Opening the ramrod thimbles

[Nick_of_time]

Hey Folks,
Just started another kit and ran into the same time-consuming problem as always - the ramrod thimbles holes are never wide enough to take the ramrod they're supposed to be for. In my case - 3/8" I started using my usual strategy of using a round file, then sandpaper around a stick, and then wondered if anyone else had come up with a more efficient method. If you open the ramrod thimble holes - how do you do it?

Thanks,

-Nick

 

[wiscoaster]

I'd just as soon sand down and refinish the ramrod rather than messing with the thimbles. Other than just remediating burrs, that is.

 

[ord sgt]

Sanding the new rod is IMHO, the better way to go. Or, as another option, order larger thimbles. Just my $0.02

 

[billraby]

Anneal and hammer over a tapered mandrel.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Fit your ramrod to the pipes and hole.

 

[The Appalachian]

I'd just as soon sand down and refinish the ramrod rather than messing with the thimbles. Other than just remediating burrs, that is.

This.....

 

[Brokennock]

Path of least resistance,,,,, sand the rod.....

Occam's razor could be used to shave the rod maybe?

 

[FlinterNick]

Hey Folks,
Just started another kit and ran into the same time-consuming problem as always - the ramrod thimbles holes are never wide enough to take the ramrod they're supposed to be for. In my case - 3/8" I started using my usual strategy of using a round file, then sandpaper around a stick, and then wondered if anyone else had come up with a more efficient method. If you open the ramrod thimble holes - how do you do it?

Thanks,

-Nick

The only thing i do to casted thimbles ream and hone the inside with a reamer bit, however i do not do that so that the rod fits, i do that to smoothen the inside of the pipe is free of burrs etc.

I generally always fit The rod to the thimbles.

 

[James Kibler]

Yes, work the rod down. I'm not sure why some think the rod size is sacred. It's standard procedure with our kits to have to sand and taper the rods.

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

I use a very small (two-finger) spokeshave, and ever finer sandpaper, and fit the rod to the thimbles. Once I did come across a RR hole that had apparently been drilled with a 5/16" bit - re-drilled with my 3/8" bit.

 

[rickpa]

I taper my rods anyway. If using a 3/8ths rod I'll sand and taper it to 5/16ths on the other end. Keeps the rod from sticking in the thimbles when it's humid. Yes, it's a boring job. I just suck it up because the end result is worth it.

 

[Patch]

Put the ramrod in a cordless drill and run some sand paper up and down it till it fits the pipes. If it's binding up or won't enter the the hole then give it a little taper. 2 minute fix.

 

[Nick_of_time]

Ok thanks all for your input. I think I'll try a reamer to at least smooth out the insides of the thimbles and maybe nothing more need be done. I like the idea of opening up the thimbles to 3/8" so I can more easily replace the ramrod when it breaks. All I need do then is cut a replacement rod to length, install a couple of tips, and I'm done.

 

[FlinterNick]

Ok thanks all for your input. I think I'll try a reamer to at least smooth out the insides of the thimbles and maybe nothing more need be done. I like the idea of opening up the thimbles to 3/8" so I can more easily replace the ramrod when it breaks. All I need do then is cut a replacement rod to length, install a couple of tips, and I'm done.

Fyi I use a hand reamer…. It’s not on a lathe or drill chuck.

 

[Nick_of_time]

Fyi I use a hand reamer…. It’s not on a lathe or drill chuck.

Got it thanks - will see how it goes.