When to swap washers

[Jiminy]

Was there any particular reason Oakley went with 4 washers each side and the aftermarket replacements just use 2, is the Oakley system better or smoother or is there another reason?

 

[zwc0442]

With 2 washers top and bottom the washers pivot on each other. So plastic on plastic. Whereas with 1 washer it has to pivot on metal on one side of the washer.

 

[THE X-MAN]

Just the way they did it......Don't know if it's right or wrong.....Just was.

 

[zwc0442]

Seems pretty right to me. Plastic on plastic less likely to wear out than plastic rubbing on titanium.

 

[Hang Loose]

So, resulting recommendation is to use 8 total (4 on each side, 2 top/2 bottom) if using OEM Oakley washers. Otherwise, use 4 total (2 on each side, 1 top/1 bottom) if using aftermarket (OXM, Linegear, etc)?

 

[zwc0442]

Yes correct.

 

[Jiminy]

Thanks @zwc0442 great explanation. Pity there isn't an aftermarket option with the 4 washers per side. Definitely sounds better to me to be wearing out plastic washers than irreplaceable arms! Is there anyone on the forum who makes thin washers similar to the originals or is it just accepted to convert to 2 per side when the original ones wear out?

 

[zwc0442]

Thanks @zwc0442 great explanation. Pity there isn't an aftermarket option with the 4 washers per side. Definitely sounds better to me to be wearing out plastic washers than irreplaceable arms! Is there anyone on the forum who makes thin washers similar to the originals or is it just accepted to convert to 2 per side when the original ones wear out?

1 washer per side probably won't wear out the arms just wear out the washers. I do make washers that are similar to oem specs.

 

[NoFair]

anybody tried phosphorous bronze (PB) washers? Many folding knives use them and they are available in loads of different sizes.. Still have quite a few spare OEM spares, but might be something to try the next time I wear out a set.

 

[XMetalAddict]

anybody tried phosphorous bronze (PB) washers? Many folding knives use them and they are available in loads of different sizes.. Still have quite a few spare OEM spares, but might be something to try the next time I wear out a set.

You may be able to get away with them on plasma and polished (NOT polished carbon) but I would not want to put them on any other as you may wear the finish. Personally I would keep to the tried and tested washers.