TC New Englander with blocked and frozen nipple.

[Bob K]

Recently picked up a NE’er that was in storage for many years. Little bit of rust in the barrel but rifling looks good. Here’s an issue that has me puzzled. The barrel is clear, nothing left inside. However, the nipple is plugged and frozen in place. It’s a stainless nipple so I can’t figure why I can’t break it loose. Also, can not get a nipple wire thru it. Currently letting penetration oil to do its job (I hope). As a backup, any suggestions in getting the nipple out if oil does not work?

 

[ffg]

I had the same problem last year with a rusted Hawken, first make sure it's not loaded, next heat up the nipple with a propane torch, and keep tapping on the nipple with a small metal hammer, the vibration should loosen it, it worked for me good luck

 

[brownac1983]

You can gently heat the area around it with a heat gun then cold shock the nipple itself with a product called "freeze-off" (or canned air duster held upside down). Sometimes that will contract the male threads faster than the female threads and break the bond.

 

[waarp8nt]

Heat usually works, make damn sure its not loaded. Othewise, I've had good luck with Kroil when removing stubborn breech plugs. You could pour some Kroil in the barrel, let it soak it a few days in an ice cream bucket just in case it broke through whatever is plugging the nipple.

 

[SDSmlf]

Heat usually works, make damn sure its not loaded

Check that it’s not loaded twice. As old time carpenters used to say, measure twice, cut once.

 

[Grenadier1758]

I have had success with the impact method suggested by @ffg. After letting the penetrating oil do its job, Try tapping a sturdy nipple wrench while turning to loosen the nipple. Sometimes tapping the nipple to tighten it before using the impact method to loosen the nipple breaks the threads loose.

I have a small impact tool that has been very effective in removing stuck nipples. I did have to make a nipple wrench tip from a 5mm 1/4" hex socket. Sadly, Harbor Freight no longer lists that tool.

 

[Bob K]

I had the same problem last year with a rusted Hawken, first make sure it's not loaded, next heat up the nipple with a propane torch, and keep tapping on the nipple with a small metal hammer, the vibration should loosen it, it worked for me good luck

Worked like a champ, thanks!