tow cleaning tools

[Artificer]

Using that type worm I have no way to pull a ball, so if I get a ball stuck which I can't shoot out, it's back to the stockade.

Spence

You have written more than once that you don't do a military impression, but in this you in total historic agreement with what British/American soldiers did here until muskets were issued with steel rammers and a "ball screw" that was threaded onto the end of the steel rammer.

While the soldiers still had wood ramrod muskets; Sentries who had been on duty the night before were ordered to report to the Artificer/Armorer the following morning. The Artificer/Armorer had a long steel rod with a ball screw and then normally a two tined worm that were threaded onto the long rod/s and that is how they pulled the ball and powder charge from each musket the following morning.

Oh, really enjoying this thread. :thumbsup:

Gus

 

[Artificer]

Two gadgets serve me well in using tow to clean with.



Spence

Oops, two more questions I forgot to ask.

First, is that a leather washer at the rear end of the screw on jag that would go between the jag and the front of the ramrod tip?

Second, these are really nice tips, may I ask where you got them?

Thanks.

Gus

 

[George]

Can't remember now where I stashed it, but I collected a bit about that. As I recall, some in a unit had ball pullers and soldiers from other units or other companies, etc, would come and use them.

No description of how/who the pulling was done, but there is this:

_Bouquet's March to the Ohio, the Forges Road (From the
Original Manuscript in the William L. Clements Library), edited by Edward G. Williams: The Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. p. 103-4.

Morning orders from Wednesday Septr 5th, 1764

"The Arms that are now loaded to have their shot drawn this Afternoon. The Ammunition to be saved. An Officer per Company to be present who will examine the Rifles & such arms as cannot be drawn. These are to be collected & fired off by Platoons___ The Guards are not included in this order.___
After the Arms have been drawn & fired off they must be washed clean and remain unloaded till further Orders."

Spence

 

[Artificer]

After the Arms have been drawn & fired off they must be washed clean and remain unloaded till further Orders."

Spence

That is really neat to have that in a period quote. I always figured that is what they did, but never saw it written before.

Gus

 

[Grenadier1758]

Gus,

Larry Callahan has all the tow worms and ball extractors you would need. He offers a lot more than just bag molds.

 

[Artificer]

Thank you. They look a bit different from the ones Spence showed, but they still look like neat items. Also liked the bag molds he has.

Gus

 

[spudnut]

I use the simple wire coils in my bess with a wood rod, mine are smaller at one end than the other and never needed to carve the rod though they have kinda formed threads on their own.
I screw them onto the leather thong that holds my hammer stall. or the strap of my simple ndn pouch

 

[Mike Suri]

I know this is an older post but would you please tell me where you bought the combo ball puller/tow worm ?
that looks beyond handy. Thanks

 

[George]

Yes, it is a handy tool. I won't be able to give you any helpful info about it, sorry. I bought that in 1999 from a fellow named Lynn Wilson of Cadiz, Kentucky. He was just a hobbyist who sold a few gadgets he made off his blanket at a rendesvous. I never had any contact information.

Spence

 

[George]

First, is that a leather washer at the rear end of the screw on jag that would go between the jag and the front of the ramrod tip?

Second, these are really nice tips, may I ask where you got them?

Sorry, Gus, I failed to pick that post up.

Yes, that is a leather washer. I find that it helps keep the jag from becoming so tightly screwed into the tip that it's hard to remove.

See the post above this one for info about the worm-puller combo. Sorry, I don't remember where I bought the coiled wire worm.

Spence

 

[Grenadier1758]

I should have posted a link to Larry Callahan's web page. He not only makes bag molds, but he also makes a lot of other products.

I use the bag molds, Tow worms, flint tools, and rod extensions. I think they are a good product. Link below.

Larry Callahan Bag Molds (and Tow Worms)

 

[Dewey]

I should have posted a link to Larry Callahan's web page. He not only makes bag molds, but he also makes a lot of other products.

I use the bag molds, Tow worms, flint tools, and rod extensions. I think they are a good product. Link below.

Larry Callahan Bag Molds (and Tow Worms)

Agree! :thumbsup:

I have the tow worm and ball puller combo, and just ordered a 0.610 bag mold for my smoothbore.

He does quality work.

 

[rich pierce]

I use Callahan tow worms as well. And find that tow and cold water cleans rifles well or better than jags and cotton patches. A tow worm will work to clean a gun with a variety of fibers and materials, whereas a jag requires patching of specific thickness. Save the patching for patching ball.

 

[Mike Suri]

Well thanks any way. I always thought that a combo tool like that would be a good idea !!