Wire

[coloradoclyde]

Anybody know where the real stiff steel wire used for nipple picks can be acquired? Has to be stiff, not wound, and about .022 in diameter. Can't find it here in Yuma or the computer.

Earlier I mentioned drill bits, but you don't want to use them cause they can break and lodge in the hole....

You want cheap wire that is stiff and won't break.........a construction marker flag from the hardware store has the perfect wire. sold in packs of 100 I think and the flags come in a variety of colors, located near the chalk lines or transits usually.

 

[Black Hand]

I think some people are talking about wire to pick the nipple on percussion guns while other people are talking about wire to pick the vent hole on a flintlock.

Since the hole in the bottom of a nipple is much smaller than a vent hole, I don't see using the same size wire or even the same type of wire for both.

This is why the wire is sharpened - it can be used to clean a nipple or touchhole, regardless of size.

 

[smoothshooter]

True. My mistake.
The sharp end of a small safety pin works well for nipples.

A person really shouldn't have to clear a nipple very often, though. Like maybe a couple of times a year even if shooting a lot.
During a period of time ending a couple of years ago, I was shooting several hundred rounds a month out two percussion revolvers for about two years.
Don't recall having to clear a nipple even once.

 

[Scota4570]

http://www.ksmetals.com/17.html

 

[dsayer]

It is July 4th of course. Rather than throw the sparkler wires away, save em, cut down, you got a thin nipple pick for free. Very thin, reliable wire.

My son burned a dozen sparklers last night. Pretty darn good size for the nipple on my rifle. Guess I'm set for about forever now.

 

[Rifleman1776]

True. My mistake.
The sharp end of a small safety pin works well for nipples.

A person really shouldn't have to clear a nipple very often, though. Like maybe a couple of times a year even if shooting a lot.
During a period of time ending a couple of years ago, I was shooting several hundred rounds a month out two percussion revolvers for about two years.
Don't recall having to clear a nipple even once.

Exactly my thoughts as I was reading this thread. A nipple is cleared almost never. I do keep a music wire tool in my range box but can't remember the last time I needed to use it. Worry about wear is pointless.