Perfecting the XM-18 3.5 Spanto Flipper?

dawgfan

dawgfan

Joined
Jul 6, 2005
Messages
1,728
4th gen knife and kind of sticky when trying to flip open. Took apart, cleaned, oiled and reassembled. Flips better now, but only if I leave the pivot screw a bit loose. Shouldn't the screw be tight? It's my first one and I want to set it up correctly. Thanks for any tips.
 
Your pivot does not need to be tight. Tight enough to maintain center but loose enough to flip easily. There's a sweet spot.
 
Thanks. Thinking since new, it should be a little tight and required to 'break in', but looking for confirmation.
 
It's amazing what even a hair of a turn on the pivot will do. There is definitely a sweet spot.
 
dawgfan said:
Thanks. Thinking since new, it should be a little tight and required to 'break in', but looking for confirmation.
Click to expand...

IMO - Taking ones "Tools" apart and putting them back together is beneficial in many ways whether it be a Weapon, changing your own oil or maintaining ones Hinderer. It is a bonding exercise as well as a big part of the hobby.
Check out the stickies for a lot of good info but rest assured "break-in" is part and parcel of XM ownership as well as most knives, guns, audio equipment or cars.
As mentioned the adjustment is minute in detail but can be dialed into personal preference with the most common shared facet of opinion being - having the blade centered.
Enjoy your knife. :)
 
dawgfan said:
Thanks. Thinking since new, it should be a little tight and required to 'break in', but looking for confirmation.
Click to expand...

My XM-18 was very stiff when I first got it. It has loosened up nicely - I probably wouldn't have messed with it until it was broken in.
 
I like mine looser that most people, I have the pivot backed off to the point that the blade swings loosely when opened. Yes, it's a bit off center that way, but not bad. Not that it bothers me, the XM in my pocket is no showpiece. ;)
 
Lone_Wolfe said:
I like mine looser that most people, I have the pivot backed off to the point that the blade swings loosely when opened. Yes, it's a bit off center that way, but not bad. Not that it bothers me, the XM in my pocket is no showpiece. ;)
Click to expand...

LW - You know how hard it was for me to resist the softball punch lines you served up there ;):D
Be safe Sister.
 
RubiconSS said:
LW - You know how hard it was for me to resist the softball punch lines you served up there ;):D
Be safe Sister.
Click to expand...

After I posted that I realized I'd left an opening. I'm surprised you resisted, you must be slipping! :p :D

And thank you, I'm trying. :thumbup:
 
Geez I read LW's post and I didn't see any thing, however once I put on my "Rubi Glasses" I see what you mean! Swinging loosely and off centered and no showpiece in your pocket. Definition of that style of writing is double entendre, and usually the text hides provocative sexual content. Well done by both of you. :thumbup:
 
What kind of lube did you use?

The ones I've owned flipped well upon delivery (all from secondary market) but are much improved but a tiny drop of nano oil!

(No affiliation, just find it works great)
 
Bought at my local knife shop. Will check brand when I get back home. It's in a tube with needle tip FWIW.
 
^ I've tried several lubricants on my hinderers (tuf glide, frog lube, hoppes #9, crk grease, and nano oil.). In my opinion nano oil is the best lube in combo with the Teflon washers. My XMs fire like lightning! It's good stuff!
 
I use Daiwa Reel Oil (made for fishing reels) on all my knives except my Sebenza for which I use fluorinated grease. Daiwa has the same needle point applicator as Nano Oil and, frankly, I suspect it's the same stuff. Its fairly miraculous at smoothing out pivots... and here's the best part... it's 1/4 the price of Nano Oil. :D
 
I've tried CRK's stuff and regular motor oil on my xm's, and I either use a TINY bit of motor oil or nothing. Never had any problems!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top