Action wrenches and barrel vises / Win 94

[J Miller]

O.S.O.K.'s thread about swapping the barrel out on his Savage got me to looking for the tools needed for a barrel swap on a Win 94. I can find the barrel vises at both Midway and Brownells, but can't find an action wrench at either.

What do you guys that have done barrel swaps on Win 94s use as an action wrench?
What do you use to keep from crushing or twisting the sides of the receiver?
And if they are available who do you buy them from?

Joe

[Abilene]

Jim I use a bearing press w/aluminum v blocks and a 15" open end adjustable wrench. Never had to put a 6' cheater pipe on like some of the Mausers need. Have also seen the old monkey wrench used, all I ever had to do was tap the wrench w/ a 2 pound hammer. hope this helps Abilene

[O.S.O.K.]

Joe, I would think that a couple of pieces of oak or other hardwood with c-clamps on either side would make a good action wrench for the 94. The hard part is the barrel vice - a regular vice just doesn't squeeze down hard enough to hold - look at the pic of the barrel vice in my other thread - massive bolts and nuts.

[J Miller]

Joe, I would think that a couple of pieces of oak or other hardwood with c-clamps on either side would make a good action wrench for the 94. The hard part is the barrel vice - a regular vice just doesn't squeeze down hard enough to hold - look at the pic of the barrel vice in my other thread - massive bolts and nuts.

Yeah, that's where I got the idea. I found that kind of vise both at Midway and Brownells. For the price I think it would be worth having.

My big paranoia is the receiver wrench. I saw a picture of one somewhere that was home made, but I can't remember if it was here or where.

Sadly I used to have a couple huge Crescent type wrenches until my garage was burgled back in '02. So many tools gone. No insurance then, but most have been replaced.

[J Miller]

Jim I use a bearing press w/aluminum v blocks and a 15" open end adjustable wrench. Never had to put a 6' cheater pipe on like some of the Mausers need. Have also seen the old monkey wrench used, all I ever had to do was tap the wrench w/ a 2 pound hammer. hope this helps Abilene

It's Joe but that's OK. How long are the jaws on that 15" wrench? I had a couple 12" that were pretty long, but I don't think long enough.

Joe

[markinalpine]

How about a wood workers wooden vice? The kind with two hand screws.
I'll look for a link.
Mark

EDIT: OK, Here's what I mean: 12" Hardwood Handscrew Clamp

12 inch hardwood clamp.jpg

$11.99
Mark

[Griff]

If you use a barrel wrench, put a steel block inside the action, or leave the bolt & link in as a fill for snuggin' the action in a vise. Personally, I think they're too loose and would allow the sides to flex inward too much.

[Malamute]

If you leave the bolt in, dont let it go all the way forward against the barrel or you'll break the extractor off.

The action wrenches for bolt guns work, the ones I've seen had a V on one side, and flat on the other, with flats outside of the V. They worked fine, they engaged the flats of the receiver. I beleive some wrenches are reversible also, which may be how we used one of the bolt gun wrenches. Be sure you remove any screws the action wrench may contact, like the lever pin plug screw, or they will be flat headed when you're done. If you grab the action on the forward end against the fore end flair, you should be OK with a block in the action. Just don't let the wrench actually touch the flairs.

[J Miller]

If you use a barrel wrench, put a steel block inside the action, or leave the bolt & link in as a fill for snuggin' the action in a vise. Personally, I think they're too loose and would allow the sides to flex inward too much.

So where do I get one of these steel blocks to put inside the receiver?

If you leave the bolt in, dont let it go all the way forward against the barrel or you'll break the extractor off.

The action wrenches for bolt guns work, the ones I've seen had a V on one side, and flat on the other, with flats outside of the V. They worked fine, they engaged the flats of the receiver. I beleive some wrenches are reversible also, which may be how we used one of the bolt gun wrenches. Be sure you remove any screws the action wrench may contact, like the lever pin plug screw, or they will be flat headed when you're done. If you grab the action on the forward end against the fore end flair, you should be OK with a block in the action. Just don't let the wrench actually touch the flairs.

