Stiff TTO mechanism

[Warpiper]

Hi All,

Is it possible to have a stiff TTO mechanism due to thread stripping? I bought a 1959 E4 Super Speed (flare tip??) and the TTO mechanism gets stiff usually as it gets closer to the full open position. I've soaked it in water for over a week (with and without dish detergent), had it soaking in simple green (straight up) for 3-4 days, I've had it soaking in rubbing alcohol for 3 days, water/hydrogen peroxide for 3 days, and I had it soaking in liquid Kaboom for about 4 days and it hasn't helped making the mechanism move smoothly. I figure I've soaked it long enough to get out any gunk so I'm thinking it might be the mechanism. It's functional/usable I was just hoping to get it to work smoother. Thanks.

 

[amishmotorboat]

I've found that machine oil works when soaking doesn't. Also, have you checked out the doors for any binding at the hinges?

 

[Bearded Buckeye]

I know it sounds weird...but, gunk is kind of a good thing in razors. Soap residues provide lubricant-like relief to the moving parts within a TTO handle. You may need to replace the missing gunk with some type of oil.

Did the problem get worse after you soaked it in all of those chemicals? Or, was this a preexisting condition?

 

[mikemullin6]

Same kind of problem with a 1936 Aristocrat. I haven't soaked them for the very long times mentioned above but still have some sticking in the TTO mechanism. Detergent/SimpleGreen/ScrubbleBubbles/3 in 1 Oil/WD40 have worked on previous TTO/adjustables fine but this one still defies my best efforts. Besides gunk build-up, maybe there's just some physical defect that cannot be fixed. Razor shaves fine (once I get used to the aggressive nature of the beast); just that mechanism is sticky

 

[Warpiper]

I've found that machine oil works when soaking doesn't. Also, have you checked out the doors for any binding at the hinges?

Hi Amish,

Thanks. I've looked at the doors and they seem to be moving find. I just took a closer look at them and a few other places and it looks like I need to break out the soap and brush to knock of some thick scum build up. I have some oil for my nail guns I'll have to try.

 

[Warpiper]

I know it sounds weird...but, gunk is kind of a good thing in razors. Soap residues provide lubricant-like relief to the moving parts within a TTO handle. You may need to replace the missing gunk with some type of oil.

Did the problem get worse after you soaked it in all of those chemicals? Or, was this a preexisting condition?

Hi Bearded,

Funny you should ask. The problem was preexisting but I noticed that the sticking got worse after soaking in Kaboom. The stick point also seemed to move and would get stiff about mid open/close. I soaked it again in water the last day or so and that seemed to move the stiffness back to were it was to start with. Weird.

 

[Warpiper]

Same kind of problem with a 1936 Aristocrat. I haven't soaked them for the very long times mentioned above but still have some sticking in the TTO mechanism. Detergent/SimpleGreen/ScrubbleBubbles/3 in 1 Oil/WD40 have worked on previous TTO/adjustables fine but this one still defies my best efforts. Besides gunk build-up, maybe there's just some physical defect that cannot be fixed. Razor shaves fine (once I get used to the aggressive nature of the beast); just that mechanism is sticky

Hi mike,

I haven't tried shaving with it yet but if I put a blade in it I think it would work properly.

 

[Warpiper]

Ok, vinegar is an acid, soap is a base so soaking the razor in vinegar should dissolve the soap, right? Wrong, but it did a good job of removing the chrome plating off the underside of the razor and and a few places on the doors and safety bar. Guess I won't be doing that again.

 

[Bearded Buckeye]

Oh...no! Sorry to hear this, Chris.

 

[Bearded Buckeye]

If it makes you feel any better, I did the same thing to a razor a couple of years ago. I jacked up a German travel razor that I stumbled upon at a flea market with an extended bath of vinegar and boiling water. I was so frustrated with the plateless result that I just sold the razor on eBay.

I can't remember how much money I made or lost on the razor, but I definitely learned a valuable lesson...harsh chemicals and vintage razors do not mix.

Nowadays, I keep things simple with dish soap, a soft brush, and occasionally a small dab of MAAS or Brasso. Anything more is just too risky.

 

[Warpiper]

Hi BB,

Thanks. Yeah, I learned my lesson. I'll probably keep it and the W4 I have for nostalgic reasons but I won't be using vinegar again. I stumbled on a thread earlier this morning about brass being exposed and the consensus was that the razor will still work fine so I'll use it next week and see how it compares to my Murker HD. I didn't pay much for it and if it turns out to give the best shave ever, I guess I can send it in for replating. I'll shine it up tonight if I can find my Brasso.

 

[01HDFXD]

Thanks for the vinegar lessons, guys! A word to the wise...

 

[Warpiper]

I try to learn from mistakes, particularly others. LOL!!

 

[Mr_Smartepants]

A wise man learns from his own mistakes...but a wiser man also learns from the mistakes of others.

I also learned from experience NOT to soak an aluminum handle with a steel head in anything. Aluminum handle turned black (anode/cathode effect).

 

[Warpiper]

A wise man learns from his own mistakes...but a wiser man also learns from the mistakes of others.

I also learned from experience NOT to soak an aluminum handle with a steel head in anything. Aluminum handle turned black (anode/cathode effect).

LOL!! I learned that one too!!! Ah, nothing like a refresher course in chemistry.

 

[Warpiper]

Well, I used the E4 for the first time today with a Shark SS. That will be the last time I do that too!! ouch, ouch, ouch!!! I know its the blade but I swear I got more of an aggressive shave compared to the Merkur. It seems like the cutting edge of the blade sticks out a little more as well. The ends of the blade also stick out the side more too. My W4 does the same thing. I'll try an Astra I've been using lately and see what happens. I also noticed that I had to stop twice and close the TTO, it opened up a bit while I was using it.