Traditions clean out screw

[Joe Roof]

I recently bought a traditions rifle. I removed the nipple and the threads were rusty. Now I would like to remove the clean out screw and check the drum but I cannot remove the screw. In case I damage it and it needs replaced what are the thread size on this screw? Thanks

 

[SmokepoleSam]

On my wife's Traditions the screw is 10-32.

 

[rafterob]

Hmm...should be a metric size. But to remove the current screw let it set with some penetrating oil for 24 hours, then maybe a little heat around the drum.

 

[Grenadier1758]

My "clean out" screws are metric in my CVA drum breeched pistols.

The through drilled holes in the drum are a manufacturing procedure to make assembly of the ignition system easier. Then its simple to thread the hole and plug it with a "clean out " screw. They save some manufacturing cost and we gain a feature not seen in original drum breeches.

The nipple can be removed for an equally effective clean out flush.

 

[Carbon 6]

Grenadier is correct, it's not a "clean out" screw, it's a plug. Just like your breech plug. It's not meant to be removed for normal cleaning.

 

[arcticap]

Traditions calls it a "Bolster screw".
Rather than to be allowed to become rusted in place, I think that it is meant to be removed in order to clean its threads just like a nipple.

Track of the Wolf calls it both a "Drum screw" and "Clean out screw".
"Powder drum clean-out screw, 5-.8mm thread, slotted, domed head for factory CVA and Traditions powder drum" --->>> https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/809/1/DRUM-SCREW-CVA

These are old discontinued CVA made stainless steel replacement clean out screws.
They have the same thread size as the Traditions screws.
Notice that without a screw slot that can be boogered up, it seems designed to be removed more easily by using a nipple wrench.

 

[azmntman]

You may have a chore getting that out if the prior owner was of the mindset that many here share (never remove it). It could have the crud of 1000 shots in there and a drill out could be needed. I myself and me too always remove em and clean em like a nipple. FWI its MUCH easier to dribble powder in straight thru the "clean out screw" than in the nipple (this for those that admit to loading a PRB prior to pouring in the powder. I have been known to "dry ball" several times in an outing.

 

[Kansas Jake]

I'm of the never take it out group. I pull the nipple when cleaning the rifle. Part of the issue for me is most of my rifles were bought second or third hand and the screw had probably never been removed or the screw was buggered up from the previous bubba trying to get it out, so I just leave well enough alone. I have no problem with folks wanting to remove it, I just never found it necessary.

 

[Carbon 6]

There's only two things that removing the screw does.

1. It almost always buggers up the head
2. Increase the possibility that you will drop it and lose it forever.

 

[bubba.50]

People usually ask what to do about these ‘clean—out’ screws AFTER they booger’em up. I always tell them to do whatever they need to do to fix it THEN FORGET IT’S EVEN THERE.

 

[arcticap]

I remove the clean out screw to help clean out the flash channel which is harder to do through the nipple hole.
It's a direct channel into the powder chamber.
I'll use some solvent, cotton swabs, pipe cleaners or a small piece of dowel with a patch wrapped around it, also to clean out the threads and drum.

 

[Carbon 6]

I remove the clean out screw to help clean out the flash channel which is harder to do through the nipple hole.

I'm going to disagree, When liquid is forced down and out through the nipple hole in the bolster, (remove the nipple) the 90 degree turn creates turbulence in the flow instead of it being laminar. That turbulence, or agitation of the fluid greatly aids in cleaning.
Or at least it does for me.

 

[Eddie2002]

I've always removed them, cleaned up the threads and used a good anti seize lube when reinstalling them. I remove both the nipple and bolster screw for cleaning and have some not period correct large head stainless screws I cut down for replacements if needed.
I was at a shoot last year where one of the competitor's screw suddenly disappeared, boy was he happy I had a spare in my shooting box and boy I was happy I wasn't next to him when the screw blew out.

 

[Griz44Mag]

Traditions calls it a "Bolster screw".
Rather than to be allowed to become rusted in place, I think that it is meant to be removed in order to clean its threads just like a nipple.

Track of the Wolf calls it both a "Drum screw" and "Clean out screw".
"Powder drum clean-out screw, 5-.8mm thread, slotted, domed head for factory CVA and Traditions powder drum" --->>> https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/809/1/DRUM-SCREW-CVA

These are old discontinued CVA made stainless steel replacement clean out screws.
They have the same thread size as the Traditions screws.
Notice that without a screw slot that can be boogered up, it seems designed to be removed more easily by using a nipple wrench.

View attachment 6515

Oh, I like that idea!

 

[SmokepoleSam]

I went to Ace hardware and checked both the 10-32 and the 5x.8mm screws. They seem to be interchangeable. The screws from one fit the nuts from the other. I learned something new.

 

[azmntman]

There's only two things that removing the screw does.

1. It almost always buggers up the head
2. Increase the possibility that you will drop it and lose it forever.

1. I have boogered up a few, when I get a new one I try for hex head/alan screw (have several for investarms).

2. Have never lost one yet. Them freebie magnetic pans at Harbor Freight are great.

In addition I agree with the above post on making cleaning easier. I have found a pipe cleaner works its way up the patent breech hole WAYYY easier from the clean out screw than the 90 degree angle in the nipple hole.

A non esential tho, I have not yet checked a mans clean out screw before welcoming him into camp to lie and have a cup of coffee or a beer. We can do what we want and still be right (disclaimer....have yet to discuss with wife, I may have been cleaning wrong for 42 years now)

 

[Carbon 6]

OK, I give up. If you remove the screw to clean, then it's a clean-out screw.

If you don't remove it, then it's just an annoying screw.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Grenadier is correct, it's not a "clean out" screw, it's a plug. Just like your breech plug. It's not meant to be removed for normal cleaning.

I agree, should not be removed. It is a product of the manufacturing process. I believe marketing at the factories yielded to the widespread misunderstanding it was a 'clean out screw' and simply gave it that name. Leave alone and forget it is there.

 

[Sparkitoff]

I have a Traditions that has one that will NOT come out. Another has one that is smooth so my guess is that the previous owner buggered the slot and filed it flush to clean it up. In either case, I use electrical contact cleaner in a spray bottle with the little straw to clean the drum. You can spray it in with the nipple in place or removed by using the straw. It is mostly alcohol based so and it is under pressure so it does a good job of getting the drum real clean. Good luck either way!

 

[Shooter1]

On my wife's Traditions the screw is 10-32.

10-32 looks and feels fine, but thread contact isn't as good and I know of at least one gal who had hers blow out while we were shooting a him/her match .