Hinderer XM18 takedown tool

[Severance]

So, i just got my hands on a new Gen III XM18, 3.5 with flipper and a black scale. (sorry, no pics, but we all know what the knife looks life) It is and incredible knife. My SMF and my large Sebenza 21 are gonna get some significant down time. Anyways, i have seen Rick's maintenance tool available on several several websites off and on, and am now wondering wether i am going to need one. Sure, it would make things easier in the long run, but for the time being, do any of you guys have any ideas or tricks in regard to adjusting the pivot without the specialized tool? I haven't tampered with it, as there is no need to at the moment(it is smooth as can be with ZERO play). Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ellis Wyatt]

I used a regular flat-head screwdriver to take mine down. Worked perfectly fine for taking the blade out. Torx bit for the small screws in the body.

 

[bearcut]

I bought one of Ricks takedown tools a month or so ago. The tool is worthy of the knife BTW.
I still haven't used it. The knife is so smooth and tight that I don't know if I'm gonna need to break this thing down anytime soon. That is quite a change from my Strider and CRK. They both needed the usual post-break-in clean and re-lube after several hundred cycles. The XM-18 started out great and just keeps feeling better. I want to break it down and see what it's all about but I just can't mess with it.

I have seen guys take a dremel to a cheap screwdriver and notch it out to size for Strider pivots, I've seen coins done same way.

Or, just save up for one. It won't take long.

 

[Kaizen1]

I've just used a penny on one side and a nail filer from my keychain Vic SAK on the other and I've been about to adjust or take it apart rather easily. The take down tool is nice, but not necessary. And as bearcut mentioned, you really don't need to adjust the XM-18 often.