Nipple size/wrench help! Stumped by a Zouave.

[1-12 INF (M)]

I have a Zouave replica, a Ranson. After buying two nipple wrenches - including the low-profile CVA one, neither fit - both are too small. The CVA one almost fits, but it's a little too narrow and not deep enough.

Can anyone tell me the size of this nipple, and recommend a source for a wrench that will fit it? An open-ended wrench is very likely to round the square drive part off, as is a pair of vise-grips.

I wrote to Blomquist, but didn't get a reply.

[cgtactical]

Call Dixie Gunworks, ask for Jamie he seems to know quite a bit about odd and obsolete parts. Maybe he can help you out :?:

[ken chrestman]

try a 1/4 inch open end wrench, they fit sometimes.

Regards;

Ken Chrestman 7147V

[Mike Seymour, 3215V]

I've got 2 Springfields, an Enfield,and a zouave. I use an open end 1/4 inch wrench on all of them. Works fine,been using it for years.

[1-12 INF (M)]

Ok, Gents. I'll try that. Are the nipples of your 1855 and 1863 8mm x 1.00?

[le piaf]

Hello ,
On original US weapons (Springfield, Zouave) nipple size is 5/16X24,
in fact ,metric 8mmX1.00( Which fits on Swiss federal rifle)is very close .
Italian replicas are more often in 8mmX1.25

[mwmoore10261]

Take a 1/4 inch drive socket set. Find one of the smaller sizes that will fit a hex wrench. Using the combination in reverse, use the hex key to turn the socket. The 1/4 inch drive now becomes the socket to remove your nipple. I keep a setup like this in my musket tool kit.

[1-12 INF (M)]

Clever. I finally got it out with an adjustable wrench (and lots of Kroil and some gentle heat - not from a torch). A 1/4 wrench is too small, and a 7mm is just a little large. Now that I have it out, I'll figure out the threads and order some replacement nipples.

I shot it yesterday, did pretty good with PRB.