breech plug wrench

[john4645]

Ok, getting ready to start on a chambers kit, i need to get a breech plug wrench. where do I get this, and Dixie sells one for 15.00 that is hand forged will this work.
thanks.

 

[Packdog]

Hi john,
I use a 12" adjustable wrench from the local hardware store. While there pick up some .040 brass strips for padding the barrel in the vice. I do have a cresent wrench with the jaws ground at an angle for working with tapered breech bolsters like a Colerain barrel has but a regular one works for most. Just be careful not to let the jaws bugger up the tang edges.
Ken

 

[john4645]

I was wondering if you could use a adjustable wrench, but i did not want to ask, I know how sometimes you guys can get cranky if you use the wrong tool for the job :grin:

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Ok, getting ready to start on a chambers kit, i need to get a breech plug wrench. where do I get this, and Dixie sells one for 15.00 that is hand forged will this work.
thanks.

The best tool (and the cheapest, 2 bucks at a garage sale) I have found is a large old Monkey wrench, flat jaws align and accommodates the bolster taper very well. The knurled adjustment allows for a very snug fit, and wrench doesn't take no for an answer. I do make up a fitted pad from scrap copper to prevent marking the bolster.

 

[ky_man]

I have been watching "Building a Kentucky pistol" with host Mike Miller, and he uses an adjustable wrench for removing/installing his breechplugs. His tip was to mount the barrel upside down in a vise, and not bite all the way on the plug so as to aviod marring the top surface of the plug when removing/installing it.

 

[Vaino]

I use a 12" Crescent wrench w/ pieces of 1/16 thick copper that extend past the top surface of the tang....stay away from the bbl, and make sure the bbl is firmly held in the vise. I use copper on the vise jaws also......Fred

 

[Mike Brooks]

I use an old fashioned monkey wrench. :redface:

 

[DrTimboone]

Not having a PC 'Monkley Wrench" :bow: available I use a pipe wrench... got tired of busting my knuckles with the crescent wrench.

:blah: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

 

[ehoff]

I've been using a adjustable wrench, but I hate the marks it leaves. I've been thinking about making one.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Why not simply make some wedges of the correct angle to put between the jaws of the monkey wrench, and the tang, so you don't scratch it? use either brass or copper, and file the angles you need. Two slugs the width of the jaws of your vise, and about 1/4 inch thick should do the trick. I would want them to be at least 1 inch wide, considering the width, or depth of the jaws of the typical machinist's vise.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Not having a PC 'Monkley Wrench" :bow: available I use a pipe wrench... got tired of busting my knuckles with the crescent wrench.

:blah: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

And unless well padded, it customizes the tang and bolster with distinctive well defined markings. :grin:

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Why not simply make some wedges of the correct angle to put between the jaws of the monkey wrench, and the tang, so you don't scratch it? use either brass or copper, and file the angles you need. Two slugs the width of the jaws of your vise, and about 1/4 inch thick should do the trick. I would want them to be at least 1 inch wide, considering the width, or depth of the jaws of the typical machinist's vise.

See post #327247
[url] http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showpost.php?post/327247[/url]/