Mystery with scale screws - help please!

[Locutus D'Borg]

So a month ago I purchased an XM-18 3" from an authorized dealer who has been reliable in the past. I also bought yellow scales, and since it was my first Hinderer and I did not have the tool, the dealer offered to replace the black scale with the yellow scale for me. Picture below.

Well, being inspired by Need2Know (thanks for the instructions, BTW), I decided to replace the standoffs and scale with Blue. I bought a Hinderer armorer tool (5/64 bit - I checked) to do it.

Guess what: the 5/64 bit was too big to even fit in the screw holes. So I had to frantically search my tools for a smaller bit (was unmarked, but maybe 3/64) and completed the change.

But if 5/64 is the standard, what the heck are the screws in my knife??? I called the dealer and he said Hinderer either changed the size OR I was sold the wrong size tool (although the bit is marked 5/64).

My concern: if I resell or send for a repair in the future, will my knife be considered altered because they aren't 5/64? And why do they fit so perfectly otherwise? Any help with this mystery would be appreciated.

 

[RubiconSS]

No worries. The 3" is unique to itself (as you discovered) the XM-18 3.5" and 24- 4" share the same size.
So, your 3" is fine (not altered).
5/64"= 3.5" & 4"
1/16"= 3"
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-screw-sizes-amp-other-tidbits-of-information

Love that yellow btw:thumbup:

 

[Birdhunter1220]

Well I have some information hope it helps. 5/64 fits my XM-3.5" but not my XM-3". Sorry the wrench is not marked so I am not sure of the size. It seems like the allen wrench for the 3" is smaller than for the 3.5". I think you are safe.

 

[russianpolander]

.047 is 3/64 or .078 is 5/64 couldn't you just measure your armorers tool with calipers?

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Thanks to both of you - I am much relieved. I'll replace the bit in my Armorer tool and all will be well. Hey, at least I was able to change out the standoffs and scales on my own (with N2K's instructions), and being disabled, that is a feat on its own. I really feel good about being able to reassemble it perfectly. Thanks again, I am much relieved.

No worries. The 3" is unique to itself (as you discovered) the XM-18 3.5" and 24- 4" share the same size.
So, your 3" is fine (not altered).
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-screw-sizes-amp-other-tidbits-of-information

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

.047 is 3/64 or .078 is 5/64 couldn't you just measure your armorers tool with calipers?

Sorry, I don't have calipers (I live in a city and don't even have a workshop), and anyway, the bit is probably as marked: 5/64. I just need to insert a smaller bit. Go Army

 

[dcmartin]

OP,
I just picked up a 3" XM to go with my 3.5" XM. The scale screw heads were stripped and I had to back them out with an EZ out. Before trying to make a set, I decided to put a call into Rob over at Hinderer. For the price, I just ordered a new set and he (Rob) told me they (the screws for the 3") are a 1/16 HEX.

I find that just a hair past snug with a LITTLE blue Loctite works just fine, about as much pressure as you can comfortably deliver with 2 fingers. I would much rather do that than over tighten them. Over tightening tends to round off either the tool or the screw. When one starts rounding off, the other will surely follow.

 

[Hammer]

I find that just a hair past snug with a LITTLE blue Loctite works just fine,

Just so everyone knows, Hinderer Knives does not recommend locktite on anything except the pivot.

 

[Maprik]

I've never noticed that the body screws loosen up at all once snugged down tight. I use just the tiniest drop of lock-tight on the pivot and it stays put....

 

[Need2Know]

The thread I created with the 5/64" bit I believe shows photos of the 3.5" XM. I'll go back and edit to add that detail.

As you have read by now, the 3" requires a smaller tool.

I own several Allen tool sets and other various tools. I often assume most guys have tools for their hobbies.

I'm glad you found some information in those threads useful, sorry for any unintended confusion.

 

[JB in SC]

The bit that is standard with the Armorer's tool is 5/64". If you are really nice to Mr. Orlando, he might substitute a 1/16" when you order I use the Thorp drivers, use caution with the 1/16" screws, the Thorp is tough enough to strip the screws. Cheap hex wrenches/bits will round off and ruin the screws.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Oh I have plenty of tools. It is just when I bought my Armorer tool from Howe, I specifically asked if it would work with the 3" and he said "yes." So I was mystified. All my screws are snug enough, that I won't need Loctite. If my pivot moves around, I'll use teflon tape.

The thread I created with the 5/64" bit I believe shows photos of the 3.5" XM. I'll go back and edit to add that detail.

As you have read by now, the 3" requires a smaller tool.

I own several Allen tool sets and other various tools. I often assume most guys have tools for their hobbies.

I'm glad you found some information in those threads useful, sorry for any unintended confusion.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Thanks for the tip. I'll just pop over to the hardware store today. I hope they sell 1/16 bits in 1/4 size, to fit in the tool gizmo. Mine are really small and made for a thin hand driver. I have lots of tiny torx, etc, but nothing in 1/4 driver size.

The bit that is standard with the Armorer's tool is 5/64". If you are really nice to Mr. Orlando, he might substitute a 1/16" when you order I use the Thorp drivers, use caution with the 1/16" screws, the Thorp is tough enough to strip the screws. Cheap hex wrenches/bits will round off and ruin the screws.

 

[Need2Know]

Oh I have plenty of tools. It is just when I bought my Armorer tool from Howe, I specifically asked if it would work with the 3" and he said "yes." So I was mystified. All my screws are snug enough, that I won't need Loctite. If my pivot moves around, I'll use teflon tape.

It is common for dealers to mistakenly post words on their Websites or via phone / e-mail. For example, I've seen a lot of confusion over "generations". But the armor's tool can accept different size bits. So the owner can swap the bit for their appropriate size XM.

Since the 3.5 and 24 share the same 5/64" key, it makes more sense to put that sized wrench in the tool when it's made.

As an aside---Around this time of year, it's pretty easy to find little tool kits at Hardware stores (and the like) that contain a lot of little bits and such.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I now have a couple of extra 1/16 Hex bits (I got 3 in my order) if anyone with a 3" XM-18 and and armorer tool need them. Just PM me. Free, of course, to my Hinderer colleagues.