Best way to secure a flint

[michael paul]

I'm new to flintlocks. I want to know the best way to keep the flint soild in the cock. I'm using 1/8th leather.

 

[Billnpatti]

Many folks prefer sheet lead to hold their flints. However, you must be sure that using lead doesn't void your warranty on your lock. There is one major lock manufacturer who will void the warranty if you use lead.

Personally, I prefer a piece of soft leather about the thickness and degree of softness as shoe leather (uppers not soles). Position your flint according to what works best in your lock and use your flintlock tool to tighten the jaws of the cock to hold your flint securely. You have to tighten down pretty hard to keep your flint in place. This is about the only time you will ever need to tighten a screw or bolt more than just good and snug.

 

[AZbpBurner]

Some folks steam or soak leather in hot water to make the leather more pliable and to conform around the flint for a more secure hold. I've also heard of using a dab of hot melt glue to affix leather to flint.

I prefer thin lead, which in my rifles makes the flint immovable. If you use thin enough lead sheet, you don't have to worry about all that excess weight goofying up your lock, as someone is bound to make mention here shortly.

 

[hanshi]

Leather is what I use and never had any problems from using it. Never had much luck with lead.

 

[Toomuch51]

I too prefer to use leather. I find it more consistant without constant re-adjusting.

Toomuch
.........
Shoot Flint

 

[MJMarkey]

I agree with Billnpatti, Don't use lead and don't wet the leather, It will shrink back when it dries. You also don't need hot glue,(where you going to get that out in the field)

Use medium soft leather that has a little give. Make a pad that covers the flint top and bottom, Then make a small hole or notch where the screw is to allow for more grip for the flint. Then really tighten it down. If it loosens you didn't tighten it enough.

Bevel up or bevel down depends on how the flint fits.

Hope this helps some, and good luck.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Many folks prefer sheet lead to hold their flints.

Disagree on the "most" part. I believe the overwhelming majority prefer leather.
Use of lead, IMHO, should be reserved for emergencies when you lose yer leather and can only pound a ball flat with the back of yer tomahawk. I have used both, the lead just does not grip like leather. However, it is always an item one must check frequently when using a flintlock.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Latigo leather is what I make mine out of, the tanning process makes this leather more resilient and nearly impervious to outside elements.

 

[Billnpatti]

Yes, I would disagree with the use of the word "most" except I didn't use the word "most", I used the word "many". :blah: I believe "many" is an accurate word to describe the use of lead to hold flints. :hatsoff: :haha:

 

[Alden]

Yes, I would disagree with the use of the word "most" except I didn't use the word "most", I used the word "many". :blah: I believe "many" is an accurate word to describe the use of lead to hold flints. :hatsoff: :haha:

I had to chuckle at 1776 too when I saw that -- and he QUOTED you too. LOL In any case "many" is not accurate either as it really says little other than, implying to me, less than the majority. I'd say "some" use lead.

I use only fine Corinthian leather.

 

[azmntman]

1st or 2nd?

 

[Ken Cormier]

In my Centermark likes lead. My rifles like leather go figure. Never found 2 guns that always liked the same thing. I can't figure that out YET after 30 yrs still trying lol

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I use lead in my Bess muskets..., and leather in my rifles and trade guns. The Bess whether Italian, Japanese, or from India seem to prefer the lead when shooting lots of volleys, while the rifle and trade gun locks of mine don't shoot nearly as much in a day and do much better with leather.

LD

 

[StewartLeach]

I've used both leather and lead, and settled on leather. My impression is that I get best results from thin, dense leather, not very cushiony.

I learned quickly to tighten the jaw screw firmly, and to further snug it up after each of the first few strikes set the flint and jaw serrations into the leather.

I keep a selected flint with a leather glued on in my bag to speed up replacement when a flint shatters or dies. Clubs around here run local events on a 20 muinute relay, and I hate to leave points in the pouch.

White Fox

 

[S.Kenton]

Ive tried lead...and I've tried leather. I must say I prefer the leather over lead. The lead tends to allow the flint to loosen up in the jaws after a few shots or so. That's my experience...

 

[Alden]

I also find one must exert WAY too much pressure on the parts for lead wraps to adapt to the flint and wrap. My guns are worth more than a piece of lead!

 

[Wes/Tex]

This is one of those issues that just won't go away! Personally, I've tried both and will admit the lead sheet method is fine for the big military issued locks but seems a little hard on flints in rifle and pistol size locks...your mileage may vary!

 

[Billnpatti]

Pot-ay-to.......Po-tah-to.....many.....some.....a few.....at least one..... :idunno: Well hell, I personally know at least one person who has done it. :haha:

 

[Rifleman1776]

Yes, I would disagree with the use of the word "most" except I didn't use the word "most", I used the word "many". :blah: I believe "many" is an accurate word to describe the use of lead to hold flints. :hatsoff: :haha:

"uncle" :surrender:

 

[bpd303]

My new Pedersoli .54 Cabela's Blue Ridge, came with a lead wrap flint from the factory... go figure.