want to do it right, you can get a bit for the LUDT pivot here: www.switchbladekits.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2114, and a bit for the body screws here: www.eknives.com/product/microtech-ludt-pivot-tool-bit/.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

maybe try to use needle nose pliers? If that doesn't work maybe try to rig up three nails with glue to fit into the screws. If all else fails comment again and I will try and help further.

[@owwillis]

I thought there would be more to it for $250.

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

250 is a little high..I wish there were some washers between the aluminum and steel and that the blade was better finished. I think I paid around $180 for this back then

[@bitrage.]

lmao!!! you already loosened it with a china tool but dont wanna void warrent!!😉😉😉

[@edavids7254]

Me: I think I will leave mine alone & keep the warranty 🙂👍🇺🇲

[@harryberry474]

The biggest "secret" would be how to remove the triple head screws which you didn't show. Too bad Microtech didn't use threaded stainless steel inserts for the handle attachment instead the just threaded the aluminum "Weakest Attachment" and so easy to strip also no brass bushings for blade just blade riding on aluminum scale and spring on other side, Beautiful knife poorly executed.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

There is absolutely no difference between this highly overrated expensive knife and a Boker Kalashnikov same everything one is cast one is milled one has cheaper steel one has Mega expensive steel sometimes that's it I don't see the big deal with this Microtech even though I own one just because it's like money in the bank when I go to sell it

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Manufacturing costs are for sure higher at Microtech with smaller batches. Also, material cost is a lot of the difference. I think it just depends on what you like in a knife