Press Handle Broke clean off!

[Northslope Nimrod]

Yep! My handle broke right at the threads. I was able to remove the threads, but now what? Has this happened to anyone? Are there inexpensive means by which I can rig up a handle? Or will it cost more than just ordering a new one from Lyman? I saw an old post which indicates that a new handle from Lyman will run me about $25 after S&H. Can I turn to any other vendor for a new handle? (My press the a Lyman Expert....it is very old...25 yrs or so)

 

[oscar]

My experiences with Lyman have always been first rate. Call them and they just might send you a new one.

 

[griz]

That is a strange one. I too would contact Lyman.
If it does run $25, it probably would cost almost that for someone to make one anyway. Materials would be less if you know someone with a die with the correct threads. For the cheapest route, you could probably cobble something together with a length of all thread if the threads are common.

I suspect Lyman will treat you right though. Let us know.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Of course, you can take it to a shop and have new threads cut on it for a couple bucks. You will loose a couple inches or so of leverage tho.

 

[Ross]

When you reinstall the new handle, be certain that it is as tight as you can get it. Clamp the handle in a pipe vice and use the press as leverage to muscle it down tight. The juncture of the thread and the handle creates a stress riser that becomes the weak point where all the flex occurs and fails.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

Well, Just spoke with Lyman. They no longer carry parts for my press! Now what? Anymore suggestions?

 

[Grump]

I'm for re-thread the rest of the handle--check a machine shop or..plumber??? Any handyman-type friends? Go to Home Depo or Lowe's with the threaded stub and match the thread and price out a threadcutting die to do it yourself. Follow directions and use oil when cutting!

You can always put a sleeve or something on the handle end if you need to lengthen it and get the extra leverage. Based on other handles I've seen, you've lost maybe an inch, and in my reloading, that would not make a difference anyway.

 

[308win]

Check ebay for a used press.