Malamute,
I have a stripped bolt that would do just fine for that.

Joe

[BenT]

Joe , Get a piece of 1/4 " x 2"Wide X 24" long flat stock steel. Cut 6" off one end. So now set that 6 inch piece on top of the 18"piece that is left over. Put it flush with one end . Now drill two 3/8 in holes ,one on each end of the 6 inch piece all the way through the longer piece . You will sandwich the reciever between the 6 inch piece and the longer piece using 3/8 inch bolts . The other end of the longer piece is your handle for turning it off. I just use cardboard between the metal and the receiver and it just has to be snug. I leave the bolt in with it backed out just enough so the extractor doesn't catch. The only thing I take off the receiver is the stock.

[KCSO]

My receiver wrench for lever guns is a big cresent wrench with brass lined jaws. Most of the lever gun barrels are not that tight and can be spun out pretty easy. If I run into a stiff one I use a home made wrench made from 1" square bar stock drilled and tapped to work like a big tap wrench. I use a machined aluminum filler in the actions and have never sprung one yet.

[M. M. Wright]

I made my action wrench from 1" square steel. Just mild stuff and made the sandwich affair described above but left one piece long by about 6" s. I put a piece of pipe on this extension and always get them loose although I may have to use a little heat.

I have an extra barrel vise that I would be happy to part with but think it is too heavy ship. But, who knows. Anyway price is free if you pick it up in northeast Oklahoma.

[Malamute]

M.M.Wright, I would be interested in knowing more about your barrel vise. It may be worthwhile to me to have it mailed by the flat rate charge if it would fit in one of their flat rate baxes, or even UPS ground. I don't do a lot of barrel work, but would like to have tools to do so. I can make an action wrench. I have several projects going at the moment.

[J Miller]

I made my action wrench from 1" square steel. Just mild stuff and made the sandwich affair described above but left one piece long by about 6" s. I put a piece of pipe on this extension and always get them loose although I may have to use a little heat.

I have an extra barrel vise that I would be happy to part with but think it is too heavy ship. But, who knows. Anyway price is free if you pick it up in northeast Oklahoma.

M.M. Wright, I am interested in your barrel vise. It would cost a lot less in postage to get it here than the gas it would cost to drive there and back. Let me know how much and I'll get with SWMBO and see what we can do.

Joe

[Malamute]

Joe, if you get it, and dont have a long term need for it, I'd be interested in dealing with you for it when you're done.

[J Miller]

Joe, if you get it, and dont have a long term need for it, I'd be interested in dealing with you for it when you're done.

Okee Dokee. Haven't heard from M. M. Wright yet so I'll see what happens when I do.

Joe

[Malamute]

Great, thanks Joe!

[Abilene]

Joe, I have also used a 12" cresent. I did put brass shim stock under the jaws to keep from marring the receiver. Have also used thin latigo leather under the jaws. hope this helps, Abilene

[Chuck 100 yd]

Joe, Too bad you don't live close by. I have the tools to do what you need. I also have a Crescent brand Crescent wrench that is 24" long.
Like brand new ,chromed, and I gave $15 for it. I priced them from
Snap-on and about had a heart attack!!

The best way is like others have said. Two heavy steel bars with bolt holes to clamp them together and a spacer in the empty action with shims on each side to make up a tight fit to prevent any crushing and go at it.
Wooden blocks in a HEAVY bench vice with rosin on the barrel and blocks will hold the barrel.
I am talking about a real vice here, not the normal home type.
Have fun!!

[J Miller]

Chuck,

Yeah that would be great if we were closer. Strange thing is, of all the folks in IL, none of them close to me are friendly (jd45 ain't talking bout you) and none have any tools to do things with.

If I get a barrel vise it will be one like O.S.O.K. posted in his thread. Then we go from there.

Joe