Simple bolt assembly and dissassembly tool.

[nf1e]

Getting started with taking a bolt apart and putting one back together for the first time can be a pain , no doubt. On my bench I do it hundreds of times every year.
Most often used tool is a spent casing drilled into the side of my standing workbench. Cheap, fast and it's always close at hand. Start with the extractor facing down, compress the ejector spring with the palm of the hand and using a small punch, push the extractor shaft down and the extractor should just drop out. Putting back together , naturally, the extractor is easiest to install from the top down. A couple of times using this method and it becomes second nature.







Then of coarse there are always these gadgets close at hand. Just remember when using one of these, hold it in your hand and not on the bench because that will depress the extractor removal button and make putting the bolt back together a real pain.

[lyman]

I have one or 2 of the GI units ,

I have also used the cleaning rod handle ,
stick a rod handle in the vise and it works as well as that table top method, (ingenious by the way)

[Major Tom]

Neat tip, thank you

[m1ashooter]

Very cool idea. I'm curious to why you take your bolts apart? I've never taken one apart in 30 years.

[nf1e]

Very cool idea. I'm curious to why you take your bolts apart? I've never taken one apart in 30 years.

With 50+ M14 types , a bunch of M1s in the herd and assisting others with barrel changes, I always strip the bolts before checking or finish reaming for headspace.
Then Some of my rifles have in excess of 5K rnds through them so an occasional maintenance is needed.
Might be high time to strip your bolts and do a thorough cleaning after 30 years. I would think you might just find a collection of crud and carbon within.

[JimF]

. . . . . I'm curious to why you take your bolts apart? I've never taken one apart in 30 years.

Because I’m of the curious type . . . .

Both my son and I are of the bent to find out the “WHY” of all things mechanical.

We’ve been known to buy a product, then BEFORE using same, dismantling and scrutinizing it to the ninth degree!!

So far, our “ curiosity has not killed the cat”!

I suspect there are many others on this board that do the same!

[lyman]

With 50+ M14 types , a bunch of M1s in the herd and assisting others with barrel changes, I always strip the bolts before checking or finish reaming for headspace.
Then Some of my rifles have in excess of 5K rnds through them so an occasional maintenance is needed.
Might be high time to strip your bolts and do a thorough cleaning after 30 years. I would think you might just find a collection of crud and carbon within.

ditto,

I have a handful of each in the safe, and have build, repaired, etc many many others,

[m1ashooter]

Will do on Monday.