Clean out screw

[waksupi]

I see that on some percussion drums and snails there is a clean out screw. Some are very small with others being larger. I also notice many set ups do not have a clean out screw. I feel it is a good idea to have that feature and think it is good to add that if there is enough "meat" to have it thread in 4-5 full threads before contacting the base of the nipple threads. Thoughts?

Leave the danged thing alone, they are NOT meant to be removed! When you blow one out and it hits a friend, I hope they sue the hell out of you!

 

[stikshooter]

I am guilty. In my defense I find it MUCH easier to dripple powder in when those that dry ball dry ball. Also I feel it makes cleaning easier. GOOD point on the in/out wear. I will have to start replacing them every few years.

You dry ball ?!!!! Is it difficult to do as I almost never ever do that except maybe once but I have a very short memory /Ed

 

[azmntman]

I believe I said "those that dry ball", I did not confess. No need to cuz I'm not a teller of tall tales so I must...err might have. Whatever. It was for you guys.

 

[azmntman]

Leave the danged thing alone, they are NOT meant to be removed! When you blow one out and it hits a friend, I hope they sue the hell out of you!

I will be looking into clean out screw overage for this possibility

 

[necchi]

I'm with the "Nah, don't need it" crowd.
Caring for a rifle and cleaning it is a different subject. needing that little screw hole to do it "right"(?). It isn't needed.
This whole forum has ton's of info about cleaning rifles, if the "clean-out" screw is not present or seized,, we can still help get your rifle clean.

 

[Grenadier1758]

As Deester has mention several times, it is not meant to be used on a regular basis or used at all. But the Term "Cleanout Plug" is what Thompson Center use to name the screw. That could lead to the confused natural what it was. Just a plug to fill in the hole.

T/C did indeed name that manufacturing plug a "clean-out screw". After replacing untold numbers of breeches with that screw destroyed after several removals, the snail breech was redesigned to eliminate that screw to be replaced by a flash channel drilled from the other side of the breech and the plug filed smooth for a [permanent installation.

 

[Rebel bull]

I prefer them in a snail and one of the things I do is make up a new screw for them that extends into the fire channel some and file a .45 degree taper on the end to vector the flash around that 90 degree corner. That little 45 degree angle sure helps with occasional hang fire issues but they will erode and need replacement from time to time.
That angled extended clean out screw also helps preserve the bottom of the snail under the nipple orifice from erosion too.

projecting the screw into the fire channel does nothing but ensure that you are going to at minimum have a problem getting it back out because of the erosion of the threads thus comprising the integrity of the threads, much like a nut off a rusty bolt without cleaning it off first

 

[M. De Land]

projecting the screw into the fire channel does nothing but ensure that you are going to at minimum have a problem getting it back out because of the erosion of the threads thus comprising the integrity of the threads, much like a nut off a rusty bolt without cleaning it off first

It is painfully evident you have not actually tried the suggestion nor most likely ever had a clean out plug blow out! I don't know of any one who actually has. Amazing how unsubstantiated speculation can drive such ill informed passion !
How about those damn white lighting liners that blow gas out to the side like a flame thrower/ blow torch for the guy that's so suit happy !

 

[Rifleman1776]

T/C did indeed name that manufacturing plug a "clean-out screw".

Interesting. I didn't remember that. Marketing departments have caused a lot of confusion in this game.

 

[M. De Land]

It is painfully evident you have not actually tried the suggestion nor most likely ever had a clean out plug blow out! I don't know of any one who actually has. Amazing how unsubstantiated speculation can drive such ill informed passion !
How about those damn white lighting liners that blow gas out to the side like a flame thrower/ blow torch for the guy that's so suit happy !

Come to think on it I have actually heard of several cross threaded nipple blow outs ( usually heli-coil repaired if I remember correctly) and only the one clean out plug blow out proclaimed on this thread !

 

[SOLANCO]

That thread crossing is also the reason nipples blow out occasionally but there is no stopping Bubba work from wrecking any system.

"there is no stopping Bubba work from wrecking any system."
Shade tree mechanics pretty much disappeared with the advent of computers in cars. Once saw a scope mounted with duct tape. Probably got minute of barn door accuracy.

