Improved Flipping with WD40

E

emel

Joined
Feb 16, 2011
Messages
301
Hi Hinderer fans,

Thought I'd share my experience:

Today I was reading an article about flipper knives on another forum and the custom maker advised to use WD40.

Actually I have 2 Hinderer XM-24's and one of them flips a lot better than the other, so I thought I would need one of the spanner tools to loosen up the pivot screw...

I remembered after reading the arcticle, when I received the first XM-24 I put some Breakfree CLP on the pivot area, that was actually the one that didn't flip as well as the second.

So just tried the WD40 "trick" and some compressed air now the first flips like never before., the blade really flies out.

I had a similar thing on a Microtech LCC D/A with WD40 the knife really fired great and with gun oil the knife would not fire properly.
 
Last edited:
I understand grease will stay put but it will collect dust and dirt slowing down the opening. Actually RJ Martin advised to use WD40 on his flippers, ok they have ball bearings but it really improved my XM-24.
 
If you are having problems flipping your blades open then you aren’t using the right technique. That might sound a little silly but it’s true and there is a proper way to use the flipper that does not require the use of WD40 or over oiling the pivot area of your blades. Don’t loosen your pivots and over oil them. Just take a little extra time to learn to flip them properly using only your finger ;)

All you need to do is place your index finger on the flipper (load the upper portion of your finger) and snap it down. The blade will fire like a rocket. I will try to post some pictures or video within the next week.

Here is a link from RickV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFU7MyuouHI
 
Last edited:
I'll let you in on some very confidential, very secret information....WD40 is prominently used on the Hinderer Ranch for a variety of tasks.

I personally have found a number of uses for WD40 that it works very well for, I feel WD40 is often unfairly maligned, it is a good product that works well for many applications.

Regards,

Rich
 
We use WD40, LPS TKX, and RemOil for all sorts of things around here. The LPS TKX is probably the slickest of the lot.
 
Output said:
If you are having problems flipping your blades open then you aren’t using the right technique. That might sound a little silly but it’s true and there is a proper way to use the flipper that does not require the use of WD40 or over oiling the pivot area of your blades. Don’t loosen your pivots and over oil them. Just take a little extra time to learn to flip them properly using only your finger ;)

All you need to do is place your index finger on the flipper (load the upper portion of your finger) and snap it down. The blade will fire like a rocket. I will try to post some pictures or video within the next week.

Here is a link from RickV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFU7MyuouHI
Click to expand...

I know the technique I have 2 Hinderer XM-24's, if you would have read my first post, one flipped a lot better than the other, its very easy not some artform ;) but the WD40 made it flip smoother. Over oiling will for sure slow the blade down, probably the WD40 flushed out the excessive oil.

I read once a motto from a guy: you only need 2 tools, if its stuck WD40 if its too loose duct tape. Anyway makes sense:) Looking into the LPS lubricant but can't find it in Europe...may have to order some to test it out.
 
Last edited:
thanks for the hint.
i think its a good idea to try it, if some people are too afraid to
use this good'o WD40 on their XM

It actually works well, i use it to lubricate, clean the tape of the blade
all sort of stuff. really works wonders on a lot of different knives.
 
The flipping from that video is not possible on a 24 imho, the blade is much heavier. But i can flip it open with the index finger, even with the blade pointing upwards without wrist action. On a RJ Martin I read the ball detent keeping the blade closed is stronger so it loads up more before it releases, of course the ball bearings help as well. But for a hard use folder I assume normal washers are less vulnarable for failure or wear.
I love my XM-24 nothing comes close, it feels as strong as a fixed blade. :)
 
Last edited:
R0CKETMAN said:
That "technique" doesn't work on my 24. Maybe because of larger blade. Mine needs a little wrist flip as well.
Click to expand...

I disagree, the XM-24 is easier to flip than either of the XM-18s as the additional weight of the blade and the size of the flipper makes it easier, I could easily flip an XM-24 (with no wrist action) the first time I tried it even though I couldn't flip an XM--18 until I learned the technique. The 3" XM-18 is the most difficult to flip, but once I learned the proper technique, I can easily flip it as well even with the blade being propelled upwards (against gravity). My 3" XM-18 is very smooth.

emel said:
The flipping from that video is not possible on a 24 imho, the blade is much heavier. But i can flip it open with the index finger, even with the blade pointing upwards without wrist action. ... I assume normal washers are less vulnarable for failure or wear.
I love my XM-24 nothing comes close, it feels as strong as a fixed blade. :)
Click to expand...

I don't know what you are referring to as "normal washers" but the XM teflon washers are great, more than up to the task that an XM can dish out.

Regards,

Rich
 
With normal washers I meant compared to thrust ball bearings or KVT or IKBS. My Spyderco Lum Tanton Sprint also has teflon washers nothing out of the ordinary in my opinion. Ok the bronze phospor washers are even more common than the teflon ones.

If you watch the video you see someone flipping with every finger, to be honest I haven't tried it on my XM-24 but he's doing it on a XM-18 it seems to me thats easier to perform because of the lighter blade. Maybe it also depend on how well its broken in or just lots of practice ;)
 
Last edited:
I have to agree with everything Rich has said. My 24's flip just as nicely as my 18's if not easier.


emel said:
I know the technique I have 2 Hinderer XM-24's, if you would have read my first post, one flipped a lot better than the other, its very easy not some artform ;) but the WD40 made it flip smoother. Over oiling will for sure slow the blade down, probably the WD40 flushed out the excessive oil.
I read once a motto from a guy: you only need 2 tools, if its stuck WD40 if its too loose duct tape. Anyway makes sense:) Looking into the LPS lubricant but can't find it in Europe...may have to order some to test it out.
Click to expand...

I didn’t mean to start a pissing match with anyone about flipping the blades open, techniques, or the use of WD40. So I apologize if I came off that way. I read your first post about the two knives flipping open differently; I've just never experiences that problem personally. Use whatever method makes you happy. I was just stating that there is no need to over oil/lube a blade (just to make it flip.) Have fun ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top