DIY Ram Rod retainer

[mtsage]

Here is my solution to the Traditions Kentucky rifle ramrod retainer spring that was sent with the kit. The original spring is meant to be installed on the forward lock bolt that holds the lock in place. I would call this method a very poor designed idea or lazy thought or a after thought, i.e., "oh darn we forgot about the ramrod spring, maybe that is why the ramrod falls out". As one can imagine when you pull the lock off for what ever reason and the bolt slips off, the spring falls off and you have to pull the barrel off to put the spring back on the bolt. Or you have to put a bend in the ramrod to keep it in place. Why they did it this way i don't know. Now to a better solution.
Get yourself a large paper binder from one of your choice of office supplies, Staples was where mine originated. Figure out the width of the spring steel you will cut from the paper binder, use a wood chisel and chisel a spot for the new cut spring to lay. Cut the spring, drill a hole in it for a small nail to secure it in place. I used a small brass nail, cut to length so it would not protrude into ramrod hole. Or try some good glue, Not my recommendation at all but too each his own. Bend the spring enough to offer enough tension to ramrod in place. Simple I say. Here are the pics.

 

[waarp8nt]

I feel better when I take the large paper binders from my attorneys office. At the rate they charge I'm not the one stealing.

 

[waksupi]

Or you could just heat the ramrod and put a bend in it.

 

[mtsage]

Or you could just heat the ramrod and put a bend in it.

My post stated that as well. Thanks for reading it.

 

[ppg1949]

Great idea! Thanks mtsage for sharing.

 

[waksupi]

My post stated that as well. Thanks for reading it.

I had to go back and read it three times to see it, I was looking for the word "heat".

 

[brightboy]

Awesome! I used one of these to make a sear spring too

 

[boberator]

Here is my solution to the Traditions Kentucky rifle ramrod retainer spring that was sent with the kit. The original spring is meant to be installed on the forward lock bolt that holds the lock in place. I would call this method a very poor designed idea or lazy thought or a after thought, i.e., "oh darn we forgot about the ramrod spring, maybe that is why the ramrod falls out". As one can imagine when you pull the lock off for what ever reason and the bolt slips off, the spring falls off and you have to pull the barrel off to put the spring back on the bolt. Or you have to put a bend in the ramrod to keep it in place. Why they did it this way i don't know. Now to a better solution.
Get yourself a large paper binder from one of your choice of office supplies, Staples was where mine originated. Figure out the width of the spring steel you will cut from the paper binder, use a wood chisel and chisel a spot for the new cut spring to lay. Cut the spring, drill a hole in it for a small nail to secure it in place. I used a small brass nail, cut to length so it would not protrude into ramrod hole. Or try some good glue, Not my recommendation at all but too each his own. Bend the spring enough to offer enough tension to ramrod in place. Simple I say. Here are the pics.

View attachment 278126View attachment 278127View attachment 278128

Well, a binder clip is a strong spring for the size. Good idea!