Lyman Spar-T ram link pin

[hazmattech216]

Many years ago had to break down the loading bench. Finally, in a position to set it all up again. Broke out the old Lyman Spar-T press and noticed the ram linkage pin was missing. Please see attached photo.
Looking for anyone that still has one of these presses that may not be serviceable that would be willing to sell me the missing pin. Would also welcome suggestions on an alternative to the factory pin, keeping in mind that the clearance for this pin is fairly tight as the assembly enters the body of the press.
With minimal clean up the press is ready to go as it still has my .357mag and .44mag dies still in the turret.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!

 

[rfwobbly]

These are simply common steel "dowel pins" which you can buy at any home improvement store, hardware store, or McMaster-Carr on-line. They are specified by diameter and length. The ones I've replaced went to the next diameter (1/4" going to 5/16", etc) just to ensure a good fit, then held the pin in place with Loctite on the 2 ends at the ram.

Easy part to buy locally and an easy repair.

 

[rcmodel]

That one appears maybe to be 1/4" or 5/16".

If so, you can cut off the unthreaded shank section of a 1/4 or 5/16" Allen-Head bolt, or other high-grade bolt the right length if you can't find a dowel pin locally.
Probably have to use a Dremel cut-off wheel to cut it though.

rc

 

[ranger335v]

That pin is 5/16" x .650".

You use a grade 8 bolt and cut it as RC suggests and file/grind the ends to make 'em square. Then hammer a small flat spot on the side of one end to expand it enough to insure it's a tight fit when driven home.

Actually, you could use any grade of bolt or rod but it would wear a bit faster than a high grade pin. So what? !

 

[GP100man]

I used a grade 8 5/16 bolt on mine & notched 1 end then spotted it with the mig welder & ground it flush , if ever I need to remove it I should be able to pop it out , but I won`t lose this 1 .

 

[mallc]

Call Lyman

Lyman will likely send you one for free to keep one of their presses in service.

Scott

 

[Skip_a_roo]

I just got rid of my Spar -T! Now that is a press!

If you have an industrial maintenance shop at work or have someone that works in tool and die, they may have just what you need on hand.

I'm not sure if you know about MSC. They are another supply house like McMaster-Carr but geared much more toward machining and tool work. I can guarantee that they will have bags full of what you need on hand!

 

[hazmattech216]

I'd like to thank all of you for replying to this thread. I'll give Lyman a call just to say I tried. All are very good suggestions and indeed the pin is 5/16. With your help I'm confident the press will be up and running in short order.

God Bless and to all a safe and Merry Christmas!!!

 

[medalguy]

Yep great old presses. I too still have one in service for those occasional jobs where I only have a few rounds to load. A good companion to my Rockchucker.