Smith Blade Standard & Pro: How to use the included Torque bit flag

This video explains how to adjust the hinge pin screw and other screws using the torque bit flag included with Smith Blade Standard and Pro models.
 

NOTE: The torque specifications are 0.2nm for the hinge pin 0.5nm for all other screws.
 

Lost yours? Download and 3D print a spare at home using PLA, a 0.2mm nozzle, 100% infill, and the hex opening facing up:

Download STL File

Transcript:

Hi everyone, I’m Charles. In this video, I’ll show you how to use the bit flag driver included with your Smith Blade Standard, Pro, or Founders Edition.

This tool functions as both a screwdriver and a torque wrench. The screwdriver side is the larger, chunky end. To use it, insert the included T8 Torx bit into the opposite end (away from the large end). You can use this configuration to loosen or tighten any of the fasteners on the Smith Blade, all of which use T8 Torx screws.

For optimal performance, it’s important that the hinge pin is tightened to the same torque every time. To do this, insert the T8 bit into the larger end of the driver, with the flag oriented away from the bit. This allows the bit flag to act as a torque indicator.

As you apply torque, the flag will begin to straighten. When it becomes roughly parallel with the grooves on the face beneath it, the correct torque has been reached for the hinge pin.

Let’s see this in practice. First, loosen the hinge pin. Then, gently tighten it by hand until it’s finger-tight. Next, apply torque using the bit flag until the flag aligns roughly parallel with the groove.

Be sure to stop applying force once the flag straightens. While this is a very useful tool, it is still brittle and can break if too much torque is applied. If that happens, a 3D-printable replacement is available that provides similar results when printed in standard PLA on a typical FDM printer.

Once complete, your Smith Blade will be properly tensioned and torqued.