Patch Box Assistance

[Rhino]

I have those olde .50 cal (bored to a fowler) and noticed the latch on the patch box lid has gone AWOL. I'm looking for a source for a replacement and advice on the process to replace?
Thankins,
Dave

Something is missing...

Photo of the latch and lid open.

I suspect the latch on this lid is what I'm in search of...?

 

[Phil Coffins]

It’s not a part you can buy, a smith can make it and fit it to the lid. Get a smith that builds muzzleloaders for the work.

 

[Pete G]

Make one out a nail. Clamp in your vise and rivit to your P/B door. Then file notch where the latch hits.

 

[Rhino]

Appreciate the replies Phil & Pete. I figured the other option is another box "lid" assembly and rob the latch...sounds like a bunch of work to me. I'll poke at the nail approach.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Those latches are made from mild steel rod. It’s best to fins a piece slightly over sized, and file the end square to prevent it turning, then rivet it into place. You will then be tasked with filing a notch in the proper place for the latch.
Its not that hard, but time consuming.
Hope that helps.

 

[Vaino]

I use a fairly hefty nail and don't harden it. One end has a reduced dia which goes into the lid's ctsk hole and and is long enough to be riveted and then filed smooth.

The nail edge that contacts the spring catch has a slight chamfer filed on and that side of the pin has ink from a sharpie and when closed the spring catch will mark it's position. A triangular needle file is then used to make the step in the nail. The step is slightly angled so the catch spring travels up the angle for a tight fit of the lid. The length of the nail is now reduced but enough is left so a chamfer underneath the slightly angled step can be filed on.....Fred

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[Rhino]

I use a fairly hefty nail and don't harden it. One end has a reduced dia which goes into the lid's ctsk hole and and is long enough to be riveted and then filed smooth.

The nail edge that contacts the spring catch has a slight chamfer filed on and that side of the pin has ink from a sharpie and when closed the spring catch will mark it's position. A triangular needle file is then used to make the step in the nail. The step is slightly angled so the catch spring travels up the angle for a tight fit of the lid. The length of the nail is now reduced but enough is left so a chamfer underneath the slightly angled step can be filed on.....Fred

View attachment 84330.

I couple of folks have mentioned riveting the nail in place. Would someone please share a photo of that "rivet?"

 

[MSW]

Viano has the thing down ... this is a good bit of work if you're up for it... otherwise, get a 'smith who knows his way around muzzle loaders (the local M1911 or AR 15 guy might or might not be up to the task).

good luck with your project!

 

[Vaino]

Rhino....the reduced diameter of the nail { long enough to be riveted} is inserted into the hole w/ a ctsk and is peened into a head which is then filed smooth w/ the lid surface. There is no separate rivet. .....Fred

 

[Rhino]

I appreciate the clarification...peening makes more sense than riveting...but I'm not a 'smith, don't play one on TV nor did I sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night!

 

[Rhino]

Progress...slow and smooth wins the race!

 

[Pete G]

U got this.