Loss of spark in cold temps

[TTT]

I've noticed while hunting, when the temps get into the 20°s I loose spark off my frizzens on at least 2 of my Flinters. So far I've had to drop the hammer 3 times or so before I get spark and ignition. Has anyone else found this or know how to avoid this issue?

 

[EC121]

Not me. I don't hunt if it is below 40.

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

That’s interesting! I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced that issue, but we know that cold causes metal to contract… it’s possible the steel in the frizzen may stiffen slightly, which can reduce spark production. You don’t have any grease or oil on your frizzen spring that may have become stiff or sticky with the cold, do you?

Sounds like you need to get yourself an insulated cow’s knee!

I’m only half-kidding regarding the insulated cow’s knee. I can’t help but wonder how one of those hand warmers attached to the frizzen face with a rubber band or other method might work.

 

[Newly O’Brian]

I was thinking the lube in your lock is too thick and slowly done your hammer in the colder temps

Clean and LIGHTLY lube w better oil

 

[Trot]

I agree with Newly O'Brian, I'd say almost certainly a slowed down lock from thickened lube.

 

[Grimord]

I agree with Newly O'Brian, I'd say almost certainly a slowed down lock from thickened lube.

When I hunt in cold weather, I de-grease my lock and lube it with powdered graphite. Graphite is not affected by the cold.

 

[bldtrailer]

wipe all surfaces with 91% alcohol rock , frizzen pan and use light motor oil to lube . re prime often

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

When I lose my spark due to low temps, I generally add more clothes or stay inside.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Hmmm never heard of such a thing…never personally experienced such a thing…

 

[Dave Marsh]

I would clean my lock internals and then lubricate with something that does not freeze.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I would clean my lock internals and then lubricate with something that does not freeze.

This right here makes the most sense. Cold weather slowing down lock times, reducing spark…that makes sense.

 

[SDSmlf]

I've noticed while hunting, when the temps get into the 20°s I loose spark off my frizzens on at least 2 of my Flinters.

I was thinking the lube in your lock is too thick and slowly done your hammer in the colder temps

Clean and LIGHTLY lube w better oil

Probably a lot of truth in the lubricant getting stiff or thicker in cold weather slowing things down.

Following are two examples with modern guns.

1. Many years ago a buddy used WD40 on a center fire rifle bolt. At 4° F, firing pin didn't fall. Had to heat gun over the defroster on the dashboard of the truck to loosen things up. Note to self, NEVER USE WD40 TO LUBRICATE A MECHANISM.

2. BIL was visiting from up north and wanted me look at one of his handguns (think something designed around 1911) that was giving problems, particularly in some recent cold weather. One look, and to me the cause was obvious, but while the BIL is good with electronics, it’s not a good idea to hand him a hammer or wrench, or let him use a power tool. The gun looked like it was lubed with old axle grease salvaged from an old 1950s Chevy. With the gun unloaded, we placed in the freezer for a few hours. Upon removal from the freezer, he COULD NOT rack the slide no matter how hard he tried until the thing warmed up. After a tear down and proper cleaning with solvent and an assist from an ultrasonic cleaner, the gun was lightly lubed with high/low temperature rated grease and oil. It functioned fine after another round in the freezer. Waiting to hear back next time he takes it out in cold weather up north.

If you are not a believer, take the lock off your gun, put it in the freezer for a few hours, then see how it works when you test it immediately after taking out of the freezer (still off the gun). Be prepared to completely disassemble lock after the freezer test as it will frost up like snow cone when exposed to the warm air outside the freezer.

 

[Juice Jaws]

Just go hunting when it is warmer

 

[bpd303]

NEVER USE WD40 TO LUBRICATE A MECHANISM.

It also leads to chain fires with a revolver. My brother found that out, may he RIP>
Edit BTW the chain fire did not harm him but he did have to change his shorts.

 

[Wirehair]

Just go hunting when it is warmer

In Wisconsin, that would constitute poaching.

 

[Rebel bull]

In Wisconsin, that would constitute poaching.

same in Minnesota

 

[Pete G]

Sounds like your sparks are frozen. Be careful when they thaw; they may cause a fire.

 

[Juice Jaws]

In Wisconsin, that would constitute poaching.

I guess it would

 

[Tumbledown]

+ 1 on the lock lube thickening up. It does not take much to slow the action down enough to significantly reduce sparking.

 

[Texcl2]

I hunt in sub-zero temps all the time and have no issues. I was hunting deer in -10f. Temps a couple weeks ago with my flintlock VA rifle, fires every time. I don’t think I’ve ever shot game above 20f with a flintlock now that I think about it minus one black bear. I’m sure it has some affect but probably mostly lubricant related? I use break free (clp) on everything, it has served me well from hot deserts to sub-zero climates.