Are Gillette black-handle adjustables prone to sticky TTO?

[1904]

Hey everyone-

Over time, I've picked up some black-handle adjustables, and on 2 out of three, it's really tough to completely close the TTO knob. I'm talking about the last little quarter-twist where you're supposed to meet a little bit of resistance on an adjustable. Has anyone else observed this phenomenon? I'd like to do the vinegar trick, but of course I'm worried about paint.

Interested to hear whether anyone else has encountered the same problem.

 

[ackvil]

Not mine. However, I only have one. I do find, however, that it doesn't close as smoothly as my FB or Slim.

 

[1904]

Not mine. However, I only have one. I do find, however, that it doesn't close as smoothly as my FB or Slim.

Interesting. I wonder if it's a design issue.

 

[Krona Kruiser]

I've encountered quite a bit of black super adjustables and yes, some of them have sticky handles. I usually soak them in warm soapy water and if it that doesn't work I soak the lower handle in mineral oil to help it a bit. It may be the resin from the handle and old scum that makes it lock up.

 

[bosseb]

Not mine. However, I only have one. I do find, however, that it doesn't close as smoothly as my FB or Slim.

I have the exact same observation with two Black Beauties, I always thought it was because my Slims and Fatboy are replated. Have not attempted the vinegar trick... Might just be gunk!

 

[ackvil]

I have the exact same observation with two Black Beauties, I always thought it was because my Slims and Fatboy are replated. Have not attempted the vinegar trick... Might just be gunk!

I soaked mine in hot water for several hours and also put it in an ultrasonic cleaner - but nothing helped.

 

[Oel]

Hey everyone-

Over time, I've picked up some black-handle adjustables, and on 2 out of three, it's really tough to completely close the TTO knob. I'm talking about the last little quarter-twist where you're supposed to meet a little bit of resistance on an adjustable. Has anyone else observed this phenomenon?

I noticed that on my slim adjustable, not on my fatboy and not on my super adjustable.

 

[Mick]

If you are talking about the resistance at the final blade lock up, this is normal.

If you are talking about the TTO mech stiff through out the full motion this is gummy insides

 

[Sir Lurkalot]

I have the same problem. Seems to work after it's been run under water for a bit then it loosens up. None of my Fat Boy or Slim razors have this problem. Just the Black Beauty.

 

[kcb5150]

Didn't someone post once that the mix of metals in those causes detrimental reactions on the insides sometimes?

 

[srm_92000]

Didn't someone post once that the mix of metals in those causes detrimental reactions on the insides sometimes?

This is the conclusion I've come to too. The super handle I think is an aluminium tube as opposed to brass. Once the coating has gone some reaction really eats away at the tube and this gets deposited down around the thread, very hard to just wash out.

Last resort on this one was to dismantle - note the pile of 'stuff' that came out. It worked fine after.

 

[1904]

Wow. I may have to try that at some point.

At any rate, I thought I'd update people. I took a really nasty 70s adjustable that has this problem - paint coming off and so forth - and ran it through the aluminum foil / baking soda treatment. And the knob is quite a bit better. Thing is, I worry this treatment might strip the black paint off a lot of these handles. I'd painted nail polish on the numbers, and that's gone now. So tread lightly. Thanks all for the advice.

 

[onotoman]

Steve is spot-on here.

The handles are made from aluminium which oxidises and can seize solid in some cases.

Aluminium is (in my view) not a good material for an object that comes into contact with acids in soaps etc.

Some Super Speeds and Techs of course have aluminium handles - no issues with seizing with the Tech but often with the Super Speed.

This is the conclusion I've come to too. The super handle I think is an aluminium tube as opposed to brass. Once the coating has gone some reaction really eats away at the tube and this gets deposited down around the thread, very hard to just wash out.
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Last resort on this one was to dismantle - note the pile of 'stuff' that came out. It worked fine after.