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wht is LM's bronze bushing mean?
- Thread starter ckl
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
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- 1,500
Phosphor bronze is naturally low in friction; it's sort of self-lubricating, especially against steel. However, it's also stiffer than nylon or teflon, so a bronze bushing helps keep the blade tight.
This is particularly important on the new Leathermans, because the pivots aren't adjustable by the user. Bronze bushings mean that LM can adjust the pivot tension at the factory such that the blades open easily, but don't wobble; and the stiffness means that the pivots won't loosen up over time, like they might if LM used teflon bushings.
This is particularly important on the new Leathermans, because the pivots aren't adjustable by the user. Bronze bushings mean that LM can adjust the pivot tension at the factory such that the blades open easily, but don't wobble; and the stiffness means that the pivots won't loosen up over time, like they might if LM used teflon bushings.
ckl said:bronze.....so,does it mean that the new wave had another metal besides steel?
Yes, it's just a washer in between the blade and the handle, you don't even see it. You don't want steel rubbing on steel or it will create lots of friction. You can lubricate steel-on-steel, but putting a different material in between is more robust, and lubrication can dry out.
Phosphor bronze bearings are used to reduce friction between the moving parts.
PB is used as an alternative to other bearing materials, the most common being plastics such as Nylon and Teflon.
None of these materials is inherently "better" or higher quality than the other ones; they simply have different properties which can make them better suited for different applications.
The real benefit of a PB bearing is that it is inherently stiffer than a plastic one, and therefore better suited to applications which require a high degree of repeatability and precise positioning; a good example of this is machine tools. They are also generally more heat resistant and are better under high-load conditions than common plastics.
Plastic bearings are generally used in corrosive or potentially abrasive environments because in addition to being more corrosion resistant they can also "swallow" a good deal of contamination from grit and chips before their function is hindred. This is because they are softer and less rigid.
In certain cases steel-on-steel is also a valid solution for a relatively low-stress application like a knife pivot. You will notice that there is rarely any sort of bearing between the steel pivot pin and the steel blade, and this does not cause any problems.
It would seem to me that in a multipurpose tool the ability of a plastic bearing to absorb contamination without incident would be more beneficial than a metal bearing's higher rigidity and heat tolerance. If done correctly both metal and plastic bearings can result in a very smooth and high quality action, and a wholly satisfactory product. As far as I can tell the much balleyhooed phosphour bronze bearing (washer, really) is driven more by marketing and perception of quality than any tangible benefit.
PB is used as an alternative to other bearing materials, the most common being plastics such as Nylon and Teflon.
None of these materials is inherently "better" or higher quality than the other ones; they simply have different properties which can make them better suited for different applications.
The real benefit of a PB bearing is that it is inherently stiffer than a plastic one, and therefore better suited to applications which require a high degree of repeatability and precise positioning; a good example of this is machine tools. They are also generally more heat resistant and are better under high-load conditions than common plastics.
Plastic bearings are generally used in corrosive or potentially abrasive environments because in addition to being more corrosion resistant they can also "swallow" a good deal of contamination from grit and chips before their function is hindred. This is because they are softer and less rigid.
In certain cases steel-on-steel is also a valid solution for a relatively low-stress application like a knife pivot. You will notice that there is rarely any sort of bearing between the steel pivot pin and the steel blade, and this does not cause any problems.
It would seem to me that in a multipurpose tool the ability of a plastic bearing to absorb contamination without incident would be more beneficial than a metal bearing's higher rigidity and heat tolerance. If done correctly both metal and plastic bearings can result in a very smooth and high quality action, and a wholly satisfactory product. As far as I can tell the much balleyhooed phosphour bronze bearing (washer, really) is driven more by marketing and perception of quality than any tangible benefit.
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2003
- Messages
- 242
The blades, in particular the 154CM, on my Charge seem pretty "stiff", however, they are smooth to open and close. I think I'm just used to my folders. It sound like the Charge is just made this way. I'm guessing so the blades don't slip out when your working....the bronze washers are a nice touch.
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2004
- Messages
- 1,675
Definatly a great improvement over the "old" Wave.
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2004
- Messages
- 1,675
No, but it is barely visible on the Charge. I think it may also only be on the inside, not on the Ti scale side.
ckl said:so they are just bearings from the 4 main tools....but i doubt that why LM still said the whole tool is 100% stainless steel in their website...
I would imagine that it is similar to a shirt that is labeled "100% Cotton" even though things such as buttons and trim are another material.
ckl said:
Bronze getting corrupted? No more than steel getting corrupted... I could be wrong but I think the steel would rust away before the phosphor-bronze could corrode.
It's really a design ADVANTAGE. You don't want steel rubbing on steel, the bronze makes it smoother. It's a small internal washer and does not affect the structural strength of the tool noticeably. It is sandwiched tightly inside the steel joint with no chance of it coming out. In fact, the washers will keep the joint from wearing out, keeping the blades functioning smoothly.
There's no way the bushings could cause the blades to be broken away. If you clamp the blade in a vise and bend it, the blade will probably break before the joint (I've seen pictures of snapped blades (and even some broken pliers) from prying, but never a busted hinge.)
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2004
- Messages
- 279
Yea, bronze bushings are an improvement, not a hinderance. Most high end production folders have them now.