Dumb question about powder horns

[Sidney Smith]

They do make a brass finial? for the rear of the horn that unscrews from it's brass base that is glued into the horn. It prevents accidental loss of the plug that could come out with a simple twist.

I should have explained mine a little better. It comes out with a simple twist, but it takes some oomph to get it to twist. It's in fairly tight and probably an inch deep inside the hole. I have an O-ring on the outside of the plug which keeps things air tight. It's not going to fall out. Hasn't failed me yet.

The plug is made using an old school clothes pin. It's just the top inch of the pin. I cut off the legs of the pin if you will, so only two little short legs are left, maybe 3/8ths of an inch long. These compress inward as the plug is inserted and holds it tight. The neck of the pin is where the lanyard is tied. Got a whole bag of these pins at the craft store for a couple bucks. Bought the solid pins for the stopper there too. Had to sand it down on the sander to get it to fit the spout. Works very well.

 

[Crow-Feather]

I should have explained mine a little better. It comes out with a simple twist, but it takes some oomph to get it to twist. It's in fairly tight and probably an inch deep inside the hole. I have an O-ring on the outside of the plug which keeps things air tight. It's not going to fall out. Hasn't failed me yet.

The plug is made using an old school clothes pin. It's just the top inch of the pin. I cut off the legs of the pin if you will, so only two little short legs are left, maybe 3/8ths of an inch long. These compress inward as the plug is inserted and holds it tight. The neck of the pin is where the lanyard is tied. Got a whole bag of these pins at the craft store for a couple bucks. Bought the solid pins for the stopper there too. Had to sand it down on the sander to get it to fit the spout. Works very well.

That sounds like a great idea. Is the plug bare wood or are the wood pores sealed? Could humidity be affecting the plug?

 

[Sidney Smith]

That sounds like a great idea. Is the plug bare wood or are the wood pores sealed? Could humidity be affecting the plug?

No, the end cap and both plugs have been stained and were shellaced. The O- ring is just there as an added measure . I've had this horn out in the rain on more than one occasion, and the powder has always remained dry as a bone.

 

[Tinhorn]

I cheated; I cut off the end of my horn and epoxied a brass valve in there. Now I unscrew it to fill with a funnel, and then screw the valve back on. Small valve, looks OK.

 

[Sidney Smith]

I cheated; I cut off the end of my horn and epoxied a brass valve in there. Now I unscrew it to fill with a funnel, and then screw the valve back on. Small valve, looks OK.

I don't call that cheating. Whatever works for you brother.

 

[nhmoose]

When powder can come out, powder can go in. Simple fact.

When you find your boot full of urine and wonder how to get it out, read the directions on the heel.