oiling nipples

[Marc Adamchek]

Back when I had many bottles of the original Lehigh Valley, I NEVER let a petroleum based product anywhere near my BP caplocks and flintlocks.

Well, those days are gone, I've run out of the magic Lehigh Valley, and after reading many, many threads on different forums here at this site, I gradually got indoctrinated into the "oil now, denatured alcohol later" school of fighting rust.

It's worked out fine, I must admit. But I've got a question about fighting rust in a percussion gun's nipples.

Does anyone oil inside the nipples of their caplocks to prevent rust, and if so, have they run into any problems trying to sufficiently get it all out?

 

[smo]

I don't oil the nipple but if oil gets in it I don't freak out :shocked2: I just do the de- natured alcohol down the barrel then pop a couple of caps prior to loading. I do use never seize on the threads .

 

[Rogue River]

I put anti-seize/oil on the threads and clean nipples (stainless) w/alcohol and a pipe cleaner! When you load pop a couple caps and you are good to go.

 

[F.G. Ford]

Stainless nipples solvemost of your problems.
Almost no erosion, long life, with "Never Seize" removal is easy.
Only problem.....NOT HC???
Old Ford

 

[Jumpshot]

I put a little Gorilla Grease on the threads, but I don't oil the inside of the nipple.

 

[jh2oman]

I have had (have) some cap locks with loose threads. Not only do they need preservation once cleaned, I believe they need protection while firing. I coat the treads with a refractory mixture of Crisco and powdered graphite. CVA was nice enough to replace the rotted out (oversized) nipple threads in my early Mountain Rifle bolster, while my TC Renegade with oversized threads now uses .255 x 28 nipples I got from Dixie. I have some 7 x 1 mm nipples ready for when the 6 x 1 threads in the CVA wear out. -- Never had a problem of oil IN the nipple. A cap always blows it clear.

 

[necchi]

I'm with the Anti-seize/grease on the threads crowd.
I carefully put lube on a pipe cleaner or toothpick, then put it on the threads. If I have no grease or the like I will use a touch of oil, something to keeps those threads coated so the nip don't git stuck in there.
But never needed any "in" the nipple.

For long term storage I remove the nips anyways, oil everything down and clean it all before assembly and shooting.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

anti seize on the threads has always served me well. A little goes an incredibly long way.

 

[Marc Adamchek]

Thanks Guys! Well, I learned something new and important. I know it would be a good idea to use "Never Seize, Gorilla Grease" or "Anti Seize" on the nipple threads.

Only thing is I never heard of these products until this thread. Who carries this stuff? I know it probably sounds crazy, but I never have seen this stuff advertised! Go easy on me and tell me where I can pick some up please. Thanks

 

[lorren68]

most any retailer that carries ml accessories will carry nipple grease, try TOW or cabelas. You can get it from the sportsmans guide, or cheaper than dirt.

 

[Ken Rummer]

Choke tube anti-seize grease works for me and is available in most gun stores.

 

[Rogue River]

I get anti-sieze at the auto parts store. One small tube will last a lifetime!

 

[uncmrkhd]

ry your local Ace Hardware store, I got a travel size tube for $3 and I think I'll end up leaving it in my will. A little goes along way and it gets every where so be careful , watch it doesnt get in hole of the nipple

 

[Marc Adamchek]

Alright, there's an ACE store and a Pep Boy's right near it, I can't lose!

THANKS Again!