Military centering issues caused by clip?

[TheDandyLion]

I took apart my Military to clean out some gunk and before hand the centering was FAR from ideal. Well during assembly I tightened the pivot to a perfect level of smooth opening and almost exact center. After a satisfying few flicks open I attach my clip and the centering was at maybe 20%. Terrible, but still smooth. What did I do and how can I fix it?

 

[cbxer55]

I've got three Military's. One that is 20 years old, and two that were bought in 2012. All are perfectly centered. The 20 year old one has been dis-assembled many times and is still centered.

Basically saying I have no clue what could have caused this.

 

[Todd21969]

Re-center with the clip attatched.

I don't know why it happend but have noticed the clip tension does effect centering. After snagging and bending my clip at work several times.

 

[jalcon]

I'll chime in and say that I have also noticed blade centering being effected by the clip tension. In fact, I once had a Spydie that would only be centered without the clip. If I installed the clip, it would be way off center. I have no idea why.

 

[jascolli]

I'm having the same issue with my Delica. It's perfectly centered with clip installed for tip up. I like to carry tip down, so I moved the clip and now it's way off center. I've tried everything but cannot get it right. Had to settle for tip up carry...

 

[ejames13]

I've experienced this as well on multiple knives. I suspect it has something to do with the screws pulling on the SS liners as you tighten the clip down.

 

[hkpistole]

I changed my clip to a deep carry, then back and noticed i used the longer screws, they were actually pushing against the blade very slightley . I also held the blade centered and then tightened the pivot down, this gave me perfect centering

 

[Buellrider]

Wouldn't having the clip screws touching the blade cause drag and damage to the blade? Though the damage wouldn't be seen...

 

[Spey]

In my experience hkpistole may be on the right track to solving your problem.

Check to make sure the screws are the same length & in appropriate holes. I have seen where screws that are a fraction longer can cause this type of problem if they are put into a different hole that the one they came out of.
Additionally, if a screw is slightly bent (at the head for example) it can wreak havoc because as you begin to tighten the slightly bent screw it can put differential pressure as it seats under pressure of tightening (very small difference in perceived tightness = large change because of a bent screw) especially true on pivot screws, blade stop-pin screws, pocket-clip screws (ones that screw into a liner near the pivot - Para, Millie, etc.).

Also, debris (dirt, residual lock-tite, etc.) between the scale and the liner and really cause great frustration during final assembly tightening.

Re-reading your post again, it sounds like when you are tightening the pocket-clip screws they are either causing the liner to flex, or putting pressure on pivot. This can be caused by a number of things.

Re-reading your OP again, I should have first asked which is/was better:
1. "before hand the centering was FAR from ideal."
2. "I attach my clip and the centering was at maybe 20%. Terrible, but still smooth."
3. It's the same

 

[hkpistole]

I just wanted to add that i have taken the military apart several times to clean it. And the blade will off center itself. That why i said close the knife and hold the blade then tighten the pivot to where you want it.