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Thread: Seized nipple in Pottsdam

  1. #1
    Paul L is offline
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    Seized nipple in Pottsdam

    Hi Folks,

    I am putzing with a Potsdam musket, and have fixed everything except getting the original nipple out. I have the barrel soaking in PB Blaster now. Would there be a better option than PB Blaster? Also, I have read other threads on here about similar issues, and I understand the heat thing. Question though....do you heat the nipple, or the bolster area? One thread said to heat the screw (which was stuck) and touch beeswax to it so it would seep in.....should I try that also with this nipple?

    I don't want to torque on it to much to break, That's what I am afraid of. The shoulders of the nipple are already rounded slightly.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    Paul
    15th VA Cavalry

  2. #2
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    In general, when you're trying to remove a stuck screw using heat, you heat the surrounding area (in this case, the bolster) so that it expands. Don't go crazy with the heat, but don't tickle it either...

    Expect the PB Blaster to burn off as soon as you hit it with the torch, but it will go quickly.

    Once you master the skill of removing seized screws/nuts with heat, you'll wonder why you ever struggled before....

    If you don't overheat the metal (and thereby damage the temper) you can try it over and over...

    Be sure to clamp the barrel in a vise (use hard wood or leather to protect it from the jaws) and get a dang good grip on the nipple. You might want to try the back-end of a 1/4-inch socket. You want the get torque on it without stressing/stripping the gripping surface...

    Good luck!!

    -Mike
    Mike 'Bootsie' Bodner
    Palmetto Sharpshooter's, Commander
    9996V

  3. #3
    John Holland is offline Moderator
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    Regarding the Potsdam, please be aware that the musket is a conversion from flint lock. The bolster has been added by being screw mounted and brazed to the barrel, so don't put too much heat or torque on the bolster.

  4. #4
    jonk is offline
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    Something else you could try if all else fails... get one of those broken screw remover kits. Cut the top off the nipple and use the kit. It reverse threads so as you tighten it it will eventually loosen the stuck part.

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    wormey is offline
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    nipple extraction

    Rule #1 when using heat....MAKE SURE IS IT NOT LOADED! Many of them are! Don`t ask me how I know!

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    Ummmmmmm.......How do you know?

    WHAT???? All of you are wondering the same thing! 😁
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  7. #7
    Wayne Shaw, 1985V is offline
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    Potsdam Nipple

    Paul Use heat, heat the bolster area don't be shy. Using a 3/8th or 10MM Wrench (what ever fits the best. ) turn it out! I use a 3/8 drive socket upside down. Find a 3/8 drive socket that fits an allen wrench that lets you grab all the sides of the nipple. Good luck! This will work as having removed at least a dozen or more that way. Wayne Shaw Harlans Light Cav 223 CV 1985V National IG & SAC

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    Quote Originally Posted by Wayne Shaw, 1985V View Post
    Paul Use heat, heat the bolster area don't be shy. Using a 3/8th or 10MM Wrench (what ever fits the best. ) turn it out! I use a 3/8 drive socket upside down. Find a 3/8 drive socket that fits an allen wrench that lets you grab all the sides of the nipple. Good luck! This will work as having removed at least a dozen or more that way. Wayne Shaw Harlans Light Cav 223 CV 1985V National IG & SAC
    use kroil oil let it soak in a few days
    14th VA Cav.
    " No man has ever been shot in the back doing dishes"

  9. #9
    Paul L is offline
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    Thanks for all the responses! This is a big help

    I was out of town for the last week, and will work on this project this weekend. I will let you all know if I was successful or not (fingers crossed).

    Thanks again!

    Paul L
    15th Virginia Cavalry

  10. #10
    Paul L is offline
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    Well, here is an update. It's not going as well as I had hoped.

    Soaked in Kroil oil, applied heat.....tried to get the nipple to turn and it broke. Not a big problem, I thought....so I got the Easy-Out set. Well, it wasn't so easy to get out! I felt something break loose and got excited that the nipple was finally turning. Not to be....the part of the nipple above the threads broke loose. So now, I have the threaded part of the nipple still in the bolster.

    Does anyone have ideas on how to handle this problem? Would any of the sutlers (John Bly, Whitacre, Lodgewood) be able to take care of this? I'm out of ideas.

    Thanks in advance for all the suggestions!

    Paul
    15th Virginia Cavalry

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