Storing autos

**EOD13** · 06-23-2012, 08:59 AM

Alright guys, I've heard that when storing (coil spring) autos there's no reason to store them open as it doesn't affect the performance at all. Does the same apply to automatics with leaf springs? Any help would be appreciated

**sirhorsechoker** · 06-23-2012, 10:43 AM

My understanding is that it is the cycling of a spring (popping the knife in and out) that leads to metal fatigue. Some physics guy on youtube tried to make me understand this.

If metal springs accrued enough wear from being stored with potential energy for us to be concerned about, then all those old AK magazines left over from the soviet era would be useless. A magazine spring is under a substantial amount of pressure even when its unloaded. But all those surplus mags are still really springy after they sat in storage for decades.

I don't thing it matters much what typa spring it is. A bm 51 leaf spring is always under tension, ya know, until you pop it open.

This is my opinion from talking with the physics nerds. But some people disagree. Perhaps a spring could be forced to "set" but I think it would still require cycling or some abnormal activity. I've always stored automatic knives closed and will continue to until someone shows me an example of this screwing up their knife.

**EOD13** · 06-23-2012, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by sirhorsechoker

My understanding is that it is the cycling of a spring (popping the knife in and out) that leads to metal fatigue. Some physics guy on youtube tried to make me understand this.

If metal springs accrued enough wear from being stored with potential energy for us to be concerned about, then all those old AK magazines left over from the soviet era would be useless. A magazine spring is under a substantial amount of pressure even when its unloaded. But all those surplus mags are still really springy after they sat in storage for decades.

I don't thing it matters much what typa spring it is. A bm 51 leaf spring is always under tension, ya know, until you pop it open.

This is my opinion from talking with the physics nerds. But some people disagree. Perhaps a spring could be forced to "set" but I think it would still require cycling or some abnormal activity. I've always stored automatic knives closed and will continue to until someone shows me an example of this screwing up their knife.

I have heard that too about firing being the main reason for them wearing out, but the physics reasoning behind it makes me wonder because it's nearly impossible to calculate (you don't know what the spring constant is...)

Main reason I ask is because I'm getting in a couple Mikov autos which are leaf spring autos and I wanted to know how to make them last. The other reason I ask is because they sell replacement springs so I'm guessing they wear out?

**gzb** · 06-23-2012, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by EOD13

Main reason I ask is because I'm getting in a couple Mikov autos which are leaf spring autos and I wanted to know how to make them last. The other reason I ask is because they sell replacement springs so I'm guessing they wear out?

All moving parts wear out. Coil and Leaf springs included...

**sirhorsechoker** · 06-23-2012, 10:57 AM

...paging purledc, doctor purple to the office...

**purpledc** · 06-23-2012, 07:26 PM

well it seems this issue is one that can never be laid to rest. IMHO a leaf spring auto should be stored open just for good measure. Its widely believed that a properly designed spring that is manufactured as it should will not weaken over time if stored for long periods under compression. And I have been informed that a springs worst enemy is not necessarily how it is stored but how frequently it is cycled in a short amount of time. In other words I would worry more about opening and closing a knife repeatedly in a short time frame as it will build up heat in the spring. But a spring left compressed from a closed knife over years of time really isnt a huge issue as the spring while under strain is not under constant movement where its elasticity and temper are being subjected to harsh treatment.

Now realize that I said "a spring that is designed and manufactured properly" many of the czech and italian knives have more inconsistencies with their QC and therefore should (imho) recieve a little more TLC. I cant tell anyone else how to store their autos. But I can say I store my one and only Italian in the open position and I only fire it once in awhile and not repeatedly.

**EOD13** · 06-23-2012, 08:47 PM

Thanks for all the feedback guys

**gzb** · 06-23-2012, 11:21 PM

I've got more than a few American Autos that I've collected as a hobby. A lot of them actually.

OTFs and SOs both. Coil spring powered and Leaf spring powered.

FWIW, all are stored closed (for space consideration mostly), and some have been stored that way for over 15+ years.

Every now and then a number of them are randomly selected to 'get some air' and see what's what.

Both spring types seem to fire as hard as they did when first put away. No misfires and solid lockups...

Just sayin'.

Do what you want w/yours...

**EOD13** · 06-23-2012, 11:29 PM

Originally Posted by gzb

I've got more than a few American Autos that I've collected as a hobby. A lot of them actually.

OTFs and SOs both. Coil spring powered and Leaf spring powered.

FWIW, all are stored closed (for space consideration mostly), and some have been stored that way for over 15+ years.

Every now and then a number of them are randomly selected to 'get some air' and see what's what.

Both spring types seem to fire as hard as they did when first put away. No misfires and solid lockups...

Just sayin'.

Do what you want w/yours...

Well considering that's a real personal account... I'll take your word for it

I really do appreciate all the feedback with this guys!