NIPPLES

[ohio ramrod]

What would historically correct anti-seize be?

Sperm whale oil was used as a lubricant and lube, As a rust preventative it really isn't that great but it was considered the best at the time for use on guns and as a watch lubricant.

 

[Okie Hog]

After cleaning anti seize is always put on the nipple threads.

 

[59sharps]

when installing or replacing nipples should you put antisieze or similar on the threads

I use hi-temperature grease from McMaster Carr. Never had luck w antisieze tied it also on my sharpes breach block. It doesn’t mix well w any fouling. That gets with it. Locks things up up tight .

 

[Packrat]

Yep, every time I clean, Rifles and pistols. Automotive anti seize

 

[Grenadier1758]

While an anti-seizing lubricant is a good idea, it is equally important to know that excessive tightening of the nipple is not necessary. Tighten to snug is all that is necessary. Lubricate the threads with a good grease or anti-seize lubricant and snug will maintain the integrity of the threads and it will be an easy removal of the nipple for cleaning.

 

[doubleset]

I have DOW Corning high vacuum (silicone) grease that I use in various applications. Anyone use this on nipples? It would be MUCH more pleasant to use than the copper anti-seize I have: not as messy, not as goopy, easier to apply, and stays where you put it. All around great stuff. If you don't get the DOW stuff, I'm thinking that the little container of silicone grease they sell in the plumbing sections of places like Lowes and Home Depot would work as well.

 

[dave951]

What would historically correct anti-seize be?

Why?

 

[dave951]

While an anti-seizing lubricant is a good idea, it is equally important to know that excessive tightening of the nipple is not necessary. Tighten to snug is all that is necessary. Lubricate the threads with a good grease or anti-seize lubricant and snug will maintain the integrity of the threads and it will be an easy removal of the nipple for cleaning.

THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The nipple only needs to be snug and that's nowhere near white knuckles levels of torque.

 

[Grenadier1758]

What would historically correct anti-seize be?

Any historically correct natural grease and tightened to snug. The nipple won't seize up with a reasonable grease and proper tightening.

 

[J. Paul]

Keep in mind that nipples need to be snug rather than tight. I have always used lube to fill the gaps in the threads going on 50 years now.

 

[bang]

Every time for me.
View attachment 132626

Use it myself. Works good for internal parts too.

 

[1BadDart]

I built my GPR in the late 80's and until last year it hadn't been shot since the mid 90's. When I took it apart last summer the nipple came out without any issues and all I had ever done was wipe it with a rag that had 3 in 1 oil on it, then just snug it down.

However, the .40 I'm working on will have a tiny amount of silver anti seize on the breech plug, drum and the drum clean out plug. The nipple, I'll just wipe it with a little oil and snug it down.

 

[doubleset]

Why?

Because it would be interesting to know, and that's part of the value of this site.

 

[rafterob]

I am in the "no need for anti-seize" camp. Clean and oil only. Before I remove the nipple after a shooting session I do a partial cleaning. That always loosens any fouling up that may cause a sticky nipple. Then I remove the nipple and complete the cleaning process.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I put a dab of Old Zip Patch Grease on the threads, and I don't over-tighten. The same lube I like to use on patches and felt wads.

I would like to point out that nipples can be very easily cross-threaded. I think this sometimes contributes to the difficulty in removing them. I like to turn them in as far as I can, which is usually most of the way, just with my fingers, and only use the wrench to get them snug. If there is an issue with cross-threading, it's easier to feel it with your fingers than through the wrench.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[flntlokr]

when installing or replacing nipples should you put antisieze or similar on the threads

I have never bothered. Usually a bit of preservative oil will find its way in there after cleaning anyhow.

 

[deerstalkert]

because i seldom shoot my caplocks anymore, and they sit for months, i coat the threads with Teflon pipe dope. only started that since i joined here and so many thought it a good idea. 60 years have never had a seized nipple. on a rifle.

 

[fishmusic]

Anti-seize may be overkill but can't hurt. I use lithium grease or Gorilla Grease to lube the nipple threads. My GPR nipples would be very hard to remove after shooting but the grease solved that problem.

 

[hanshi]

Though I rarely shoot my percussions, I always remove the nipples and clean them thoroughly. I then dab the threads with an "anti-seize" grease before putting them back in the bolster. And, yes, a snug fit is all that's needed and care should be taken not to over tighten them. Breech plugs are another important location for grease application. I even use anti-seize on the threads of vent liners.

 

[fillwa]

Don’t over tighten.

Ensure threads are lean on firearm and nipple.

Any lubricant will suffice, eg gun oil, grease, I’ve even used chap stick.