Quality Nipple Wrench?

[WillRuss]

Somebody gave me a cheap nipple wrench when I got my new Uberti 1858 Remington a few weeks ago, but now I've shot it and want to remove the nipples for cleaning. Unfortunately, I only got three off before the metal ends flared out! (Cheap piece of crap! :banghead: )

Who makes a good quality nipple wrench? Also, should I replace the standard "original equipment" nipples with something better?

BTW - I LOVE my new revolver! It shot dead on point of aim at 10 yards with my 20grn 777 load and .454 Hornady balls.

 

[Zeke/PA]

I went through this frustration also.
For my 1858 Remington I made a wrench from oil hardening drill rod.
The nipples on my Ruger Old Army are hex shaped and the appropriate commercial nut driver works beautifully.
Respectfully, Zeke

 

[DixieTexian]

You might try using an old socket filled in partially with jb weld. Might work.

 

[Jim K]

One thing to try is to pick up a Dixie catalog (www.dixiegunworks.com). They have some fair nipples. Most sold today are too soft, where the old ones were hard!

I don't guarantee their wrenches are much better than what you had, but you can buy a couple. Truth be told, the best I ever had I made myself just like Zeke did.

I advise always removing the nipples on any new gun before firing, cleaning out the nipple and the hole, then greasing the threads before replacing. That way the nipples will be easy to get out the next time. Also, you don't need to have them put in by the Hulk with a ten foot wrench. Just a snug fit is fine.

Jim

 

[WillRuss]

Thanks folks. That's all useful info!

 

[rifle]

Just give the nipples a little snug-up when putting them in. When taking them out "soak the cylinder" in solvent or a sink of warm water and dish soap fer awhile first.That anti-sieze grease works wonders as long as you use just a little on the threads.A person should use some form of lubricant on the nipple threads. That yellow stuff-Wonder Lube or some blackpowder form of lube. Ifin ya abuse those threads in the cylinder they "can" strip out and cause some trouble. It's worth a look-see once in awhile with a light to inspect those threads. Soaking the cylinder before removal of the nips wets the threads and minimizes the abuse or wear.

 

[Fast Frank]

I use the purple Gorilla Grease from TC on mine. It smells like Bananas.

I've got to agree with Jim Keenan on the over tightening thing, too.

The first time or two that I cleaned my rifle I had to fight that nipple to get it out. I stretched two nipple wrenches out of shape pretty bad.

Now, I coat the threads with grease and only tighten the nipple what I would call the minimum amount to keep it from falling out. I doubt if it's one foot pound of torque.

When It's time to pull it out, there is powder residue on the bottom of the threads, so it won't just unscrew, but the grease and the minimal torque let it come out without resorting to any special measures.

 

[mykeal]

Nipple wrenches and lube

1) Buy two new nipple wrenches that fit - ones that are designed for revolver nipples. At the same time buy some non-petroleum based thread lubricant (Gorilla Grease, etc.). I also recommend replacing the stock nipples with Treso nipples at the same time.

2) Use one of the wrenches to remove the remaining 3 nipples. It will probably also get bent up. That leaves you with one good wrench.

3) Throw away the two damaged wrenches.

4) Clean out the female threads in the cylinder nipple holes with a solvent.

5) Wash the cylinder in hot soapy water to remove the solvent. Dry thoroughly.

6) Liberally coat the nipple threads with the thread lubricant.

7) Install the nipples, seating them with a firm but not hard force. A snug, not tight, fit is sufficient.

8) Enjoy.

 

[DaveP (UK)]

I use a high temperature antiseize product called Copaslip, made by Molyslip. Its a really sticky grease containing copper (!). I know you should avoid using petrochemicals with BP but this stuff is so claggy it seals the thread and resists hot gases and cleaning fluids alike. You can confidently avoid removing the nipples for extended periods with this in there.

 

[SeanSw]

The new Uncle Mikes nipple wrench I just got doesn't fit my Pietta 1851 revolver. The slot is too small but looks like I can file it out.

Making a nipple wrench looks pretty easy though. Why didn't I think of that ? Anyone with a angle or bench grinder and a drill press should be able to make a fine one.

 

[Jim K]

Most machine shops and some big box hardware stores have 3/8 inch drill rod. All you need is to be able to center punch it in the right place and drill it for the cone of the nipple. Then mill or file the notch, and drill for the handle.

You can harden it, but even unhardened drill rod seems harder than whatever they make those commercial nipple wrenches from.

Jim

 

[Zeke/PA]

To harden a drillrod nipple wrench:
Heat about 3/4" of the buisness end to a cherry red and quench in oil.
(used motor oil is fine).
Polish this end bright.
Playing heat about halfway up on the wrench, observe the color of the business end. When it is about the color of light tea, STOP.
At this point you may dip the wrench in water to "stop" the draw.
Polish if you wish or leave as is.
Respectfully, Zeke