Powder Horn Help.........

[ETipp]

It didn't have very many threads to begin with. Form some new ones with epoxy.

I think they were there years ago but wore off.

What kind of epoxy that will remain soft enough to run a die down?

 

[kelvinator]

Maybe find or make a brass sleeve that will thread into your spout and fit it to the horn, that way the spout threads onto metal.

 

[Notchy Bob]

What kind of epoxy that will remain soft enough to run a die down?

I’ve used epoxy for a variety of repairs and new projects. When fully cured, you can sand it, file it, or whatever, although it will clog a file pretty quickly. It does not get as hard as most metals. It is like a hard plastic, or horn. If you build that horn tip up with epoxy, you can file it down to the right diameter and then thread it with a standard die. You will likely need to card your file a few times during the process, though.

Notchy Bob

 

[ETipp]

I’ve used epoxy for a variety of repairs and new projects. When fully cured, you can sand it, file it, or whatever, although it will clog a file pretty quickly. It does not get as hard as most metals. It is like a hard plastic, or horn. If you build that horn tip up with epoxy, you can file it down to the right diameter and then thread it with a standard die. You will likely need to card your file a few times during the process, though.

Notchy Bob

Thank you for the information. That's what I plan on doing.

Thanks to everyone that contributed to the thread with good ideas. I appreciate it.

 

[IanH]

Just cast new threads using the part you have. Use a release agent on the valve tip. Coat horn tip in epoxy, screw together, let cure. Done.

A die that size will cost more than a new horn.

 

[Relic shooter]

Follow IanH's advice,
I was going to recommend the same epoxy fix.
If it was my horn I would remove & roughen a little of the horn's surface to insure a good bond.
Be sure to coat all of the brass mating surfaces well with a release agent prior to assembly.

 

[Pratt]

This all sounds of experience. Make the horn a nice wall hanged. Make a new one in the same style. When you start to repair others work you can run into problems.

 

[Brazos John]

and make a wood extension with a plug.

Or, make a wooden cap, like the large end cap. Make it with the same kind of wood, and the same finish and detailing. It can stand proud of the horn, like the end cap does.

Picture a cookie that is bigger than the small end of the horn, with a hole in the center.
Extend necks (tubes?) of wood on both sides of the cookie that will connect to the horn and to the spout.
Connect the horn and spout to the inside or outside of the wood necks, as you see fit.

Be sure to show us photos of your finished work!

 

[oreclan]

Well guys, my trusty old powder horn that I've had since 1981 is about had it. The threads where the push button spout screws on are worn down to nothing. I put it on Hospice by using tread tape in an attempt to prolong its life but its getting to where I'm afraid its going to fall off at any time while I'm pouring powder. I'm not seeing any way to redo the treads because one side of the horn is simply worn away.

So, my question for some of you fellas that's made your own powder horns, is there a way to reuse all the other items on the horn like the end cap, as well as brads and the brackets where the strap hooks to? What all might I need to build up a new one?

I've seen on some web sites raw bull horns that can be built up into a powder horn.

Look around in the plumbing section of your local hardware store. Take the brass tip with you. You may find something that can be matched up and can be screwed , pinned, and/or glued; or soldered to the end of your powderhorn after it is shortened or otherwise modified.
I love to repurpose brass or copper plumbing parts!

 

[Coinneach]

I suppose it might could be plugged but I like the button spout

If its beyond recovery why not commemorate it as a Wall Hanger, an honourable retirement for the want of a better term.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Have you thought of perhaps finding another horn that matches the one you have, cut off a length of the new horn to where it fits over the original horn, heat the new piece and slide it firmly over the old horn neck, let cool taking the shape of the original horn, then epoxy gluing the two pieces together, re cut and thread the new end to accept the original measure. You could even file a scalloped edge on the new piece prior to attaching it. Just thinking how I might fix this. The fix would be similar to what Larry of Omaha done.

 

[Hermit Tim]

Now that's an idea. I had pondered on that some but didn't know what I could use to do such. The only problem is the threads are on the outside of the horn and inside of the spout.

I've got a push button spout on my desk. Took it off a new horn a while back because I don't use them. I always make a plug from the tip of a deer antler and secure it with a leather wang. This spout is threaded on the outside and made to screw into the horn. Yours if you want it.

 

[appalichian hunter]

If its beyond recovery why not commemorate it as a Wall Hanger, an honourable retirement for the want of a better term.

I believe this horn can be saved and put back into service. would be a good project.

 

[Hermit Tim]

I've got a push button spout on my desk. Took it off a new horn a while back because I don't use them. I always make a plug from the tip of a deer antler and secure it with a leather wang. This spout is threaded on the outside and made to screw into the horn. Yours if you want it.

My apologies, I was wrong. I was thinking the spout I have screwed in. Went out to check and it does not screw in. Apparently pressed in or something??? I'm not a spout expert, since I don't use them, so they are fairly unfamiliar to me. Either way, I 'll attach a picture. The walls look just thick enough that it might could be threaded on the outside, then you could lop off the very tip of yours and screw it in. I was hoping I was right but was not. Still, if it can help you at all it is yours. Good luck with it and I wish I could be of more help.

 

[ETipp]

All good recommendations and I thank everyone for the input.

I have worked on the threads some and have gotten it to where the spout will tighten down, for now anyway. Don't know how long it will last, however. If/when it requires work, my plans are to use epoxy and a die to rethread it.

 

[Coinneach]

I believe this horn can be saved and put back into service. would be a good project.

Up to Etipp isn't it, when I read how thin part of the Horn wall is; thats when I made the comment I did.
How would you replace/repair a thin walled Powder Horn ? Consider how long that Horn will last with further field use.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I believe this horn can be saved and put back into service. would be a good project.

Yes, can be put back into service. But, IMHO, it will be a better horn if the tip is wood. Such a tip could be made by whittling. If he knows a woodturner one could be made in a jiff on the lathe.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Up to Etipp isn't it, when I read how thin part of the Horn wall is; thats when I made the comment I did.
How would you replace/repair a thin walled Powder Horn ? Consider how long that Horn will last with further field use.

Read post # 31, yes, it's his horn and he can do fix it however he wants; it was just a suggestion on a possible repair. Maybe some JB weld is called for, it seems to have a following around here. I do think if one took some time with a repair as suggested it would last just as long as any other repaired horn.

 

[IanH]

https://www.jbweld.com/product/plasticweld-syringe

 

[Coinneach]

Read post # 31, yes, it's his horn and he can do fix it however he wants; it was just a suggestion on a possible repair. Maybe some JB weld is called for, it seems to have a following around here. I do think if one took some time with a repair as suggested it would last just as long as any other repaired horn.

Possibly so, my reply wasnt meant to confronting or argumentative.