Ramrod question

[16gauge]

I need to make a new ramrod for my Trade Musket, as the old one broke. I plan on getting a replacement from Track of the Wolf, and finishing it myself. I would like to get one with the brass tip already installed, but I have question (pardon me if this is a stupid one :redface: )

How can I tell if I need one with 10-32 threads vs 8-32 threads for my other accessories (worm, ball puller, cleaning jag, ect)? If it helps any, my musket was purchased from Cabela's a few years ago and is made by Pedersoli.
Thanks in advance.......

 

[bwhoffman]

most I have seen, have one end 10/32 and the other 8/32. I prefer the larger, but carry a small steel shaft (5") that has an 8/32 stud in case I stick my rod for some unforsaken reason, since all my tooling for the rods are 10/32!

 

[paulvallandigham]

Take those other fittings to a hardware store, and use a thread gauge to determine what you have. If you get to friendship, or some other big rendezvous, where rods are available, you can just compare threads for what you have to what you are wanting.

I recommend that any jag or fitting made of brass have a screw made of steel rather than cut from the brass. Brass work hardens, gets brittle and will eventually break off. It happened to me, and others before jags with steel screws were offered for sale. I also recommend you buy a one piece, solid range rod for loading and cleaning the barrel. It can be stainless steel, or brass, or aircraft aluminum. It doesn't matter. You need a good strong rod for the heavy work, and it pays back great dividends when something tries to get stuck in your barrel. I have two, one in Stainless Steel, and the other in Aircraft Aluminum. They are the best investment in tools I have made for my ML rifles and smoothies.