Graf NT 5000 Blade Holder

[mmfalcon 0]

The rear brass cap screw, which secures the steel blade on Graf NT 5000 holders, requires constant maintenence attention. The cap seems very suceptable to loosening, after a few hours on the ice. Does anyone else have any experience with this issue?

In addition, the locking screw has a s,all round tang, which is inserted into the die-cut receiver on the rear top of the steel. In tightening the rear brass cap to secure the blade, I have found that tightening the tang results in a 90 degree rotatation of the tang in the blade cut-out. This rotation of the tang, causes the plastic of the holder to expand and deform.

Graf suggests tightening the blade cap tightening screw with a "Graf Torque Wrench". I have not found one person who has seen or heard of this tool, nor what the recommended torque vaue should be. I have considered using Blue Loctite on the screw threads, fully removable with a screwdriver. Has anyone tried this approach, or have any input on this situation?

[LkptTiger 1]

Loctite will help.

Do you have a bench vice? Tighten the vice on the bottom rear of the holder (where the screw meets that semi-circular "cut" in the blade). The proper amount of pressure will allow you to tighten the barrel while keeping the screw from spinning in the holder and without doing damage to the plastic.

[mmfalcon 0]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have used a set of vice-grips to do the same thing. Sort of a Rube-Goldberg solution, but seems to work okay. Any chance of the Locktite containing any form of solvent, which may serve to degrade the plastic in the holder?

[LkptTiger 1]

I've been using Loctite Blue with the hardware in every TUUK holder I've had since I was 12 or 13. Never, ever had any problems. You shouldn't have any issues.

[mmfalcon 0]

Lkpt Tiger

Thanks for the info. BTW, Graf Canada just responded and informed that they use the Loctite Blue in their own shop, without any issues. Probably a solid solution for all of these types of attachments, whatever the Brand.