Help with attaching side plate to lock plate

[Terry Reynolds]

Purchased this kit from another individual that I believe drilled the holes in the wrong place to attach the side plate to the lock plate. In the pic the bottom hole was drilled into the ramrod channel, his second attempt, top, put the hole through the bottom of the barrel and too close to the top edge of the lock plate to safely drill and tap without going through the outer edge of the lock plate.

Is there a fix for this? Thank you.

[Mike Brooks]

I'd fill and re-drill.

[Ky-Flinter]

Hi Digger,

Option 1
The position of the lower hole doesn't look too bad, if it is level from side to side.  You can plug the upper hole with a piece of dowel rod.  What diameter ramrod are you using?  If 3/8" you can taper the end some to gain some clearance.  And what size lock bolt?  If 10-32, switch to an 8-32.

Did the ramrod hole go a little high?  If so, make a scraper for the ramrod hole.  Get a piece of 1/4" drill rod, long enough to reach the end of the ramrod hold plus enough to hang on to.  Peen over one end and file a scraper blade.  Deepen the hole.

Option 2
Do away with the front lock bolt.  Plug both holes.  Fashion a hook on the inside nose of the lock plate that engages a hook mounted in the lock mortise.  Use a wood screw to anchor the front end of the side plate.

Option 3
Do what Mike said while I was typing. 

-Ron

[flinchrocket]

For now you can put your ramrod in and see where your bolt needs to go to miss it. Then you can decide which option mentioned above to use.

[Mike Brooks]

Don't be  afraid to file a little trough in the bottom of the barrel so the screw will pass. Don't get carried away though.

[Terry Reynolds]

Holes are plugged for a redrill. Nervous about it though, I believe the ramrod channel was drilled close to the barrel channel on that end. Ron I am using a 3/8 ramrod and 8-32 bolts. I found out the holes were angled when drilled. There is not much space between rr channel and barrel channel maybe 3/16 if that.

But the good news is the holes are plugged. Will try drilling tomorrow. A big thanks for the help.






russian photo host

[mountainman70]

Has the lockplate been drilled ?  Learning to fix booboos like this is how you get to be a gunsmith. Welcome to the forum, we like pictures !!! Dave F

[Terry Reynolds]

Dave, No the lock has not been drilled, but it came close to be! LOL

Thanks for the welcome, tickled to be here! I like them pictures too....as a newbie when I found the tutorial section I thought I had found the "Money Pit" so to speak. The threads I felt I needed the most all had pics of "Photobucket".

[Majorjoel]

I agree with all the above fixes but will add that you can also use a 6 by 32 size for your front bolt or even file a slot on the bolt shank for the ram rod to pass through.

[Mike Brooks]

Don't forget to notch the bottom of the barrel if you're web is that thin.

[Frank]

Don't forget to notch the bottom of the barrel if you're web is that thin.

Or maybe use a 6x32 front lock bolt, if the lock plate isn't already tapped for an 8x32.

[Terry Reynolds]

Don't forget to notch the bottom of the barrel if you're web is that thin.

Barrel is notched and ready but my drill bit isn't, had a slight wobble and wasn't comfortable using it....heading to Lowes now.

[Terry Reynolds]

Don't forget to notch the bottom of the barrel if you're web is that thin.

Or maybe use a 6x32 front lock bolt, if the lock plate isn't already tapped for an 8x32.

Picking up a 6x32 TEST bolt at Lowes to check fit as backup, plate is not drilled yet. May end up notching the 8x32 bolt for RR to fit but won't know until after I drill.

Thanks everyone, I do appreciate it.

[WKevinD]

If you choose to use a 6-32 be careful, I have made it a scary choice by breaking 6-32 taps at least half the time I use one.
This is where a drill press is your friend.
Kevin

[Terry Reynolds]

If you choose to use a 6-32 be careful, I have made it a scary choice by breaking 6-32 taps at least half the time I use one.
This is where a drill press is your friend.
Kevin

That’s funny Kevin, you mention about breaking a 6-32 tap......just broke one! Fortunately I have several spares as back up.

Got my hole drilled and lock tapped. Went with 6-32 screw to reduce my chances of going into rr channel but managed to slightly hit it anyways. Lathed off the threads where the TEST bolt sets in the rr channel and rr clears just fine.....instantly I break out into a happy dance.🤪

Thanks for the guidance!

[Ky-Flinter]

Way to go Digger.  Nice recovery.

-Ron

[n stephenson]

Nice Fix!!  Got any pictures of that happy dance    Nate

[mountainman70]

Definitely a good save !!! Now on to bigger and better. You now know you can !!! Congrats, Dave

[A.Merrill]

     The making of a gunsmith.    Al

[Terry Reynolds]

I appreciate all the encouragement. One thing I've learned the most here so far is to shut up and listen when experience speaks.

Think I'll hang around for a spell.

[Mike Brooks]

I appreciate all the encouragement. One thing I've learned the most here so far is to shut up and listen when experience speaks.

Think I'll hang around for a spell.

Hardest part for most new folks.