Pivot System - Revision history

DexyStorm: remove optimal bushing over blade length

2026-08-10T14:26:38Z

remove optimal bushing over blade length

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:26, 10 August 2026
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	Tuning a traditional bushing system involves adjusting the length of the bushings, typically by sanding, untill it is only slightly longer than the thickness of the blade. If the bushing is too long, the blade will have too much side-to-side movement between the handles and in extreme cases, the blade will hit the handles and it will [[tap]]. If the bushing is too short, you will have [[Bind\|bind]] because at that point, the bushing becomes useless and the balisong will behave as if it was running on a [[#Washer\|washer-only]] system.		Tuning a traditional bushing system involves adjusting the length of the bushings, typically by sanding, untill it is only slightly longer than the thickness of the blade. If the bushing is too long, the blade will have too much side-to-side movement between the handles and in extreme cases, the blade will hit the handles and it will [[tap]]. If the bushing is too short, you will have [[Bind\|bind]] because at that point, the bushing becomes useless and the balisong will behave as if it was running on a [[#Washer\|washer-only]] system.

	The optimal length for the bushing varies between balisong to balisong, blade to blade and even pivot hole to pivot hole (so never mix your bushings and always keep track of which bushing you have tuned for what pivot of what blade)~~, but the optimal length is somewhere about 0.025mm (0.001in) longer than the blade~~. A good starting point is 0.030mm and then go from there. You must also be careful to not sand your bushing at an angle because this will make your balisong bind, but only in specific handle positions. Some community members tend to call uneven bushings "lopsided". There are measures and tools to counteract an uneven bushing. These measures and tools will get discussed in the [[#Lapping_Methods]] chapter.		The optimal length for the bushing varies between balisong to balisong, blade to blade and even pivot hole to pivot hole (so never mix your bushings and always keep track of which bushing you have tuned for what pivot of what blade). A good starting point is 0.030mm and then go from there. You must also be careful to not sand your bushing at an angle because this will make your balisong bind, but only in specific handle positions. Some community members tend to call uneven bushings "lopsided". There are measures and tools to counteract an uneven bushing. These measures and tools will get discussed in the [[#Lapping_Methods]] chapter.

	====Lapping Surface====		====Lapping Surface====

DexyStorm: add info that blades must have the same amount of uneveness as bushings

2026-08-04T11:58:13Z

add info that blades must have the same amount of uneveness as bushings

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:58, 4 August 2026
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	=====Uneven Blade=====		=====Uneven Blade=====

	To check if your blade is uneven, measure the area around the pivot hole, where the [[washer]] would normally contact the blade. If the thickness varies, the blade is uneven. Fixing this is extremely difficult. While sanding the thicker area, as described in [[#Uneven Bushings]] might seem like a solution, it is not practical as this method is not precise enough for a blade. Proper correction would require a surface grinder, which most people don't have access to. Your best option is to run the balisong with a looser tune. Some people try using stainless steel washers, hoping the harder material will gradually wear down the uneven blade, but this can cause other issues and is generally not recommended unless your bushings are perfectly even and you're okay with experimenting.		To check if your blade is uneven, measure the area around the pivot hole, where the [[washer]] would normally contact the blade. If the thickness varies, the blade is uneven. The same amount of uneveness as described in [[#Uneven_Bushing]] also applies for blades. Fixing this is extremely difficult. While sanding the thicker area, as described in [[#Uneven Bushings]] might seem like a solution, it is not practical as this method is not precise enough for a blade. Proper correction would require a surface grinder, which most people don't have access to. Your best option is to run the balisong with a looser tune. Some people try using stainless steel washers, hoping the harder material will gradually wear down the uneven blade, but this can cause other issues and is generally not recommended unless your bushings are perfectly even and you're okay with experimenting.

	=====Scratched-Up Bushing=====		=====Scratched-Up Bushing=====

DexyStorm: add specific amount of unevenness a bushing is allowed to have for tight tunes

2026-08-04T11:55:24Z

add specific amount of unevenness a bushing is allowed to have for tight tunes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:55, 4 August 2026
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	=====Uneven Bushing=====		=====Uneven Bushing=====

	This is the most common cause for binding. A small amount of unevenness is usually acceptable, but the tighter your tune, the less tolerance there is before your balisong starts to bind. For example a difference of 0.030mm might not cause issues on a loose tune, but even a difference of 0.010mm can cause binding on a tight tune.		This is the most common cause for binding. A small amount of unevenness is usually acceptable, but the tighter your tune, the less tolerance there is before your balisong starts to bind. For example a difference of 0.030mm might not cause issues on a loose tune, but even a difference of 0.010mm can cause binding on a tight tune. Generally for somewhat tight tunes you want your uneveness to be <= 0.005mm and for very tight tunes, you want the unevenness to be <= 0.003mm.

