Bent Omega Spring?

B

Bakersb

Joined
Sep 2, 2012
Messages
5
I recently took my mini-grip apart to put on new scales. When I was reassembling the pivot screw, I accidentally bent one of the omega springs a bit. Kind of like how you bend a paper-clip, but it isnt broken all the way.

I finished reassembling the knife, and it works okay. The axis lock isnt as rough on the spring as before, but it works. Should I be worried? Would Benchmade warranty help me out at all? I just made a stupid mistake and I dont know how to proceed :(
 
I would call BM & tell them my Axis has loosened up and ask to send it in to get new Omega springs installed. They will not ship them out.
I doubt you'll get any pushback and it should only cost the $5 shipping fee.
BM has one of the best warranty dept.'s in the knife industry.
 
kniferbro said:
Make your own!

That's what I do :)
Click to expand...

How do you make your own? I've never actually had a problem but if I did break one I would like to have a few on stand by.

As for Op, just contact BM as said they have a great warranty and will set you up for success.
 
What do you use to make one?

And thanks for the comments, I'll be sure to contact benchmade soon.
 
I replaced my omega springs with steel music wire about a year ago, and it is still holding up just fine. The wire I found is actually a little bit stronger than the stock springs (judging from feel).

All you need is some good quality wire, a set of needle nose pliers, and a Bic pen to wind the wire around for shaping the curves.
 
Ideally you want spring wire (aka music wire), it comes in varying diameters and you can get nicer wire with corrosion resistant coatings etc.. .025 thick is approximately Benchmade stock omega spring thickness. I actually prefer .027, a little stiffer to my liking. If you're having a problem sourcing high quality spring wire, a lot of people use the low E string from an guitar, unwrapping the thinner outer wire to get to the stiffer inner wire (music wire ;)). I've done that too but with the E string from a bass guitar, it worked well. I prefer the spring wire as I can change the gauge of the springs to my liking.

Take a look at one of the existing springs, or a picture and use dowels and/or wire shaping pliers (available at craft stores) to rough out the shape. It really doesn't have to be perfect to work, just the general shape. I would suggest replacing both springs so the tension is the same on both sides. It may take a couple tries to get it down but it really isn't too difficult. Once you get it down and are "warmed up" I'd suggest making a bunch while you're on a roll, as I've found if a while passes between making springs I have to go through the learning curve again.

Have fun :)
 
The Government said:
I replaced my omega springs with steel music wire about a year ago, and it is still holding up just fine. The wire I found is actually a little bit stronger than the stock springs (judging from feel).

All you need is some good quality wire, a set of needle nose pliers, and a Bic pen to wind the wire around for shaping the curves.
Click to expand...

Ahh The Gov beat me to it! But as you can see, we have the same methodology :)
 
I forgot to add. After bending some springs, put them in the oven at 400 degrees for 30 mins. Helps relieve any stresses you made in the metal while bending.
 
Had a couple omega springs break on me. It would be cool if someone could do a step by step instructional on how to make these with music wire. I'm a visual learner as I'm sure a lot of people here are.

Could end up being a sticky.:thumbup:
 
wolf5391 said:
Had a couple omega springs break on me. It would be cool if someone could do a step by step instructional on how to make these with music wire. I'm a visual learner as I'm sure a lot of people here are.

Could end up being a sticky.:thumbup:
Click to expand...


It would be even cooler if Benchmade would just sell the omega springs. :D
 
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