Nipple Wrench for 1860 Colt Army .44

[blackpowder]

Hi all around,

I just ordered a #11 nipple wrench from Thompson/Center for my 1860 army clone by Pietta and found out it doesn't fit - too large. Can anyone tell me what size I need? I am new to this. Thanks for the help 

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Welcome to cascity. The topic area for this question is STORM or possibly The Darksiders Den.

Personally I have no experience to impart

[Blair]

blackpowder,

I am not aware of any revolvers made by Thompson/Center. There nipple Wrenches are set up for their muzzle loading rifles and pistols. These are usually a larger spacing than what you will find on a "revolver" nipple. Although these firearms may use the same sixe #11 percussion cap.
When ordering a nipple wrench be sure to specify it is for a "revolver" nipple and be sure you state the model number of the revolver. Some of the larger revolvers like the Walker and Dragoons may have slightly larger nipple spacing than the '51,'61 and 1860's.
I hope this info helps.
My best,
Blair

[Fingers McGee]

This is the best nipple wrench you can buy for the large and medium framed revolvers (1851, 1860, 1861, dragoons and Remmies)



Universal Nipple Wrench 45-016 $32.95

Available from the Possible Shop:  http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?action=post;topic=58957.0;num_replies=2


I've got two of them.  One stays in my gun room & the other in my shooting cart.

[blackpowder]

blackpowder,

I am not aware of any revolvers made by Thompson/Center. There nipple Wrenches are set up for their muzzle loading rifles and pistols. These are usually a larger spacing than what you will find on a "revolver" nipple. Although these firearms may use the same sixe #11 percussion cap.
When ordering a nipple wrench be sure to specify it is for a "revolver" nipple and be sure you state the model number of the revolver. Some of the larger revolvers like the Walker and Dragoons may have slightly larger nipple spacing than the '51,'61 and 1860's.
I hope this info helps.
My best,
Blair

Thank you Blair,
Yes, I think you are right. The wrench is too large to fit into the spacing. So if I understand you correctly, the #11 is the right size but I need to get a narrower wrench for revolvers, right? Thanks for the help, Martin

[Blair]

Martin,

The #11 refers to the size of the percussion caps used on various nipples sizes. Not all of which use the same size nipple wrench. The caps maybe the same size, but not the wrench use to remove/install the nipple.
Fingers McGee's suggestion is a very good idea, in that it offers one tool what will work on many different type of percussion firearms.
My best,
Blair

[Coffinmaker]

PILEING ON.  DOG PILE ON THE GUY WITH THE BALL ..... er ..... WRENCH

PLUS ONE TO FINGERS.  That is probably the bestest nipple wrench out there.  With a Caveat ....... I found the screwdriver/wedge/chisel side to be useless and it HURT when I was taking out stubborn nipples.  So the one in my shop has that side cut off and dressed.  I don't know why I left it on the one in my Kart.

As an addendum, I have recently acquired a nipple wrench from The guys and gals at Slix.  Screwdrivers that actually fit and a nipple wrench perfect for Slixshot nipples.  Really nice.

Coffinmaker

[Fingers McGee]

Need more info on the Slix nipple wrench.  I don't find it listed on Longhunters or Desperado Bullets web pages.

[Major 2]

I humbly offer this suggestion  
Get the Wrench , Fingers & Coffin Maker suggest....but also get a

Ted Cash Ratcheting Nipple Wrench for Black Powder Revolvers , at least as a cart/bag/range tool ...
( then someday somebody will thank you , because they did not heed the following  )

2. use some anti-seize ( auto parts store ) a small dab on the threads (  a coupla buck tube will last nearly forever )

3. no reason either, to do anything other than just snug the nipple ....over tight is not your friend  

[Rebel Dave]

You can make a revolver nipple wrench from a 1/4in drive, 3/16 socket, or a 3/16 nut driver. Just use a Dremel with a cut off wheel  , and a narrow ginding wheel. Works good for me,and I have never broke one. try it it works.

Rebel Dave

[blackpowder]

Thank you fellas !
I think I will give that contraption Fingers McGee suggests a try. The screwdriver may come in handy when I have nothing else on hand (though I always carry my swiss pocket knife with me) 

Meanwhile I also know what I did wrong. I didnt pay attention and ordered a correct #11 wrench but one made for rifles and muskets with a larger head.

blackpowder

[Coffinmaker]

Fingers .......
I are so confused ........ I ordered mine from Badman Bullets.  Went to their site, no joy.  Went to Slixsprings site, no joy.  It looks like the thing has been pulled.  It was called the "Slixdriver" but what they show now is just 4 screwdrivers with NO Nipple wrench.  Dunno.

Coffinmaker

[Bunk Stagnerg]

Lucky me at the big Waco Texas gun show about 60 some odd years ago a man had a box of the "L" shaped nipple wrench/screwdrivers still in the arsenal type grease for next to nothing each along with two different musket nipple wrenches with screw driver blades. i got one of each and still have them. The revolver wrench lives in my shooting box. It is exactly like the one i had in a cased navy set  I traded away years ago. I just wish i had bought a hand full of them. Oh for the good olde days.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk

[Fingers McGee]

Fingers .......
I are so confused ........ I ordered mine from Badman Bullets.  Went to their site, no joy.  Went to Slixsprings site, no joy.  It looks like the thing has been pulled.  It was called the "Slixdriver" but what they show now is just 4 screwdrivers with NO Nipple wrench.  Dunno.

Coffinmaker

Welll.......He!!

[Robert Swartz]

For working on these BP revolvers. Bruce Waugh, brucew@commspeed.net  ......  he has all the right tools to fix these old revolvers. He fabs a nipple wrench out of a 1/4 drive socket. Pair that with one his vice blocks. Well, you won't want a sutler row nipple wrench ever again.