Mods gone wrong

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JayDeep

JayDeep

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So i like customizing with aftermarket parts, but a recent attempt has left a foul taste.

I got some brass scales for one of my mini Bugouts and while they look great, I think they're a bit thicker than the factory grivory, albeit just barely. I also got an aftermarket backspacer and while it worked on one of my other Bugouts also with aftermarket scale, it doesn't with these. In fact it spreads the back just far enough, though almost unnoticeable to the naked eye, that I can take all the front screws out including the pivot and it won't shut and open smoothly or freely. Without the backspacer it works just fine and I can adjust as desired.

Any thoughts as to an alternative backspacer? Maybe thinner ones? Maybe i should have a go at sanding down the scales a bit by hand?Benchmade Mini Bugout S30V Knucks.jpg
 
JayDeep said:
So i like customizing with aftermarket parts, but a recent attempt has left a foul taste.

I got some brass scales for one of my mini Bugouts and while they look great, I think they're a bit thicker than the factory grivory, albeit just barely. I also got an aftermarket backspacer and while it worked on one of my other Bugouts also with aftermarket scale, it doesn't with these. In fact it spreads the back just far enough, though almost unnoticeable to the naked eye, that I can take all the front screws out including the pivot and it won't shut and open smoothly or freely. Without the backspacer it works just fine and I can adjust as desired.

Any thoughts as to an alternative backspacer? Maybe thinner ones? Maybe i should have a go at sanding down the scales a bit by hand?View attachment 2049925
Click to expand...

The bugout is a prolific enough model that any backspacer/aftermarket part that doesn't fit correctly I'd most likely an error on the maker of that part. I request an exchange or a return for a different one.

I've never modded a Benchmade (haven't owned one in many years) but I've modified 5 Spydercos and 1 Demko with 0 issues.
 
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If the same back spacer fits in one Bugout but not the other, I’d think it’s one of two things:
1. Are you certain the reassembly is correct?
2. One of your Bugouts might be counterfeit. Did you buy one on Ali-Express?
 
I have modified 3 Bugouts so far myself. 2 with anodized aluminum scales and 1 with G10. They have all gone flawlessly for me. That being said I do remember the first time reading that the backspace I wanted would not work with other aftermarket scales because of machining. Once you start getting into aftermarket mods you run more risk of these small intolerances.
 
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