How to repair Suunto SK7 retractor?

[mocca]

Hi all

As you can see from the attached photo, the cable of my Suunto SK7 compass retractor retracted into the case :-(

Now I wanted to repair it as basically all that needs be done is pull out the steel string, thread it through and then tie a knot or something to keep it from retracting again.

But I am not sure how to actually open the retractor casing. Thought it would be screwed on, but is it glued? Or is there a mechanism that unlocks it?

Hope someone here can help me out

 

[divad]

 

[mocca]

i'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you are trying to say, evad

 

[nimoh]

I believe evad is suggesting you get a wrist mounted compass, and while personally I prefer wrist mounted, I don't know what it has to do with repairing a retractor.

 

[HenrikBP]

It looks like the case of the retractor may be spot welded??? You can always try to pry it open, but the spiral spring that's inside is likely to go flying ... so be ready.

You could check out a fishing/fly fishing store. They sell retractors in a variety of sizes, so something may work as a replacement. It would be key that the retractor is made to withstand salt water ...

What Dave is referring to is, that you could remove the SK7 compass body from the case and put it into a DSS wrist mount boot:

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=47

 

[divad]

I believe evad is suggesting you get a wrist mounted compass, and while personally I prefer wrist mounted, I don't know what it has to do with repairing a retractor.

It's the best way to repair using a retractor.

 

[mocca]

the sk7 came with a wrist mount and i really don't like navigating with a wrist mounted compass. i also don't like have more than my dc on my wrists.

i could mount the sk7 to a different retractor, but given the thing isn't really mechanically broken yet, i was hoping i could repair it.
i heard from someone, that you could open and fix them. takes some patience because of the spring mechanism, but i wouldn't mind that.

question is, is it welded/glued or not?

 

[nimoh]

It's the best way to repair using a retractor.

it is not repairing the retractor at all, it is replacing it.

 

[divad]

it is not repairing the retractor at all, it is replacing it.

Again, "it's the best way to repair using a retractor."

 

[mocca]

he/she means curing me from my illness of using a retractor to navigate.

an unqualified reply, basically.

or at least a useless off topic reply

so, anyone here have something usefull for me?