Steel threads on Brass tips?

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Folks with a bit of mechanical skill, the proper size tap drill bit and a tap for threading can do as I have done to several brass cleaning jags with brass threads.

Removing the existing brass threads with a file, a #21 tap drill is used to drill a hole in the center of the jag. This should be about 1/4 to 3/8 inches deep.
A #10-32UNF tap is then used to thread the hole.

Buy a #10-32 UNF steel set screw at your local hardware store and screw it into your newly threaded jag.
It's a good idea to apply a drop of Loc-Tite to the set screws threads before installing it.
Doing that will keep the screw from accidentally backing out.
 
I also make my jags as described. Doing so lets me size them to the cleaning patches I have. Putting a threaded hole down the middle is easier than leaving a stud to be threaded, stronger too. You can buy stainless steel all thread. For the jag, brass is expensive and hard to find in my parts, aluminum works fine and is much cheaper.
 
I have broken off aluminum jags before. That experience was enough to make me use steel threaded jags. They are readily available. I also turn them down to the desired dia. chucked in a drill or drill press with a file for a cutter.
 
Rifleman1776 said:
Your idea is certainly workable. But, fact is I have never broken a brass threaded jag or tip. I don't see this as an issue.

I have broken off a brass threaded tip. So for me it is an issue. I probably would have been Okay if I had used a looser cleaning wipe. In my case since I was cleaning at home and the next trip to the range was a couple of weeks away, I pulled the breech plug to remove the stuck jag. They frown on shooting much of anything in my neighborhood.
 
IMO, jags and things with brass threads have a good feature and several bad features.

The good feature is they cannot rust or corrode and get "rusted in" in a cleaning rod like steel threads have been known to do.

The bad thing is the strength of the brass or bronze is almost always less than even the lowest strength steel. (Some alloys are the equal of low carbon steel but they are rather special and unlikely to be used on a cleaning jag).

Another bad thing about the copper based alloys is they will "work harden" and become brittle if they are subjected to repeated stress.
(Every time they are used, they are subjected to stresses).

New brass threads are fairly ductile and unlikely to break.
Well used brass threads can become brittle and very likely to break.
I think this explains why some folks have not seen a problem while others have.

I know I've had several that broke. That's the reason I take the trouble to replace the threaded portion with a stainless steel set screw. :)
 
Back in the early years, I had an all brass threaded jag break off...threw them all away, switched to steel threaded jags & pullers, never worried about it again.
 
Another bad thing about the copper based alloys is they will "work harden" and become brittle if they are subjected to repeated stress.
(Every time they are used, they are subjected to stresses).

Zonie and roundball are correct! (Don't ask how I know.)
 
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