Pinning Ramrod Thimbles

[tgraytn]

I am building a .32 caliber Southern Style Flintlock and will be ready to install the ramrod thimbles soon.  In researching this in a couple of books and a video, I am finding that some people use one pin to install them while others use two pins.  Due to the width of the part that goes into the stock, I am inclined to use two pins for each of the three thimbles.  Am I on the right track here?

[Mark Elliott]

It depends on how well the thimbles are fit.   If they are well inlet, then you only need one pin.   I wouldn't use two pins unless you need to use two. 

[smart dog]

Hi Tom,
Mark is bang on as usual but I tend to use two pins on the thimble near the muzzle.  That thimble can get levered and banged around during the process of removing and returning the ramrod.

dave

[Dennis Glazener]

I am finding that some people use one pin to install them while others use two pins.  Due to the width of the part that goes into the stock, I am inclined to use two pins for each of the three thimbles.  Am I on the right track here?

I have noticed several original southern rifles have two pins for the entry thimble and 2 on the thimble closest to the muzzle and one on the ones in between. Probably for the reason Dave mentioned, more stress/strain on these two.
Dennis

[Gary Tucker]

I noticed while doing some research that John Bonewitz used two pins in each of his thimbles.

[PPatch]

As Mark says one pin will do it if the thimble is well inlet. That means it fits in its inlet with no rocking. When you go to drill the hole in the thimble tab very gently clamp the thimble in place before doing so. Doing this will ensure the thimble is held snugly against the wood, and there is a bit of tension between the wood, thimble, and wire pin. Also, having been there I can say that doing two pins does not ensure the thimble won't wiggle or rock, it is all about that inlet.  

Good luck.

dave

[Goo]

What diameter pins are commonly used in the past?

[L. Akers]

I use 2 pins on the entry thimble and one on each of the remaining thimbles.  I use wire nails (with the heads clipped) of about .040 dia. for pins.

[mossyhorn]

I used one pin (1/16 inch) in each thimble with good inletting and pressure as noted by ppatch above in my 32 mountain rifle and they are holding fine with no movement. The close inletting with pressure and then drilling and pinning is the key. Also mark each thimble as to location and direction when installing to be sure they will be replaced in the same way and  the same direction after removing them when finishing stock and thimbles.

[smylee grouch]

I use a #4 finishing nail, two per pipe. Right or wrong that's  how I do it. Clip the heads and spin them down if they are a little tight.

[Mike Brooks]

I always fit my pipes well as a matter of craftsmanship, no reason to have them wobbling all over the place. If you are working in a particular school use the number of pins they used in that area. Personally I use one 1/16" pin per pipe. Never had the front pipe fall off of over 350 guns.

[Nordnecker]

 Also mark each thimble as to location and direction when installing to be sure they will be replaced in the same way and  the same direction after removing them when finishing stock and thimbles.
[/quote]
Definitely.

[David Rase]

You could also opt to not use any pins.  Make the pipes from thin sheet stock with long tabs and then bend them over to sandwich the pipe between the underside of the barrel and the forestock.  I had an original Alford Duncan rifle that was done this way.
David  

[tgraytn]

Thanks so much to everyone for your replies!!  MUCH Appreciated!!! 

[flehto]

Never liked long slots in the fore  end, so always reduce the tab length. The entry pipe has the  same tab length but the tab favors the finial  whereas the other pipes  have centered tabs. All the pipes have one, 1/16 dia music wire pins and the tab length for all is 7/16". The pictured BC entry pipe  has a tinyl screw at the end of the  longest "wings....Fred

.

[Roger B]

David;
I really like that idea.  I may have to try that on my .32 if I don't have to scrap it.
Roger B.