Problem...help? With xm-18

S

Scottcityman

Joined
May 5, 2011
Messages
64
I spent a ton on a custom xm-18. Can't get the blade centered and it's not real smooth opening. I've
got another production xm-18 to compare (which is dead center and very smooth like the other xm I
once owned)...
I noticed a difference: on the custom (at the pivot) there is almost no space (or gap) between the blade and the titanium wall on either side. On the production there is a little space between the blade and
handle wall.
In other words, on the custom it looks like it's metal on metal and on the prod. the washers (I guess?)
allowing a little space for the blade to swing freely. I have good pics but can't figure out how to post.
Does this makes sense to any body? Thanks for any input..
 
Scottcityman said:
I spent a ton on a custom xm-18. Can't get the blade centered and it's not real smooth opening. I've
got another production xm-18 to compare (which is dead center and very smooth like the other xm I
once owned)...
I noticed a difference: on the custom (at the pivot) there is almost no space (or gap) between the blade and the titanium wall on either side. On the production there is a little space between the blade and
handle wall.
In other words, on the custom it looks like it's metal on metal and on the prod. the washers (I guess?)
allowing a little space for the blade to swing freely. I have good pics but can't figure out how to post.
Does this makes sense to any body? Thanks for any input..
Click to expand...

Your best bet is to PM Rick or Rob and discuss this. They'll take care iof you! ;)
 
Good advice, take it apart and give it a look. Maybe the previous owner replaced the washers with some that are too thin?? Every XM since the first has been built with the same style washers. If everthing is correct, lube it and reassemble it. If it's not, you better get on the horn to the seller and straighten things out.
 
I've had it apart a couple of times. The washers appear original though one is
Stretched into an oblong shape. It's almost as if the custom blade is too wide at the pivot
end which can't be true..
 
Just to clarify, when you say a "custom blade" do you mean a hand-ground from Rick, hand-ground from someone else, or a blade completely fabricated in the after market.
 
It's a gen III with custom Hinderer blade. Bought it used on eBay. Opened really tight (couldn't return it). Have tried
to adjust. It's either so off center the blade touches or too tight to open. Just last night I noticed how tight the pivot
end fits in the handle. My other knife has a slight gap on both sides and opens smoothly. Either the blade is too thick,
frame to narrow (neither likely) or somethings up with the washers? I love this knife
(in theory) but can't use it the way it is.
 
How about posting some pics guy? What "other knife" are you mentioning? Another Hinderer? Can you return the knife or are you not inclined to do so? It can be done even if the auction is marked no returns.

How about a link to the auction if it has good pictures. Sorry about your luck but it ain't over, unless it's a bogus blade then there's no reason it can't be repaired. It might only need a new set of washers for all we know.
 
Click on "reply" and use the 4th button/tab the the top of this typing box that looks like a painting canvas and click on it. You can use hosted images or images from your computer. Just hovery your cursor over the tabs will cause a word to pop out and tell you what it's for. Hope that helps. :)
 
It sounds like someone over-tightened your custom and deformed the washers. Try swapping the washers from your production with your custom. If it fixes the custom, that tells you that there was a set of faulty washers. In that case, just ask Rob for a new set of washers. In any case, make certain you use a high quality lubricant as well.
 
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