- Joined
- Nov 9, 2003
- Messages
- 89
The Griptilian series are great knives, to me, but since I've had my first MiniGrip I've thought the clip was a little clunky. After seeing the clip on the MiniPika I began to get the idea for a swap. The clip on the MIniPika, for those who haven't seen it, is smaller, more streamlined and more refined looking. I've successfully accomplished the swap and am pleased with the results. I'm posting this info for those who might want to consider such a project. I'm also posting to find if anyone knows if Benchmade sells the clips and screws, as I want to convert some others to the MiniPika clip.
First off, get a white hand towel and lay it down as a work surface, as the screws are tiny and easy to get away from you. A #6 Torx bit is used to remove the clips and goes straightforward enough. Be prepared to remount the clips a few times as they will need tension adjustment with slight bending. I used a handy drill press vise right next to my work surface. Take your time; make slight adjustments and remount as many times as necessary.
The screws on the Grip are longer than those on the MiniPika so I made sure I used them on the Grip. You'll only need two of the screws as the clip itself covers up the third hole. Save the extra screw in a labeled plastic bag in case you ever want to return them to original configuration. Or, you can just store the extra screw in one of the holes on the opposite side of the knife like I did. Tighten it down slightly firmly and you're good to go. It doesn't interfere with anything.
The MiniPika clip mounts easily to the Grip. Just leave the first screw a little lose till you get the second one started.
To put the Grip's clip on the MIniPika will require some drilling of the mounting holes on the clip. I found a 7/64" bit drilled them out nicely for a perfect fit. Use smaller drill bits and work up to that size.
Result? The Grip, the main object of my conversion, is now a handier, more compact, more streamlined package, and more attractive to boot. The MiniPika remains a great workaday knife and if anything, is a tad easier to open because the clip sits higher off the knife allowing a better purchase.
I think I'll leave the clip on my Big Grip as is as it seems to be more proportional to the knife. When I get some extra clips I'll try bending down that troublesome upward sweep at the end of the clip.
I like the new clip on the MiniGriptilian and plan to try to get two more for my other Grips. Maybe you'll like this kind of conversion too!
U
First off, get a white hand towel and lay it down as a work surface, as the screws are tiny and easy to get away from you. A #6 Torx bit is used to remove the clips and goes straightforward enough. Be prepared to remount the clips a few times as they will need tension adjustment with slight bending. I used a handy drill press vise right next to my work surface. Take your time; make slight adjustments and remount as many times as necessary.
The screws on the Grip are longer than those on the MiniPika so I made sure I used them on the Grip. You'll only need two of the screws as the clip itself covers up the third hole. Save the extra screw in a labeled plastic bag in case you ever want to return them to original configuration. Or, you can just store the extra screw in one of the holes on the opposite side of the knife like I did. Tighten it down slightly firmly and you're good to go. It doesn't interfere with anything.
The MiniPika clip mounts easily to the Grip. Just leave the first screw a little lose till you get the second one started.
To put the Grip's clip on the MIniPika will require some drilling of the mounting holes on the clip. I found a 7/64" bit drilled them out nicely for a perfect fit. Use smaller drill bits and work up to that size.
Result? The Grip, the main object of my conversion, is now a handier, more compact, more streamlined package, and more attractive to boot. The MiniPika remains a great workaday knife and if anything, is a tad easier to open because the clip sits higher off the knife allowing a better purchase.
I think I'll leave the clip on my Big Grip as is as it seems to be more proportional to the knife. When I get some extra clips I'll try bending down that troublesome upward sweep at the end of the clip.
I like the new clip on the MiniGriptilian and plan to try to get two more for my other Grips. Maybe you'll like this kind of conversion too!
U
