need hammer fit advice

[Rifleman1776]

I recently acquired a TC 'hawken' stock with lock but no hammer. I purchased a used TC hammer to put on. These are interchangeable TC parts......right? Well......no. The lock tumbler lug is too large for the hammer. Not by much, a thou on each side, maybe. But, so far, filing by hand hasn't removed any metal from the lock, it is very hard steel. I need suggestions on how to remedy before taking to a machinist. Thinking maybe heat but I don't want to screw around before seeking advice here.

 

[TDM]

I'd leave the tumbler lug as is and slowly file the hammer to fit the lug and properly align it with the nipple, if it's a percussion.

 

[EC121]

He's right. Don't mess with the tumbler. Too hard. For a hardened surface get a cheap diamond file set from Harbor Freight and polish all the surfaces to remove the roughness. Then use a bit of oil or grease to achieve a press fit. I've never had one ,but T/Cs appear to be case hardened where they don't need to be. The hammer might be as hard as the tumbler.

 

[Rifleman1776]

He's right. Don't mess with the tumbler. Too hard. For a hardened surface get a cheap diamond file set from Harbor Freight and polish all the surfaces to remove the roughness. Then use a bit of oil or grease to achieve a press fit. I've never had one ,but T/Cs appear to be case hardened where they don't need to be. The hammer might be as hard as the tumbler.

I've been filing on the hammer with no effect, it is indeed, very hard. I'll go to HF and look for some tiny diamond files.

 

[Phil Coffins]

When it goes on it should be very tight, place the tumbler in the lock then the tumbler resting on a piece of steel with a hole to hammer the hammer into place. An interference fit!

 

[Sam squanch]

Lube it with some grease too.

 

[Robin101]

I get the hammer to where it is started but snug, I put copper liners on my vice jaws, place the lock between the jaws with the tumbler stud on one jaw, the slightly started hammer on the other jaw and slowly tighten while closely watching for any hint of misalignment and make adjustments if need be as I go.
Robin