1851 Uberti nipple problem

[USMA65]

Today I shot this pistol 18 times and then used my new nipple wrench to remove all nipples, except one which would just not loosen. Even pressure was used to actually distend the metal slightly on the wrench. Hot soapy water, oil, bore cleaner, etc....nada. So I left it and reseated the remaining nipples...except one. It would go down half way and stop. I ensured that I was not stripping the grooves, as I removed an adjacent nipple, and it seated perfectly. But then the faulty one would not seat in the other socket. The only way this one could have been damaged was upon extraction, and in both insertion and extraction I used care and did not force anything. You know what my question is, so I await your input. Thanks.

 

[Swtodd]

I would soak the cylinder in hot water for awhile, then try to slightly tighten the stuck nipple to break it loose. New nipples are available (usually) at The Possible Shop. Italy has some heavy handed nipple installers these days. :grin:

steve

 

[1911nutjob]

Is this a new gun? I had the exact same problem with an out of the box Uberti. I put the nipple wrench over the offender, and struck the top with a brass mallot to free it up. As for threading them back in, they're only difficult the first time out of the box. If you didn't strip anything, everything should go smooth the next time around.

 

[Ray-Vigo]

I had to drill out several of mine from the factory as the wrench was useless, even with the mallet tap trick. I swapped to Track #11 nipples for Uberti and have been happy. I use Choke Tube Lube to keep them from seizing or getting tough to turn.

 

[USMA65]

If one of the chambers is stripped, what can be done?

 

[1911nutjob]

I suppose if you have a tap and die set, you could try recutting over the threads. With the pressure involved, I'd feel alot safer just getting a replacement cylinder. That nipple could turn into a bullet right quick if it ain't secured.

 

[ol vern]

You can get nipples with the same thread but are slightly oversized. Check Tow they sell them

 

[phoenix511]

Uberti places the nipple in with way too much torque. Don't know why ... maybe air wrench?

My technique for removing a stubborn nipple is two wood dowels slightly less than chamber diameter held in vise so both enter chambers about opposite. Some jiggling required, but now both hands are free to press down & twist on the nipple wrench.

Removing metal via drill/re-tap, etc is a non-reversible process. If all else fails, I'd try Uberti for a repair/replacement cylinder, but keep in mind if you use extreme methods, Uberti may not be interested in helping you.