What is wrong with my foil?

[Stylothek]

Hey,
Okay, this is probably a noob-question, but since I bought my allstar SM Maraging foil in July I have been experiencing one problem:
During almost every serious bout I fence, my blade loosens and has to be screwed in again correctly. This can get very annoying and just can't be right. What can I do to prevent it of doing this?
Thanks in advance,
til

[esskreemr]

Hey,
Okay, this is probably a noob-question, but since I bought my allstar SM Maraging foil in July I have been experiencing one problem:
During almost every serious bout I fence, my blade loosens and has to be screwed in again correctly. This can get very annoying and just can't be right. What can I do to prevent it of doing this?
Thanks in advance,
til

Locktite or a locking washer between the grip and the pommel nut?

[CvilleFencer]

Make sure that you have a locking washer (assuming that you are using a pistol grip) in between the nut and the grip. You should not have a washer between the grip and the guard but between the grip and the nut. I have seen some newer fencers put the washer on the wrong side for some reason.

Of course I have an StM maraging that does not like to stay tight either. I used a locking washer, some teflon tape and and outside hex nut to fix the problem. It stays tight for a few weeks before it need tightening up again. I think the StM blades just have really lose threads.

If nothing else works you can try some blue locktight on the threads of the tang.

[Stylothek]

Thanks, I had the washer in correctly. What is locktite and how do I use it in this case?

[CsmaCD]

In the US, this product is known as "Loctite", it's an ahesive for screw threads. Typically, it comes in two strengths, a weaker one for things that rattle loose, and a stronger one that may require excessive torque or heat to break the bond.

I usually use the stronger one, sparingly, on both handles and tip threads. It really helps epee tips from loosening.

In the US, this product can be found at most hardware stores, or Wal-mart.

Loctite web site

[mrbiggs]

I had this problem for the last few weeks; today I simply switched grips and the problem was solved.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

it means that the cavity in your pistol grip is worn out. Did you drill inside it or anything? Just get a new grip, and it should be likkity splitz.

[Stylothek]

No, I didn't drill or do anything to my grip. Like I said, its just about 3 months old.... Well, thanks, I'll either get a new grip (wanted a Ziv anyway) or I'll try the loctite.

[Inquartata]

What is wrong with my foil?

It's not a sabre.

[acaba]

It's not a sabre.

Wrong! It's not an epee.

Take a look down in the grip where the lock washer sits. Is the surface flat, or dished down? When you (if you can) take the washer out, is it still flat or dished? If either is dished, try multiple washers, like 2, 3, or 4. THis might help.