Loose riveted e series pocket clip

[Megalamuffin]

Another e2 came in the mail today, pretty nice but the clip wobbles a fair bit. Is there any reason why I couldn't just hammer the rivet to tighten it? Anyone had success doing so?

 

[ampdude]

I've never done that, but that's the reason why I prefer the ones with the allen wrench screw instead. Sometimes I use a dab of blue loctite on them. I would try hitting it if you have a plastic mallet or a gunsmithing hammering tool with a plastic/vinyl tip.

 

[Megalamuffin]

Well I hammered enough to put a flat spot on the top of the rivet and it didn't tighten at all. I'll have to try something else but not sure what yet.

 

[ampdude]

You might be best off pulling the rivet with a pliers and finding a new one next time you're at the hardware store.

 

[knucklegary]

My experience hammering only makes the issue worse. Press in style rivets all will loosen after awhile in use with pocket clips. They are made with a twisted shank designed to hold down non moveable objects like name plates. Not pocket clips. Imo, this is another one of SF poor R&D decisions.

Anyway, if you pry, you need to apply even pressure (not cocked to one side) Plus, rivet head needs to be sitting up high enough to get underneath with makeshift tools..This is way too much messing around..
Since head is flattened, I'd center punch and drill the rivet. Then remove it with (1/16-3/32) ez-out extractor. The appropriate size drill to extractor size stamped onto ez-out. Only need tip of ez-out to engage the rivet head. Extractor bites-in when left hand rotated. The rivet should pop right out Ez PeEZzy..
As long as hole in Al is not made oblong prior to unnecessary hammering, prying and jabbing at it..
I'd then replace rivet with SS miniature machine screw, hole tapping with 6/40 thread, or 8/32 thread might be size that fits hole diameter. You will need to find best screw with right size head dia.. Allen or Torx driver slot..

Edit: Loctite red "stud-lock" forced into hole with compressed air might work temporarily. Stick body into warm oven to cure the stuff afterwards. Try this first, see how long it holds?

 

[bykfixer]

Good info KG

Heck if the clip functions I'd leave it alone.

 

[Megalamuffin]

Thanks KG, sounds like a good fix. I probably won't go to that much effort since it does work fine as is.

Part of the issue is the clip channel is machined with a bit more space than my other e2, so it has more room to move side to side. Maybe I can rig some kind of shim to alleviate the wobble, but the trick is making it stay in place. For 65 it was totally worth buying this e2. The lens is even in pretty good shape.