Traditional Muzzleloading Association
Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: Smokey on January 26, 2021, 08:53:27 PM
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Can someone recommend a screw driver thin enough to fit into the very slender slot on a top jaw screw?
The slot is very narrow. To give you an idea of size, the blade of a letter opener. fits. The blade was thin enough to fit into the slot and long enough to provide the necessary leverage. Still, I need a proper tool that I can keep in my shooting bag. Suggestions?
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I had to use my grinding wheel to take down the thickness of my screw-driver to fit the slot... A person can also drill a small hole through the top knob of the screw and use a rod to tighten the jaw screw down. :shake
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Thanks for the suggestion Joe. I tried grinding down a forged screw driver, but the head it too narrow. So, I got it to fit, but it wasn't sturdy enough to turn the top jaw. I don't want to drill a hole in the top jaw screw. First, I need to get the screw OFF the gun before doing any work on it. Also, I'd rather just have a properly fittings screw driver.
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Thanks for the suggestion Joe. I tried grinding down a forged screw driver, but the head it too narrow. So, I got it to fit, but it wasn't sturdy enough to turn the top jaw. I don't want to drill a hole in the top jaw screw. First, I need to get the screw OFF the gun before doing any work on it. Also, I'd rather just have a properly fittings screw driver.
Maybe widen the slot in the screw, rather than taking the driver's edge down so thin??
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Maybe widen the slot in the screw, rather than taking the driver's edge down so thin??
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I don't want to start grinding on the gun and mess it up. I'd rather have the right screw driver.
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Who made the lock?
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Chambers.
Townsends has a little forged turn key that may work. I want to leave the grinding to the pros. I appreciate the suggestions though.
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As Rollingb suggested, you could widen the slot... Just get a "Points" file from your local hardware or auto store, and that ought to do the trick...
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It shouldn't be difficult to get a replacement screw from Chambers, if you mess up the one you already have.
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I'm going to try grinding down the turnscrew a little more, instead of risking damaging the top jaw itself. On more careful inspection, it looks like I could thin out the screw driver for a better fit. That may do it.
If not, I'll continue the search for a decent gunsmith screw driver. If any of you can suggest a decent set, I'm interested in the recommendation.
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I'm going to try grinding down the turnscrew a little more, instead of risking damaging the top jaw itself. On more careful inspection, it looks like I could thin out the screw driver for a better fit. That may do it.
If not, I'll continue the search for a decent gunsmith screw driver. If any of you can suggest a decent set, I'm interested in the recommendation.
I've had one of these driver sets for years and it has treated me well. :bl th up
Chapman MFG 8900 Gun Owner Standard Screwdriver Set
I think you can get'em from Amazon.
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That's almost always an issue - finding a proper cock turn screw to fit those narrow "period correct" cock screw slots. I wish I could remember where I got mine from but I think it was mentioned in an older issue of Muzzleloader Magazine. It's made from an exceptionally hard steel, has dual blades and a nice round bend that works well for knapping a flint edge, and sits nicely in its sheath on my shooting bag strap.
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That's almost always an issue - finding a proper cock turn screw to fit those narrow "period correct" cock screw slots. I wish I could remember where I got mine . . . It's made from an exceptionally hard steel, has dual blades and a nice round bend that works well for knapping a flint edge, and sits nicely in its sheath on my shooting bag strap.
RobD, if you happen to wander upon your source, please let me know. Assuming it fits, that turnscrew looks like a good addition to a bag. Filing down one of my turn screws worked for now.
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Back to the original post, I would just take a hack saw and lay the blade on the existing screw slot, then carefully saw down as deep as it already is. Let the slot be your guide. That way you are sure to get vertical sides to the widened slot which you may not get using a triangular file.
~Kees~
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Back to the original post, I would just take a hack saw and lay the blade on the existing screw slot, then carefully saw down as deep as it already is. Let the slot be your guide. That way you are sure to get vertical sides to the widened slot which you may not get using a triangular file.
~Kees~
Good advice, Kees. :bl th up I meant to mention that above as well, but it simply slipped my mind.
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Good advice, Kees. :bl th up I meant to mention that above as well, but it simply slipped my mind.
That happens when you retire! :o I noticed it myself soon after I left the work force; things simply started to slip my mind! :scared: Eventually it got to the point that what I meant to do is meaningless as it will slip my mind before it is even IN my mind! :Doh! :luff: :bigsmile:
~Kees~
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"That happens when you retire! :o I noticed it myself soon after I left the work force; things simply started to slip my mind! :scared: Eventually it got to the point that what I meant to do is meaningless as it will slip my mind before it is even IN my mind!"
That's it Kees, Ya nailed it! Smackdab nailed it. :Doh!
It's not that I'm getting so dadburn forgetful, like she thinks, it's just that the thought never made it there in the first place....can't wait to tell Mama Bear! :toast
Russ...
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Probably going to have to reorganize the files in my brain before forming anymore thoughts... :laffing
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Speaking of "Forgetting"--y'all see that one cartoon that says "I went into a room and actually remembered why I was there! Given, it was the Bathroom, but still... " :) :luff:
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I have used a fender washer for the top jaw screw. Fender washers come in various thicknesses, or they can be filed down to fit. Run a thong thru the hole and secure to your bag, or put it in your flint wallet. Doesn't take up much room, and there is plenty of leverage to turn stubborn screws.
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I always carry a couple of these when I go to the range (not hc, but very effective): https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Tools-Slotted-Screwdriver-Keychain/dp/B01M74NIMN/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sears+coin-like+screwdriver&qid=1612136847&sr=8-1
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I have used a fender washer for the top jaw screw. Fender washers come in various thicknesses, or they can be filed down to fit. Run a thong thru the hole and secure to your bag, or put it in your flint wallet. Doesn't take up much room, and there is plenty of leverage to turn stubborn screws.
Yes sir Fyrstyk, I have as well and still do... :hairy
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Just now reading this, again, as I had missed several posts, and I was thinking as I read, "Boy I must be one smart cookie"!
However, as I kept reading, I can easily see that I am NOT the only smart Cookie!
That "Fender Washer" became my favorite years ago, simply because it works. And, it works without "bugering-up" the screw head....it doesn't make a single mark, unlike some regular Modified "screw-drivers" are known to do.
:hairy
Yes Sir, Fyrstk, you nailed it bud!
Russ...