XM18 Owners - Is this normal?

d2eux

d2eux

Joined
Oct 10, 2010
Messages
289
So, I've been carrying a Hinderer Xm18 3" since November, and here's what I've noticed:

> After replacing the the teflon washers for phosphor bronze, in order to get 0 horizontal bladeplay, I've tightened the pivot to the point where in order to effectively use the flipper, you NEED to use wrist. With wrist, it flips open fast with authority.

Is this normal for XM18? I tried to maintain a balance between using flipper without wrist action, but I couldnt stand having side to side bladeplay. I feel this compromise is the best of both worlds.
 
I think that's a normal experience for a lot of XM-18 owners, though mine personally doesn't do that. You could always take it apart and give yourself more lockbar tension, as it sounds like your knife doesn't have enough of that.

Did you install the correct PB washers? They should be .25 ID x .5 OD x .015 T.
 
marrenmiller said:
I think that's a normal experience for a lot of XM-18 owners, though mine personally doesn't do that. You could always take it apart and give yourself more lockbar tension, as it sounds like your knife doesn't have enough of that.

Did you install the correct PB washers? They should be .25 ID x .5 OD x .015 T.
Click to expand...

Ok, well glad to know it's not unusual. Did not consider washers might be the culprit. I bought them here:
These washers upgrade the teflon washers that come with Hinderer knives. The measurements are .015" thick, .5" outside diameter, .25" Inside diameter. They break in really nicely and make for a smooth opening knife.
Click to expand...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PHOSPHOR-B...727601?hash=item467383ca71:g:oScAAOSw241YjfrG
 
I guess I've been lucky ... I've only owned a few Hinderers but they fly open smooth and lock up great and are solid no blade play.

I did have to spend a lil time when I got my first ... learning the flipping motion ... or maybe a better way to say it is hiw you apply pressure to the flipper tab before you open it is a bit different that say a ZT flipper ... but once I kearned that motion ... my Hinderers are just as smooth.
 
JJ_Colt45 said:
I guess I've been lucky ... I've only owned a few Hinderers but they fly open smooth and lock up great and are solid no blade play.

I did have to spend a lil time when I got my first ... learning the flipping motion ... or maybe a better way to say it is hiw you apply pressure to the flipper tab before you open it is a bit different that say a ZT flipper ... but once I kearned that motion ... my Hinderers are just as smooth.
Click to expand...

Yea I apply pressure on the tab and apply wrist at the same time to get a smooth opening.
 
I don't have to use any wrist ... just a forward pressure on the flipper tab and then the flip of the tab and the blades fly open.
 
Just say no to wrist...unless you're making YouTube videos - seems like everybody there gives a little wrist flip :rolleyes:
No, it isn't "normal" to have to use your wrist with a flipper.
If your knife didn't have side to side play and you could flip it before you messed with it, seems like you didn't get something right.
 
JJ_Colt45 said:
I don't have to use any wrist ... just a forward pressure on the flipper tab and then the flip of the tab and the blades fly open.
Click to expand...
Right, thats what I was expecting to get.

hhmoore said:
Just say no to wrist...unless you're making YouTube videos - seems like everybody there gives a little wrist flip :rolleyes:
No, it isn't "normal" to have to use your wrist with a flipper.
If your knife didn't have side to side play and you could flip it before you messed with it, seems like you didn't get something right.
Click to expand...
I was trying to rationalize in my head that it was a net positive because only I could open it one handed (gave it to others they couldnt get it to flip out at all). Also I thought it could be a great travel knife in countries that require folders to be 2 hand operation, because it's a 3" blade and you could demonstrate to others that it could not flip open with the flipper tab.

:p
 
Hinderers are known to act like this. Some say it's an issue, some say it's per design based on convo's with folks at the ranch... (I see both sides of the argument, so I don't subscribe to any one particular thought on this subject) Either way, it stems from a lack of detent in overall system. There are some videos out there on youtube about tuning hinderers. Modifiedz has one that's really good. It's not for the feint of heart, as it requires using a drill/mill type tool on the detent hole machined in your blade, but at the same time, you are just enlarging an existing hole.

 
Long ago I twisted a small round tapered diamond file in the detent hole for about ten seconds. It made the detent stronger. I also bent the lockbar for more tension.
Try this before buying a ball mill.
 
Hinderer knives aren't renown for their flipping action. I've had several and some have flipped great, others have needed the wrist action. Nature of the beast with Hinderer in my opinion.

In your case, it flipped well before washers so maybe put the old ones back in?
 
Babalu32 said:
Long ago I twisted a small round tapered diamond file in the detent hole for about ten seconds. It made the detent stronger. I also bent the lockbar for more tension.
Try this before buying a ball mill.
Click to expand...
Good news, fellas! I took the advice and took the knife apart to bend the lockbar slightly inward. Wiped down the PB washers with clenzoil, and reassembled the thing (Side note: I REALLY wish Hinderer would release a backspacer for the XM18 3" so you dont have to worry about the 3 standoffs).

Now, like magic, the flipper works great, no wrist needed, and no side to side bladeplay! Wish I got it like this from the factory for $425.00 :cool:
 
d2eux said:
So, I've been carrying a Hinderer Xm18 3" since November, and here's what I've noticed:

> After replacing the the teflon washers for phosphor bronze, in order to get 0 horizontal bladeplay, I've tightened the pivot to the point where in order to effectively use the flipper, you NEED to use wrist. With wrist, it flips open fast with authority.

Is this normal for XM18? I tried to maintain a balance between using flipper without wrist action, but I couldnt stand having side to side bladeplay. I feel this compromise is the best of both worlds.
Click to expand...

You probably need to try polishing your washers. 1,000 and 2,000 grit sandpaper would get you on your way. In my experience, the bronze washers really do need to be polished when adding them to a Hinderer in order to get nice smooth flipping action.
 
halden.doerge said:
You probably need to try polishing your washers. 1,000 and 2,000 grit sandpaper would get you on your way. In my experience, the bronze washers really do need to be polished when adding them to a Hinderer in order to get nice smooth flipping action.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure about sandpaper, but I used a couple of clenzoil patches to wipe them down, and I think that really did the trick (plus pressing the lockbar inward slightly)

JBCZ2015.jpg
 
d2eux said:
They feel cheap for $425 and I see no performance difference between them and PB washers.
Click to expand...

I think Rick know why he uses it and not PB. Because teflon washers are great for this knife. But yes - feeling is sometimes important.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top