1861 Springfield Problems

[ben fowler]

The nipple in my Armi Sport 1861 Springfield is stuck. I've tried everything under the sun to get it out. I've tried various soaking techniques to no avail. The shoulders are starting to round off so I quit even trying a wrench. Looks like my next tactic will be to take it to a gunsmith. Any and all advice appreciated.

 

[LRB]

Soak a few days with penetrating oil, use a good pair of vise grips, if it comes out, replace it. If not, then seek out a gunsmith.

 

[RADeO]

Just to expand a little on Wick Ellerbe's sound advice, if you go the Vise-Grip route be sure you use a GOOD pair (as he stated) and clamp it TIGHT on the nipple. Real, real tight. Then give the handle a sharp rap with say, a 24oz ball-peen hammer. That should break things loose.

If unsuccessful, then see your friendly gunsmith as Mr. Ellerbe suggested.

 

[ben fowler]

Thanks for the help!

 

[Zonie]

It also sometimes helps after you've applied the penetrating oil to heat the area around the nipple with a torch.
I'm not talking about heating it until its red hot. Not even close to that but it should be heated hotter than boiling water.

When the penetrating oil starts to smoke then quit heating and let it cool. Do this several times, applying a little more oil after each heating.

Most things expand when they get hot and the steel barrel and nipple are no exception. As they heat their movement will sometimes cause stuck threads to become unstuck and the oil will definitely help.

I should add that giving the end of the nipple a few light taps with a hammer will sometimes help and then there is the old Plumbers method.

Years ago I was told by an old Plumber that when loosening an old pipe joint, first apply some pressure in the direction that would tighten it.
Not really enough to tighten it much but just to get it to move a little bit. Then reverse the wrench and loosen it.
Trying this might help you get the nipple out and as they say, "nothing ventured, nothing gained".

 

[ben fowler]

Thanks for the replies. It finally came unstuck!

 

[Rifleball36]

Apply a little heat at the base of the nipple. Just enouth to get the metal to expand a little, then tap with a hammer on the end of the nipple. this shoule break the threads alouse so you can screw the nippel out. Do all of this while it is still hot.