Power grip for ram rods / range rods

Sometimes there are discussions about the difficulty of getting a good grip on a ramrod or range rod if trying to pull a load without the benefit of a T-handle, large ball handle, etc, to amplify hand power.
One simple item that magnifies gripping power is a rubber ”˜jar opener’...provides an amazing boost in gripping power on something small like a ram rod. (also handy for gripping / pulling arrows out of tight target bales)

Cheap at a buck apiece, ultra-thin & ultra-light, slip one in your pocket, bag, etc, and never know it’s there.

I would have never thought of it. I will give china mart a buck or two tommorro

I think it's needless for a range rod, but it IS useful for rods carried in the thimbles, especially hunting situations.

I take a file and cut several little notches for the last inch and a half of the ramrod to get a good grip--pulling out while cleaning--"WORKS FOR ME"

The best simple ramrod puller is a piece of 1/4 X 1 or 1 1/4 steel, five or so inches long, with a hole slightly larger than the ramrod drilled in one end. To use,slide the hole over the rod until the muzzle stops it. Then simply start pulling. The hole will cam against the rod and grip it as solid as if it is welded. After you pull a few inches, release the puller to get a new grip and repeat. The best part is that you never have a long length of unsupported rod flapping around past the end of the muzzle like you would with a tee-handle.
I use steel, but any material strong enough for the task should work.
Variations of this have been authenticated by Jim "Lizard" Bryan. I don't remember the exact locations, but at least two examples are displayed in two different museums.

roundball said:

One simple item that magnifies gripping power is a rubber ”˜jar opener’...

Click to expand...

PS:
I'm sure there are many ways to increase gripping / pulling power on a rod...just posted another way I'm aware of in case it's of any interest to anyone.

All good ideas. Thanks for sharing yours, Roundball. :hatsoff:

I have one that is along the same lines as your's. For some of the people on here that may have weak hands for some reason. Go to a archery pro shop and ask for a arrow puller. I had one when I was shooting carbon arrows that fits in your hand very well for someone that would have a problem just gripping a ram rod with the jar opener that you show.

good tips all....been using the jar thing for years with my carbon arrows

roundball said:

roundball said:

One simple item that magnifies gripping power is a rubber ”˜jar opener’...

Click to expand...

PS:
I'm sure there are many ways to increase gripping / pulling power on a rod...just posted another way I'm aware of in case it's of any interest to anyone.

Click to expand...

Greatly appreciated. We earn our living with cameras, and these things are in every lens bag and camera bag in case of stuck filters. They work like champs for that, but I never considered them for ramrods.

Just an elaboration on ramrod use, guys like me who lube and cut at the muzzle often end up with greasy fingers, not to mention cold. The extra grip would be real handy even if the ramrod isn't "stuck."

BrownBear said:

We earn our living with cameras, and these things are in every lens bag and camera bag in case of stuck filters. They work like champs for that, but I never considered them for ramrods.

Click to expand...

And I never thought of them for lens filters...good idea

Fair trade!

A fine point on using them for filters: Rather than grabbing the filter with one, lay it flat on a hard surface and press the filter straight down on it, then rotate the lens. Gives you a more even pressure all around the filter and eases removal.