What do you use to keeps nipples from seizing?

[Hiwallhunter]

A good day at the range today. Only fired about 10 rounds. When cleaning I tried to get the nipple out and it was the most difficult one I can remember. Siezed is probably a bit strong but even when I got it loose it continued to be a mother to unscrew, After about 3 turns my hand was so sore ( 3" bar ) I changed tactics. I put in my bucket of water and gave it a few pumps, pulled it out and the nipple was still tight as hell. I figured I must be pulling crud up with it in the threads so I screwed it back in about a full turn and that was enough to clear it . I always put a tiny dab of oil on the threads after cleaning and wipe off any excess before screwing it back in. I was wondering if any of you have a more reliable method.

Sympathy going out ! I have observed and learned from others about this. One fellow that I talked to suggested that to prevent this from occurring you (before shooting) unscrew the nipple making sure it is clean and clear then take a pipe cleaner and turn it into the channel. Then use a small dab of lithium grease around the contact surface of the nipple. Run it into the barrel and back it out and back in. Load up and enjoy! After your hunt or session is finished back out the nipple and clean. There should be no problem in getting it to come out. Just make this part of regular maintenance is all.

 

[roundballman]

I have also used RIG for years with good results. Clean the nipple hole with a pipe cleaner as your last step before reinstalling with a little grease. Don't overtighten the nipple, just snug it up.

 

[user 48679]

I much prefer RIG, which is basically grease, over anti-seize, which seems to get on everything in the room once you touch it!

IME, that's true of every anti-seize I've ever used - it's a P.I.T.A. (but it works like a charm).


Like Brylcream, a little drop will do ya !

 

[Ponderosaman]

I use a purple grease that smells funny. It’s called Gorilla Grease. In comes in a very small plastic clam shell. It is very effective and I don’t over tighten my nipples.

 

[APG]

Anti seize on the threads and don't over tighten the nipple.

 

[Old Hawkeye]

IME, that's true of every anti-seize I've ever used - it's a P.I.T.A. (but it works like a charm).


Like Brylcream, a little drop will do ya !

IIRC, Brylcream is applied by the "dab".

 

[ord sgt]

I have used two methods to prevent nipples from seizing to the threads. Teflon tape wrapped tightly to the threads of the nipple and Permatex anti seize grease. Both work equally well. Never have a problem removing any nipple or touch hole liner.

 

[SDSmlf]

Only fired about 10 rounds. When cleaning I tried to get the nipple out and it was the most difficult one I can remember.

Curious what powder you are using? I have seen 777 cause problems with threads getting extremely tight after only a few shots. May require you to get more vigilant with your Never-Seez use.

 

[rafterob]

I am with Daveboone. I have found that leaving the nipple in while starting the cleaning process (Breech end in a bucket of warm water) loosens it up just fine. I have never used an anti seize on the nipple.

 

[Bad Karma]

Any decent oil or antiseize will be fine.just don’t get ham fisted with your nipple wrench. Snug. It’s all that’s required.

 

[Stony Broke]

I've always just used a little touch of Bore Butter on one and don't over tighten them. I've never had a problem with one .....

 

[Feltwad]

I use copper slip on the threads but saying that it is very rare I remove nipples .
Feltwad

 

[morehops52]

White Lithium grease, just a touch. And the nipple doesn't need to be torqued down to white knuckles levels. It only needs to be a bit snug.

Next question- you shooting real black?

Yep, That's all I shoot.

 

[morehops52]

Thank you gents. Many great suggestions on "lube" and now I'm going to take a look at the Ted Cash!

 

[morehops52]

Go to an auto parts store and get some anti-seize.
Bees’s wax works too, but is a little stiff.
You are not one of those people that over torques everything, are you?

Quite honestly I just seat it lightly and then give a little snug up. No heavy hands.

 

[GREENSWLDE]

Same as John I use PTFE tape. Never had any problems..Old Dog..

 

[gvandersluis]

Copper based auto grease one tub will last 900 years+

 

[DuncNZ]

What ever you use , be aware that most of the lubes you buy in small amounts with firearms brand and use labels are exactly the same as those used automotive or plumbing applications , except they are considerably more expensive in $/oz .
I know a lot of guys who use PTFE plumbing tape on rifles like Whitworths etc which run high breach pressures .

 

[cowboydave]

Birchwood Casey choke tube lube.

 

[Boston Bill]

I clean the parts in warm soapy water. I take the nipples out of the cylinder 1st. After drying and oiling everything I put dabs of Bore Butter on the threads and install the nipples.Have never had a problem.

On another note I told the other half the title of the thread and she giggles and then said to handle them gently