Wrench to change primer punch
Quote from Reloader on July 10, 2015, 5:06 pmThe primer punch for the XL 650 changes out from underneath using a 9/16" wrench. As you may know, this is not a particularly easy or straightforward operation. I have used several different types of 9/16" box wrenches, and it's still pretty kludgy. Has anyone found a specific wrench that is better at this job? I'm thinking maybe a wrench on some kind of universal joint....
The primer punch for the XL 650 changes out from underneath using a 9/16" wrench. As you may know, this is not a particularly easy or straightforward operation. I have used several different types of 9/16" box wrenches, and it's still pretty kludgy. Has anyone found a specific wrench that is better at this job? I'm thinking maybe a wrench on some kind of universal joint....
Quote from Reloader on July 13, 2015, 6:07 pmIt helps if you first remove the primer cam from the right side of the frame. This gives you plenty of room to remove the punch assembly using an open-end wrench.
It helps if you first remove the primer cam from the right side of the frame. This gives you plenty of room to remove the punch assembly using an open-end wrench.
Quote from Reloader on May 10, 2016, 6:11 pmI have had no luck with the issue of changing out the primer punches. The best solution I've thought of is just to load everything in one primer size and leave it. In fact, I broke the LP punch assembly (broke off at the bottom of the threads. When changing out over the weekend.
I can't see where the wrench I'm using even comes close to the primer feed cam on the frame, so I see no point in removing it. Right now, I'm grinding down an open-end wrench in stages to make it smaller, and hopefully make the job easier.....
I have had no luck with the issue of changing out the primer punches. The best solution I've thought of is just to load everything in one primer size and leave it. In fact, I broke the LP punch assembly (broke off at the bottom of the threads. When changing out over the weekend.
I can't see where the wrench I'm using even comes close to the primer feed cam on the frame, so I see no point in removing it. Right now, I'm grinding down an open-end wrench in stages to make it smaller, and hopefully make the job easier.....
Quote from Reloader on May 10, 2016, 7:10 pmI have found that removing the "primer ski jump" allows much better access to the primer seating punch...
I have found that removing the "primer ski jump" allows much better access to the primer seating punch...
Quote from Reloader on October 23, 2016, 6:26 pmMy solution was to buy a 1/4" drive 9/16 deep socket. I then ground down enough of the tip of the socket so it would cleanly fit the on the primer punch when installed to the press. I then use a 1/4" drive ratchet to remove. I start the install of the primer punch by hand and then tighten with the socket/ratchet.
My solution was to buy a 1/4" drive 9/16 deep socket. I then ground down enough of the tip of the socket so it would cleanly fit the on the primer punch when installed to the press. I then use a 1/4" drive ratchet to remove. I start the install of the primer punch by hand and then tighten with the socket/ratchet.
Quote from Reloader on October 26, 2016, 6:05 pmDichione - I would love to see a picture of your customized socket, I have been thinking of doing some major grinding on a deep socket (both the opening and cutting away a portion of the side) to be able to clear the spring retainer of the primer punch - which is just a bit larger than 9/16" and is what prevents the use of a deep offset box wrench.
Dichione - I would love to see a picture of your customized socket, I have been thinking of doing some major grinding on a deep socket (both the opening and cutting away a portion of the side) to be able to clear the spring retainer of the primer punch - which is just a bit larger than 9/16" and is what prevents the use of a deep offset box wrench.
Quote from Reloader on October 28, 2016, 3:01 pmI tried, but I don't know how to post a photo. Here is what I did:
I wrapped blue tape around the socket to use as a guide. About 5/8 from the tip.
I ground the socket with a bench grinder by continually "rolling" the socket over the grinding wheel. I used a 1/4" drive handle to hole the socket because of the heat.
I cooled down with water and kept checking the fit on the primer punch until it fit.
Note: You have to manually keep the ring indexer (part #13677) from locking for the socket to work. To do this, you have to catch the indexer on the beginning of the upstroke and hold it back before it locks into place. The socket will lightly touch the spring when you've ground enough away.Once finished, I blued the ground portion to prevent rusting.
If you send instructions on how to post a photo from my iPad, I will post it.
I tried, but I don't know how to post a photo. Here is what I did:
I wrapped blue tape around the socket to use as a guide. About 5/8 from the tip.
I ground the socket with a bench grinder by continually "rolling" the socket over the grinding wheel. I used a 1/4" drive handle to hole the socket because of the heat.
I cooled down with water and kept checking the fit on the primer punch until it fit.
Note: You have to manually keep the ring indexer (part #13677) from locking for the socket to work. To do this, you have to catch the indexer on the beginning of the upstroke and hold it back before it locks into place. The socket will lightly touch the spring when you've ground enough away.
Once finished, I blued the ground portion to prevent rusting.
If you send instructions on how to post a photo from my iPad, I will post it.
Quote from Reloader on November 1, 2016, 12:28 pmI wonder if something has changed over the years with the design of the primer punch - I grabbed a 9/16" deep socket and my small primer punch (currently have the press set up with the large punch) and I find that the "washer" at the bottom of the punch assembly is too large to fit into the socket.....
I wonder if something has changed over the years with the design of the primer punch - I grabbed a 9/16" deep socket and my small primer punch (currently have the press set up with the large punch) and I find that the "washer" at the bottom of the punch assembly is too large to fit into the socket.....
Quote from Reloader on November 10, 2016, 9:51 pmIf you're talking about the spring retainer washer, then it must have changed. My socket clears the washer.
If you're talking about the spring retainer washer, then it must have changed. My socket clears the washer.
Quote from Reloader on November 11, 2016, 5:54 pmYup, my spring retainer washers measure about 0.630" (roughly 5/8").
Inspired by your post, I did grab a 12 point socket and after a bit of machining on the lathe & mill, I had created a quasi-flare nut socket that clears the spring retainer (and is thin enough at the end to get next to the indexer spring), but it is a bit too flexible (with the opening being about 1/2" wide at the tip) so it "skips" on the hex of the primer seater assembly when trying to break it free.
Next stop, turn down the spring retainers to a hair under 9/16" and find another 9/16" deep socket 🙂
Yup, my spring retainer washers measure about 0.630" (roughly 5/8").
Inspired by your post, I did grab a 12 point socket and after a bit of machining on the lathe & mill, I had created a quasi-flare nut socket that clears the spring retainer (and is thin enough at the end to get next to the indexer spring), but it is a bit too flexible (with the opening being about 1/2" wide at the tip) so it "skips" on the hex of the primer seater assembly when trying to break it free.
Next stop, turn down the spring retainers to a hair under 9/16" and find another 9/16" deep socket 🙂