 

[stikshooter]

"there is no stopping Bubba work from wrecking any system."
Shade tree mechanics pretty much disappeared with the advent of computers in cars. Once saw a scope mounted with duct tape. Probably got minute of barn door accuracy.

Sorry you brought this up as I was ready to Patten this unique use for replacement for quik detach mounts .I was sure this would be the answer to swapping out scopes !!! /Ed

 

[Tasbay]

This subject came up on a Facebook group I belong to and when I posted the so called Clean out screw actually wasn't, that it was left over from the manufacture process and should be left alone I got well roasted.
In 30+ years of shooting have never had to remove that screw for any reason on any of my percussion guns.

 

[bpd303]

You might check this thread that deals with "clean out screw & nipple blow outs. The missing pictures were added back in at the end.
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/cva-50-hawken-nipple-blow-out.96611/

 

[tenngun]

Not only is it not a clean out screw if you start taking it in and out the threads will weaken and risk the chance of it blowing out. I have seen it happen. With a hooked breach gun just remove barrel and dunk in hot soapy water.

I have oft wondered about that. I have owed a few of those modren guns that have those copper popping hats that fit on a cone on the back of a gun. They spark just like a flint when struck.
Well I think they’re just sparks in the pan. But to clean I would unscrew this little cone thing wash and dry and replace, but often wondered if would weaken the bind over the years.
Now I don’t shoot as much in a years time as some shooters do in a month, but I sure wonder about the life time of cleaning

 

[longcruise]

So, removing and reinstalling nipples with each cleaning GOOD.

Removing and reinstalling "clean out" screw [no need to repeat the origin of the hole filled for the screw] BAD.

 

[Mad L]

This subject came up on a Facebook group I belong to and when I posted the so called Clean out screw actually wasn't, that it was left over from the manufacture process and should be left alone I got well roasted.
In 30+ years of shooting have never had to remove that screw for any reason on any of my percussion guns.

If it was posted on Facebook then it MUST BE TRUE!!
They have 'Fact Chechers' ya know.

'Cross thread's and 'Stripped threads' come from those who don't know how to the screw and/or do know use the correct tool and size for the job.

I remove ALL my nipples and touch hole liners when cleaning and have not yet to cross thread, strip, nor damage a one.
Can they be 'damaged/weakened' by removing them, cleaning both male and female threads and the lubing them and tightening them back?
YES; if you:
1) Don't clean all the crud from all the threads before replacing.
2) You over tighten them upon replacing.
3) You don't properly align the threads BEFORE screwing it down.

If you have one 'worn' to the point that it is able to 'Blow Out' and you did not notice how ill fit it was; I would suggest letting some else do it for you or leave them alone until the rot out.

HOW TO SCREW A SCREW:
1) Using Fingers, NOT a power tool or magnetic driver, you align the threads by Gently turning Backwards (generally counterclockwise) until you FEEL the slight 'drop' - that is the beginning of the two threads Mating ritual.

2) GENTLY reverse turn and it should begin to seat and the screw, nipple, liner should begin to drive into the female threads.

3) IF both sides are properly cleaned, undamaged, and the male properly lubricated then it should twist and slide right down.
*often recommended if not a 'torqued' or permanent mount: reverse once more a few turns to further disperse the lubricant to the female threads.

4) Once the male reaches bottom, or as far as fingers will go then, using a Properly fitted tool and Gently tighten it fully, but Not Torqued unless noted in manual.

IF at any point you feel ANY kind of resistance; Pull the screw, liner, nipple back out and find out was it WRONG!
Ignoring and continuing Will Result in a Stripped or Cross Treaded or at the least Undue Wear on the threads.

There: there is your Mechanic Porn for the day.
Follow use proper caution and protection and you won't ruin those threads and some day have a Blow Out.

 

[flconch53]

Alot less chance of 1/4 28 weakening than a #8 screw

 

[Mad L]

So, removing and reinstalling nipples with each cleaning GOOD.

Removing and reinstalling "clean out" screw [no need to repeat the origin of the hole filled for the screw] BAD.

pssst; I have heard it said around hear that some "Never remove their nipples...ever"!!

I have seen some of them guns; reenactors have brought them to me wondering why they have issues.

 

[longcruise]

Alot less chance of 1/4 28 weakening than a #8 screw

Read the excellent post directly above yours.