	Stainless steel washers are especially problematic with uneven bushings because the hard [[washer]] will get forced into the blade, causing the edge of the [[washer]] to grind into the blade. This issue is far less severe with phosphor bronze washers, as the softer material will "glide" against the blade even if the bushing is not perfectly flat.		Stainless steel washers are especially problematic with uneven bushings because the hard [[washer]] will get forced into the blade, causing the edge of the [[washer]] to grind into the blade. This issue is far less severe with phosphor bronze washers, as the softer material will "glide" against the blade even if the bushing is not perfectly flat.

DexyStorm: add chapter about scratched up bushing

2026-08-01T06:20:46Z

add chapter about scratched up bushing

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:20, 1 August 2026
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	To check if your blade is uneven, measure the area around the pivot hole, where the [[washer]] would normally contact the blade. If the thickness varies, the blade is uneven. Fixing this is extremely difficult. While sanding the thicker area, as described in [[#Uneven Bushings]] might seem like a solution, it is not practical as this method is not precise enough for a blade. Proper correction would require a surface grinder, which most people don't have access to. Your best option is to run the balisong with a looser tune. Some people try using stainless steel washers, hoping the harder material will gradually wear down the uneven blade, but this can cause other issues and is generally not recommended unless your bushings are perfectly even and you're okay with experimenting.		To check if your blade is uneven, measure the area around the pivot hole, where the [[washer]] would normally contact the blade. If the thickness varies, the blade is uneven. Fixing this is extremely difficult. While sanding the thicker area, as described in [[#Uneven Bushings]] might seem like a solution, it is not practical as this method is not precise enough for a blade. Proper correction would require a surface grinder, which most people don't have access to. Your best option is to run the balisong with a looser tune. Some people try using stainless steel washers, hoping the harder material will gradually wear down the uneven blade, but this can cause other issues and is generally not recommended unless your bushings are perfectly even and you're okay with experimenting.

			=====Scratched-Up Bushing=====

			If the outer diameter of your bushing is scratched, that might also cause bind in certain handle positions. If the scratches are not very deep, you can polish them out by stropping the OD of the bushing with a strop. Make sure to not just strop the spot where the scratch is, but a broader area around the scratch aswell.

	=====Used-Up Washer=====		=====Used-Up Washer=====

DexyStorm: adjust information that chromium oxide is good enough

2026-07-27T05:05:54Z

adjust information that chromium oxide is good enough

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:05, 27 July 2026
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	You will probably also want to apply some stropping compound on your strop before using it.		You will probably also want to apply some stropping compound on your strop before using it.

	~~Stroppystuff is~~ a well~~-regarded brand~~ for ~~stropping compound~~, ~~though~~ the ~~price reflects that. [https://stroppystuff.com/products/6-micron-mono-diamond-suspension-high-concentration-30ml https://stroppystuff~~.~~com/products/6-micron-mono-diamond-suspension-high-concentration-30ml]~~		Most strops come with a stick of chromium oxide. Those will work well enough for polishing bushings and washers. You can apply those by rubbing the stick against the strop. Don't cover the strop fully, just apply enough to leave light streaks across the leather.

	~~Avoid chromium oxide oxide compounds~~, ~~as they are not suitable~~ for high-~~hardness stainless steels~~.		If you want to buy a more premium, longer lasting stropping compound, Stroppystuff is a well-regarded brand for stropping compound, though the price reflects that. [https://stroppystuff.com/products/6-micron-mono-diamond-suspension-high-concentration-30ml https://stroppystuff.com/products/6-micron-mono-diamond-suspension-high-concentration-30ml]

	For more information on strops, watch this video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMnS1jU4904 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMnS1jU4904]. Even though it focuses on knife sharpening, much of it also applies to bushings.		For more information on strops, watch this video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMnS1jU4904 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMnS1jU4904]. Even though it focuses on knife sharpening, much of it also applies to bushings.

DexyStorm: reworked fixing uneven bushing

2026-07-06T02:18:07Z

reworked fixing uneven bushing

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:18, 6 July 2026
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	Begin by taking measurements at multiple points around the flat face of the bushing and note each reading. The greater the difference between the smallest and biggest measurement, the more uneven your bushing is. Identify the area with the highest measurement, this is the part that needs to be sanded.		Begin by taking measurements at multiple points around the flat face of the bushing and note each reading. The greater the difference between the smallest and biggest measurement, the more uneven your bushing is. Identify the area with the highest measurement, this is the part that needs to be sanded.

	~~======Fix Uneven Bushing By Hand======~~		Place the bushing on your lapping surface and apply only preassure on the side that had the highest measurement while pushing the bushing against the lapping surface. This will remove material from the entire side you are sanding, but significantly more from the are where you apply pressure, so if you tune was already very tight, this procedure will probably undersize the bushing. After you are done, make sure to strop the bushing as a small burr will form on the bushing which will mess up readings.

	Place the bushing on your lapping surface and apply only preassure on the side that had the highest measurement while ~~grinding~~ the bushing against the lapping surface. This will remove material from the entire side you are sanding, but significantly more from the are where you apply pressure, so if you tune was already very tight, this procedure will probably undersize the bushing.

