Tow?

[mikee51848]

How is it used? Is it just for PC purposes, or is it more/better functional than modern cleaning patches?
eace:

 

[dryfly]

Probably just cheaper back in the old days. No was will it out perform a patch.

 

[cptleo1]

I use it mainly for swabbing between shots.

Seems to work better than a patched jag.

Seems like I have less mis-fires using it.

Seems like I don't have to pick the touch hole as much.

Seems like better shot to shot accuracy.

Less chance of pushing to much crud to the touch hole.

Less chance of using to much lube.

It is a great conversation starter.

I don't know it just works for me.

Save it when done.

You can put it in a sack (foot section of some old panty hose) wash it and re-use it 3-4 times.

:results:

 

[cptleo1]

See this place for great PC and useful

flintock stuff.

This page is for Tow worms, cleaning tools and such.

https://secure.cros.net/smilingfox/tow_worm.asp

Check out their entire store

Quaility is better than most -

Pricing is beter than most -

Enjoy

 

[RussB]

See this place for great PC and useful

flintock stuff.
This page is for Tow worms, cleaning tools and such.

https://secure.cros.net/smilingfox/tow_worm.asp

Check out their entire store
Quaility is better than most -
Pricing is beter than most -
Enjoy

Very good web site...I especially like their "Hunting Frock".

Is tow used "bare" for cleaning, or in combination with something else.

Thanks for sharing.

Russ

 

[Cruzatte]

Is tow used "bare" for cleaning, or in combination with something else.
Russ

When cleaning my my guns with tow, I wet the tow in water, and proceed to clean the barrel, inside and out. When finished, I use a dry hank and dry the barrel. The last step is to retrieve yet a third hand, apply a daub of bore butter to the muzzle and push the grease down bore with the tow on a gunworm.

Cruzatte

 

[Grenadier1758]

The best thing to know about the use of tow for cleaning is that it can be rinsed out, dried and reused.

 

[rayb]

I've also taken cleaning patches that were used with warm water only, put them in a sock, tied it up and washed the socks in the washing machine. I was even married at the time. wife #1 was more tolerant about some things than the others... :crackup:

rayb

 

[rayb]

Never used tow, but I've taken cleaning patches that were used with warm water only, put them in socks, tied them up and washed the socks in the washing machine. just cheap i guess....

I was even married at the time. wife #1 was more tolerant about some things than the others... :crackup:

rayb

 

[Stumpkiller]

In addition to cleaning, tow is used as wadding for shot or with a loose ball in a smoothbore (used ahead of and behind the ball/shot, not wrapped around it).

Finally, when dry, it makes a dandy tinder "nest" for flint & steel firestarting.

 

[flm_shooter]

See this place for great PC and useful

flintock stuff.
This page is for Tow worms, cleaning tools and such.

https://secure.cros.net/smilingfox/tow_worm.asp

Check out their entire store
Quaility is better than most -
Pricing is beter than most -
Enjoy

Very good web site...I especially like their "Hunting Frock".

Is tow used "bare" for cleaning, or in combination with something else.

Thanks for sharing.

Russ

What is up with the home page? The phrase "18th century" appears FIFTY-SEVEN times! I had to count. Did somebody read a tip on how to boost your search engine ranking?

We have supplied many 18th century re-enactors with top of the line 18th century clothing and 18th century reproductions. If you are looking for 18th century clothing for the serious 18th century re-enactor or are just beginning, you have come to the right 18th century clothing and 18th century reproduction store.

Sheesh! Now to actually go shopping.

(I used to design web sites for profit, until I got my dream job. Now it is a pet peeve)

 

[flm_shooter]

Okay, I should have given them a chance. Lots of good stuff. I'm also browsing through a 1997 Muzzleloading magazine and guess what? I found an ad from the company. Since they are based in Fremont, Ohio I should cut them some slack. (My father maintained only one good thing ever came out of Fremont - My step-mom).

They do have good prices. Anybody ordered from them? My wife says I have that "need to buy stuff" look in my eye again.

 

[redwing]

What is tow? I have seen the stuff, but where does it
come from? What plant? Where does it grow?
Redwing :redthumb:

 

[Black Hand]

Sir,
Tow is the left-over stuff from the linen-making process. The flax plant is harvested, the stems are crushed and allowed to rot. This liberates the fibers which are harvested. Tow is what is left over, with short broken fibers and stem remnants.
Black Hand

 

[mikee51848]

Thank you for all your answers. I'll have to try some at the range, and I'm guessing it was originally used dry?
eace:

 

[Stumpkiller]

Damp for wiping, sopping wet for cleaning.

Honest truth, I had a flinter that had a rammer with just a knurled & grooved tip for tow and I read how "the old timers" would leave the tow in place while shooting and then lick it to keep it moist for wiping.

Them fellers had some mighty stout taste buds, I guess, 'cause mine all hopped out when they hit that tow. :shocking: First time wasn't so bad. After it had been down the bore once it picks up some powerful flavors.

Thereafter I dipped it in a stream or spit on it from a slight distance to moisten it. It will last a long time if you rinse it, but don't leave it in contact with the barrel when not in use.

 

[Keith]

Them fellers had some mighty stout taste buds, I guess, 'cause mine all hopped out when they hit that tow. :shocking: First time wasn't so bad. After it had been down the bore once it picks up some powerful flavors.

Wow! :crackup: Yuck! :no: :youcrazy: