Installing tips on wooden ramrods...........

[ETipp]

Looking for input on this.

When building up a wooden ramrod, how are the tips properly and securely installed?

How tight of fit does the tip need to be?

Any glues or cement of any kind?

Just one tip or tips on both ends?


Thank you.

 

[Bnewberry]

A snug fit is good. Glue is better. A pin is best!

One tip for a gun mounted rod, two for a range rod or cleaning rod is ok. Of course there are no rules so you can do what you think will work best for you!

 

[French Colonial]

Historically correct? Use hide glue and a cross pin.

Most people, epoxy and a cross pin.

I like them to fit fairly tight, I use a pipe cutter for copper pipe to get a good stop point for the tip and then a pocket knife to whittle it down.

Both ends or not, up to you.

 

[ETipp]

Historically correct? Use hide glue and a cross pin.

Most people, epoxy and a cross pin.

I like them to fit fairly tight, I use a pipe cutter for copper pipe to get a good stop point for the tip and then a pocket knife to whittle it down.

Both ends or not, up to you.

I see that my GPR has a cross pin in the loading tip end. So what type of pin material does one use. Brass or does it matter?

That's a great idea about using the pipe cutter. I was pondering on how I wanted to put a good, straight stop on the wood.

I do believe I would like to apply some sort of epoxy/glue, however, that leaves the question of how snug the fit should be to accommodate space for the compound.

Historically correct is not a factor for this old boy, not on this one anyway.

 

[sdilts]

I use a pipe cutter, whittle it a little, then chuck the tip in a drill and spin it on the rod. Quick and easy. Epoxy then pin.

 

[French Colonial]

I see that my GPR has a cross pin in the loading tip end. So what type of pin material does one use. Brass or does it matter?

That's a great idea about using the pipe cutter. I was pondering on how I wanted to put a good, straight stop on the wood.

I do believe I would like to apply some sort of epoxy/glue, however, that leaves the question of how snug the fit should be to accommodate space for the compound.

Historically correct is not a factor for this old boy, not on this one anyway.

I like a snug fit, a very small amount of epoxy is all you need and there is no need for a large gap between the wood and the tip.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

For pins, I use a small brad or tiny nail and cut it off. Then roll file the outside of the tip to remove any bit of pin sticking out.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[BillyC]

Kibler includes a small finish nail to pin the ramrod tip with.

 

[ETipp]

Thanks to y'all that has commented. Much appreciated.

I have redone the end of the ramrod so the tip is fairly snug but still leaves a little space for epoxy.

Now, considering this is for a .32 caliber, the rod tip I.D. is pretty darn small dia. The wooden ramrod is, or was, 5/16" diameter. Sanded it down to where it fits down the barrel yet a little bit of slop for expansion due to humidity. Fits snug into the fore-stock.

Rod tip smaller diameter. Therefore, I believe its going to take a small diameter pin of some sort. I'll look around my mancave and in my garage for some sort of pin, but it will most likely require a trip to town to locate one of proper diameter.

 

[ETipp]

Now then, I have another question for some of you all.

Do you prefer one tip or two tips on a ramrod?

My GPR came with two tips. My other ML's have replacement ramrods made of alloy.

 

[longcruise]

No then, I have another question for some of you all.

Do you prefer one tip or two tips on a ramrod?

My GPR came with two tips. My other ML's have replacement ramrods made of alloy.

My GPR and tc rifles have a threaded tip on both ends. The rod length is such that with a jag attached the the jag is even with the face of the muzzle. If it protrudes beyond the muzzle it's an obstruction to a short starter and patch knife.

In the shooting bag is a handle with a short piece of metal rod protruding that also has a threaded rod tip attached. That tip has a section of 10-32 epoxied into it. With it the onboard rod can function as a range rod in a pinch.

That's just what I do. With a big bore full stock it probably would not be practical to keep a jag attached to the onboard rod so may as well make the on board length to match the muzzle.

 

[ETipp]

My GPR and tc rifles have a threaded tip on both ends. The rod length is such that with a jag attached the the jag is even with the face of the muzzle. If it protrudes beyond the muzzle it's an obstruction to a short starter and patch knife.

In the shooting bag is a handle with a short piece of metal rod protruding that also has a threaded rod tip attached. That tip has a section of 10-32 epoxied into it. With it the onboard rod can function as a range rod in a pinch.

That's just what I do. With a big bore full stock it probably would not be practical to keep a jag attached to the onboard rod so may as well make the on board length to match the muzzle.

Interesting. On my GPR the ramrod is even with the end of the barrel without an attachment. Pretty sure that's how at least one of my TC's was as well.

The shoddy factory ramrod that came on this Crockett Rifle is too short without an attachment. With the cleaning jag it sticks out past the end of the barrel.

 

[FlinterNick]

I turn my own rammer tips, i have them extend about 1 1/2 inches then i epoxy and pin. In my experience a sleeved tip with a pewter filled end works very well.

 

[Sidney Smith]

I mark where the tip is going to stop, then cut a line in the rod around it. Then chisel off just enough wood around the tip of the rod to allow the brass fitting to snugly slide on. Then remove the tip, apply some 5 minute epoxy, then jam the fitting back on. Wipe off the excess glue being careful not to leave any. Once dry, drill and insert a brass or steel 1/16th inch pin. File the pin down to almost flush, then peen it over on the flat of a vice or small anvil. Then sand everything smooth and finish the wood. I usually stain the rod, then apply several costs of shellac or polyurethane.

 

[longcruise]

Interesting. On my GPR the ramrod is even with the end of the barrel without an attachment. Pretty sure that's how at least one of my TC's was as well.

All of my rods are made by myself to the specific length as described. I purchase straight grained hickory, saw out square blanks and run them through a doweler. It’s not necessary to split them out although it is probably traditional.

When I did a two week fly in i took extra precaution and made an on board rod out of brass.

 

[Rifleman1776]

A pocket knife and some whittling will give you a good fit. I always used a glue that would come loose with heat. Tips can be reused if a rod breaks. And, always cross pin. A tip coming off down a barrel can be a real issue to get out.

 

[longcruise]

A tip coming off down a barrel can be a real issue to get out.

I shot one out in my garage. Less than five gr powder easily put it through drywall

 

[Ohio Rusty]

I have ramrods with two tips and a couple with just one tip. The two tip ramrods are convenient as I have cleaning accessories in both 8/32nd and 10/32nd sizes. My wonder rods that I use for cleaning came with two tips.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[Salty]

Looking for input on this.

When building up a wooden ramrod, how are the tips properly and securely installed?

How tight of fit does the tip need to be?

Any glues or cement of any kind?

Just one tip or tips on both ends?


Thank you.

I glue and pin both ends. End can come off in the bore if trying to pull a dry ball. Ask me how I know that.

 

[ETipp]

I glue and pin both ends. End can come off in the bore if trying to pull a dry ball. Ask me how I know that.

That's one thing I want to avoid at all cost.

Just cut it to length a bit ago so ramrod is finished, minus the pin. I won't use it until the pin is installed. However, I plan on using this ramrod for hunting purposes and keeping it in the ML only. I'm considering getting an extension for the stock ramrod and using it to clean with, or in case some unfortunate situation were to arise.