Breech Plug Wrench

[mountainman]

I saw an advertisement somewhere for a tapered breech plug, does anybody know where I might pick one up? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Pete G.]

Dixie has a listing for sort of an "S" shaped crowbar looking thing. It looks funny, but probably works better than the big cresant wrench that I've been using.

[Birddog6]

I have been using a cresent wrench for years with no problems. Have 2 of them, one has tapered jaws for the tapered ones like Colerain, & one is std. for the straight one like Rice makes. Grind them both off short so they don't go over the tangs edges.

I have only seen one wrench made for them, and it would only do one size & for the small barrels it was too sloopy or went up over the tang edge & that is a problem. With a cresent wrench you can adjust it to keep it off the top of the tang.

[rich pierce]

An old "monkey wrench" works well.  Smooth the jaws and you'll be good to go.  They seem to have the perfect taper.  Almost as if breechplug makers use them!

[David Rase]

I have been using a tapered and a straight cresent wrench just as Birddog6 for years.  The only thing I did different was i soldered some brass onto the jaws to soften them up and keep from marring the plug.
DMR

[Curt J]

I have an old "FORD" script monkey wrench, probably Model T era, that has just the right taper for most old breechplugs. I'm sure I don't have the only one in existance, so keep an eye out for one at flea markets.

[J.D.]

I made a wrench like the one in Dixie's catalog, but didn't like it. The best breechplug wrench I have used is the old monkey wrench bought for little of nothing at a flea market. The smooth jaws padded with a "U" shaped brass insert protect the plug from damage, and there is plenty of leverage to tighten or remove a plug without lots of cheating.

I also use that same wrench for twisting hot steel in the blacksmith shop. Don't know how I got along without it, for all those years.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

My old Stillson wrench works fine with the brass insert to protect the plug from the teeth!  longer handle give great leverage.