Nipple removal....

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RugerBob

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Hi all, I picked up a used 1860 44cal bp pistol and wanted to tear it down and clean before fireing it. The nipples seemed to be stuck pertty good and ruined my aluminun removal tool. Had to end up taking a 5mm 1/4" drive socket and notch it out to fit. That worked. I cleaned the threads up good and put anti-sieze on them and reinstalled. The question I have is- Should I remove the anti-sieze before I go to the range? Does anti-sieze mix or not mix well in blackpowder. I did not make a mess, just dabbed a little on there and none in the cylinder. Or does it just not make a difference? I never had a problem like this before cuz all my other BP revolvers were purchased new. Thanks all, Bob
 
I'd leave the anti seize on there, that is what I do all the time with all my Percussion B.P. guns & been doing wonderfully for over 20 years of shooting, just make sure that the spot of the nipple that is exposed to the powder is clean & dry of any residue "rubbing alcohol with Q-tips works wonders in the chambers of C&B revolvers for this chore" & you'll never have a problem again.

Also you don't have to get them real tight, just snug is all you need & a good nipple wrench is deffinitly in order for your new to you piece.
 
Anti-sieze will not cause a problem. The worst that can happen is a tiny bit on the end of the threads may get burned, but a toothbrush will fix that in a second. If you can even find it.
 
I'm getting some of that anti-seize lube myself.

With seized cylinder nipples, try using 'Liquid Wrench' or a similar bolt loosening spray. Squirt it on the threads of each nipple. Let it set a few minutes. Then take a hair blow dryer and warm up the cylinder head pretty good. Those threads should loosen right up without breaking your removal tools. :)
 
Stuck?

Something that works really well on seized, stuck, rusted, or otherwise nonconforming cones, threads, or whatever is Diesel fuel. Soak anything that needs to be freed in that for a few days.
Works for me.
SG
 
I honestly wonder how many forums out there could possibly have a thread titled "nipple removal" that didn't cause widespread panic.
 
First of all, like any wrench, one that's made of hardened steel. Aluminum or soft steel wrenches will not last - the bearing surfaces quickly erode and stretch, making it looser and looser. The problem is finding hardened steel wrenches - they often are not advertised as such.

Next, how many guns does one have and what is the spread in the important dimension across the nipple flats? The OEM nipples on my guns vary from a minimum of 0.168" to 0.215", too much for one wrench to cover. And then there's the Ruger Old Army, which has a hexagonal base. Typically a 'pistol' wrench and a 'rifle' wrench will suffice, although I actually need 4 different wrenches to cover everything. Unfortunately, beyond saying the wrench is for a pistol or rifle, there's very little information provided about what the wrench fits.

I wish I could send you to one site for one wrench, but that 'perfect' nipple wrench has eluded me. Like I said, I have 4. Track of the Wolf has a good selection, perhaps if you call them they can provide more information. Good luck.
 
Gee, I've always used my teeth!!! :what:

(Sorry... TGIF, it's been a rough week.............)

Tight groups!

Old No7
 
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