Bushing: Difference between revisions
m changed "parts list" to "balisong list" cuz the bali list will also include parts and thats probably a better name for a list like that |
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A bushing is a small cilynder, usually made out of some form of steel. For balisongs, some form of stainless steel is the standard. | A bushing is a small cilynder, usually made out of some form of steel. For balisongs, some form of stainless steel is the standard. | ||
== | ==Bushing systems== | ||
Bushings for balisongs usually come in one of two types: "traditional" bushing system, or "floating" bushing system. | Bushings for balisongs usually come in one of two types: "traditional" bushing system, or "floating" bushing system. | ||
=== | ===Traditional=== | ||
In a traditional bushing system, the bushing goes inside the [[blade]] and gets sandwiched by two [[washer|washers]] on each side. It is generally agreed that the Traditional bushing system is the superior one. | In a traditional bushing system, the bushing goes inside the [[blade]] and gets sandwiched by two [[washer|washers]] on each side. It is generally agreed that the Traditional bushing system is the superior one. | ||
=== | ===Floating=== | ||
== | ==Sizes == | ||
Bushings have 3 measurements: [[ | Bushings have 3 measurements: [[Outer_Diameter|outer diameter]], [[Inner_Diameter|inner diameter]], and [[Height|height]]. | ||
=== | ===Inner Diameter=== | ||
Often abbreviated to ID.<br> | Often abbreviated to ID.<br> | ||
The ID of most bushings will usually be the same, around 4.7mm-4.9mm (0.188in) | The ID of most bushings will usually be the same, around 4.7mm-4.9mm (0.188in) | ||
=== | ===Outer Diameter=== | ||
Often abbreviated to OD.<br> | Often abbreviated to OD.<br> | ||
There are 4 different outer diameter bushing sizes:<br> | There are 4 different outer diameter bushing sizes:<br> | ||
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While some of those differences may looks small (for example: 6.9-7.0 vs 7.0-7.1), they can still dictate whether a bushing might or might not fit inside the bushing hole of a [[blade]]. You can use a small bushing for a larger bushing hole (for example 6.9-7.0 inside a blade that needs 7.0-7.1) but the handle will "click" back and forth while flipping. In other words: the handles goes "forwards and backwards", not left to right as if it had an oversized bushing. | While some of those differences may looks small (for example: 6.9-7.0 vs 7.0-7.1), they can still dictate whether a bushing might or might not fit inside the bushing hole of a [[blade]]. You can use a small bushing for a larger bushing hole (for example 6.9-7.0 inside a blade that needs 7.0-7.1) but the handle will "click" back and forth while flipping. In other words: the handles goes "forwards and backwards", not left to right as if it had an oversized bushing. | ||
=== | ===Height=== | ||
The last axis of the bushing is the height. It is the only flat part of the bushing. There is no real standard in bushing height since every [[blade]] will have a different thickness. | The last axis of the bushing is the height. It is the only flat part of the bushing. There is no real standard in bushing height since every [[blade]] will have a different thickness. | ||
== | ==Tuning== | ||
For an explanation on what tuning is and how it impacts the performance of a balisong, please read the [[Tune|tune]] article. | For an explanation on what tuning is and how it impacts the performance of a balisong, please read the [[Tune|tune]] article. | ||
=== | ===Tuning traditional bushings=== | ||
In order to have a decent tune, you need to sand the [[#3.3 Height|flat part of the bushing]] so that it is only slightly higher than the blade. If your bushing is 0.025mm (0.001in) shorter than your [[blade]], you have an undersized bushing and your balisong will most likely [[bind]]. 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". To counteract uneven bushings, makers have created tools to help mitigate this problem. [[Nabalis]] has created the [[Bushing_Buddy|Bushing Buddy]] and [[Knife_Dogs|Knife Dogs]] have created the [[Pivot_Lap|Pivot Lap]]. | In order to have a decent tune, you need to sand the [[#3.3 Height|flat part of the bushing]] so that it is only slightly higher than the blade. If your bushing is 0.025mm (0.001in) shorter than your [[blade]], you have an undersized bushing and your balisong will most likely [[bind]]. 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". To counteract uneven bushings, makers have created tools to help mitigate this problem. [[Nabalis]] has created the [[Bushing_Buddy|Bushing Buddy]] and [[Knife_Dogs|Knife Dogs]] have created the [[Pivot_Lap|Pivot Lap]]. | ||
=== | ===Tuning floating bushings=== | ||
== | ==Conversion== | ||
It is possible to convert different types of bushing systems. | It is possible to convert different types of bushing systems. | ||
== | ===Floating -> Traditional=== | ||
A floating bushing system can be converted to a traditional bushing system. | A floating bushing system can be converted to a traditional bushing system. | ||
Currently the instructions are missing on how to do this, but a [[Community_Members|community member]] called [https://www.youtube.com/@taktyc/videos Taktyc] has created a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J08_tFzMsrM video] in which he announced that he will make a tutorial about this. | Currently the instructions are missing on how to do this, but a [[Community_Members|community member]] called [https://www.youtube.com/@taktyc/videos Taktyc] has created a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J08_tFzMsrM video] in which he announced that he will make a tutorial about this. | ||
Revision as of 20:43, 28 June 2025
A bushing is a small cilynder, usually made out of some form of steel. For balisongs, some form of stainless steel is the standard.
Bushing systems
Bushings for balisongs usually come in one of two types: "traditional" bushing system, or "floating" bushing system.
Traditional
In a traditional bushing system, the bushing goes inside the blade and gets sandwiched by two washers on each side. It is generally agreed that the Traditional bushing system is the superior one.
Floating
Sizes
Bushings have 3 measurements: outer diameter, inner diameter, and height.
Inner Diameter
Often abbreviated to ID.
The ID of most bushings will usually be the same, around 4.7mm-4.9mm (0.188in)
Outer Diameter
Often abbreviated to OD.
There are 4 different outer diameter bushing sizes:
6.29mm-6.3mm
6.35mm-6.36mm
6.9mm-7.0mm
7.0mm-7.1mm
(Yes there is a difference between 6.9-7.0 and 7.0-7.1 bushings)
To see a list of which balisongs use which type of bushing, check out the balisong list.
While some of those differences may looks small (for example: 6.9-7.0 vs 7.0-7.1), they can still dictate whether a bushing might or might not fit inside the bushing hole of a blade. You can use a small bushing for a larger bushing hole (for example 6.9-7.0 inside a blade that needs 7.0-7.1) but the handle will "click" back and forth while flipping. In other words: the handles goes "forwards and backwards", not left to right as if it had an oversized bushing.
Height
The last axis of the bushing is the height. It is the only flat part of the bushing. There is no real standard in bushing height since every blade will have a different thickness.
Tuning
For an explanation on what tuning is and how it impacts the performance of a balisong, please read the tune article.
Tuning traditional bushings
In order to have a decent tune, you need to sand the flat part of the bushing so that it is only slightly higher than the blade. If your bushing is 0.025mm (0.001in) shorter than your blade, you have an undersized bushing and your balisong will most likely bind. 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". To counteract uneven bushings, makers have created tools to help mitigate this problem. Nabalis has created the Bushing Buddy and Knife Dogs have created the Pivot Lap.
Tuning floating bushings
Conversion
It is possible to convert different types of bushing systems.
Floating -> Traditional
A floating bushing system can be converted to a traditional bushing system. Currently the instructions are missing on how to do this, but a community member called Taktyc has created a video in which he announced that he will make a tutorial about this.