	~~======Fix Uneven Bushing With A Pivot Lap======~~

	Assemble your pivot lap as described in [[Pivot_System#KnifeDogs_Pivot_Lap]] and apply lots of pressure to the puck and '''almost no pressure at all''' on the plunger. Do lots of passes, around 50-100 depending on how uneven your bushing is and how far away from the target thickness you are ~~and use the same technique of rotating the entire assembly after some amount of motions~~, ~~as described in the [[#By Hand]] chapter. The flat surface of the pivot lap and low pressure of the plunger which rests on top of the bushing will~~ make sure ~~that almost all of the pressure is only applied~~ to the ~~thicker side of~~ the bushing.

	=====Uneven Washer=====		=====Uneven Washer=====

DexyStorm: add info on how to convert to bushings

2026-07-04T16:47:18Z

add info on how to convert to bushings

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 When you are disassembling an already assembled [[washer]] only balisong, make sure to note the orientation of each [[washer]] and reassemble everything exactly as it was. There is an exception: Sometimes phosphor bronze washers come with a smooth/rounded and a rough/blocky side. The smooth side should always face the blade to ensure a smooth swing and prevent binding. Some manifacturers overlook this detail and install the washers incorrectly. In that case you should flip the [[washer]] so the smooth side faces the blade.
 ==Bushing==
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 The only difference between a [[Pivot_System#Bushing|Traditional Bushing system]] and the Floating Washer system, is that in the Floating Washer system, the washers go around the bushing, "floating" in-between the handle and blade.
-===Tuning floating bushings===
+===Tuning Floating Bushings===
 ==Bearing==
 ==Checking Tolerances==
@@ Line 274: / Line 288: @@
 ====Wiggle Test On One Handle====
-To check for wiggle only on one handle, hold the balisong in the exact same way as described in the previous chapter [[Wiggle Test On Both Handles|#Wiggle Test On Both Handles]]. Now drop the lower handle so that it touches your palm and pinch the blade between your index and thumb, but be careful not to cut yourself. The blade should be inside the channel of the handle that is higher up. Now shake the balisong forwards and backwards quickly. If you can feel the balisong rattling/moving, you have play. If you can hear a "clicking/tapping" sound, then you have [[tap]].
+To check for wiggle only on one handle, hold the balisong in the exact same way as described in the previous chapter [[Wiggle Test On Both Handles|#Wiggle Test On Both Handles]]. Now drop the lower handle so that it touches your palm and pinch the blade between your index and thumb, but be careful not to cut yourself. The blade should be inside the channel of the handle that is higher up. Now shake the balisong forwards and backwards quickly. If you can feel the balisong rattling/moving, you have play. If you can hear a "clicking/tapping" sound, then you have [[

DexyStorm: add info on what's different between traditional bushing system and floating washer system

2026-07-04T16:23:48Z

add info on what's different between traditional bushing system and floating washer system

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:23, 4 July 2026
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	==Floating Washer==		==Floating Washer==

			The only difference between a [[Pivot_System#Bushing\|Traditional Bushing system]] and the Floating Washer system, is that in the Floating Washer system, the washers go around the bushing, "floating" in-between the handle and blade.

	===Tuning floating bushings===		===Tuning floating bushings===

DexyStorm: fix linking

2026-05-26T14:43:27Z

fix linking

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:43, 26 May 2026
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	If you have confirmed that your bushing is undersized but you still have a lot of play when you crank the screws, then your sex bolt is probably too long.		If you have confirmed that your bushing is undersized but you still have a lot of play when you crank the screws, then your sex bolt is probably too long.
	The sex bolt should not extend past the second handle halve, but rather sit recessed within it.<br>		The sex bolt should not extend past the second handle halve, but rather sit recessed within it.<br>
	To shorten the sex bolt, just use the same technique as described in the [[Lapping Methods]] chapters.		To shorten the sex bolt, just use the same technique as described in the [[#Lapping Methods]] chapters.

	====Unexpected Binding====		====Unexpected Binding====

DexyStorm: add Loose Tolerances With Undersized Bushing

2026-05-26T14:42:31Z

add Loose Tolerances With Undersized Bushing

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:42, 26 May 2026
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	If your handles shift or "click" forward and backward (towards or away from the blade when your balisong is open), the [[#Outer Diameter]] of your bushing is likely too small.		If your handles shift or "click" forward and backward (towards or away from the blade when your balisong is open), the [[#Outer Diameter]] of your bushing is likely too small.

			====Loose Tolerances With Undersized Bushing====

			If you have confirmed that your bushing is undersized but you still have a lot of play when you crank the screws, then your sex bolt is probably too long.
			The sex bolt should not extend past the second handle halve, but rather sit recessed within it.<br>
			To shorten the sex bolt, just use the same technique as described in the [[Lapping Methods]] chapters.

	====Unexpected Binding====		====Unexpected Binding====