I have a 1941 Gillette Aristocrat that has some play in the TTO mechanism. One of the hinged plates does not open completely and there is some minor play in the knob. The razor is operational (I can push the 'lazy' plate all the way open to accommodate a blade), but I was wondering if anyone is familiar with a 'fix' to remove some of the play—'tighten things up a bit' as it were. I'd rather not have to disassemble the razor for fear of creating additional problems, but if someone can point me in the right direction, I'd sure appreciate it. Left plate just 'gives up' unlike its twin, which opens completely.
You may want to contact Luteplayers I think he had a similar problem. He may have fixed it by now. Thread here
Thanks for the link, Glenn. Hopefully all it needs is a disassembly and good cleaning to rectify the problem.
You need to make a special tool for disassembly Luteplayers may already have fabricated one. You should touch base with him and see what he says.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but The base plate or "comb" section appears to be very bent in the first photo. As you try opening and closing it you can see that it guides and retains the doors into their open and closed positions. Is this the case?
I believe any distortion (i.e. bent appearance) evident in the photos is due to the camera angle rather than any tweaking of the razor head. The hinged plates move freely (no obstruction); one simply stops 2/3rds of the way open. I may do a good soak & follow-up lube to see if that helps. Razor view from the 'other' side.
HR are you still having this problem? I have a razor that has this problem too. I have identified the circled area as the cause. I haven't done this operation yet because I am waiting for a mail order. What I have done is order some narrow medium/fine Alo strips. These are used in the dental field to make sure there is enough room between teeth to fit a piece of floss. It is an abrasive strip. I am going so use it to widen the spacing between the silo door and the base plate. Then the silo door won't bind when opening. Just a heads up. We may not have the same problem but I think it is the same.
Hey Glenn, thanks for the tip! The door is still 'lazy' so now you've given me an idea to try. Thanks!
I just completed the fix on my lazy silo door. The Alo strips worked like a champ. It took me like 3 or 4 strips to fix my problem. I had to order a min of 150 so I still have a ton of them. If you're up for it, I'll trade you some for something you have an excess of. PM me if you have any interest.
