action wrench build help

B

Brodie

Guest
Hi,
I'd like to make up a external wrench like the brownells for my rem 700's. I'm thinking of takig two pieces of 2"x2" steel squarethem up, drill and tap for two 1/2-20 bolts and then chucking the two pieces bolted together in the 4 jaw and boring a hole through the center for the action.
my question is.....should I bore the hole to 1.355 diameter and mill about .020" off one of the action wrench blocks to allow for clamping pressure or should I bore the hole larger to accept aluminum bushings?
Will an action wrench like the brownells mar the finish on an action? As far as I can see brownells does not use ay bushings.
thanks for the help.
 
Brodie

I have one of the big Brownell Wrenches.

Keep in mind, that wrenches clamping force also works in conjunction with the 1/4 inch front action screw, which supplies a positive stop. Used properly, I have never had a barrel-action assembly that I could not get apart with it.

If you do not let the wrench slip on the actions surface, (the front screw assures this), then it will not mar the surface or finish of the action. Just be sure and clean the surfaces of the action and wrench well, so that no foreign matter can scar the surface when you clamp it down.

I have found that the best way to use this wrenchis as a slugging wrench. (notice that big handle). Put the barrel in the vice, wrap the action wrench around the action ring with the screw tightened, tighten it, and give it a good swift lick with a 4+ pound hammer. Works every time.........jackie
 
Here is one I made, it has the integral recoil lug aligning mated to it.

Actionwrench002.jpg
Actionwrench001.jpg
 
If you're worried about marring..

One of the best ways I've found to avoid marring the barrel or receiver is to wrap the part with a slip of 24 lb printer paper, and use a good dusting of powdered rosin on both sides. I've used this method for a few years and it works well. If you're making a wrench or bushing, just design the hole about .010" larger than the part it fits to allow for the paper thickness.
 
Thanks for the info everyone.
I'll pass on the bushings then, and make sure to drill a hole so I can put a screw into the action.
Jackie, does your brownells rig also have a channel milled out of the front for the recoil lug?
I think I will pass on milling a slot for the recoil lug, I have an internal wrench and lug alignment tool already for barrel installation. Good idea?
Jkob, that is a good looking wrench!
I got the 2x2 blocks squared up today, I think my instructors and classmates think I have a problem, I think I've built about $700 worth of tooling for rifle builds so far :)
thanks again for the help.
 
My action wrench has a milled place to fit the recoil lug as well. I think that it helps a lot when taking a stubborn factory barrel off an old 700 or 40X. A while back I had a 40X rimfire that I had to use a 4" length of crome moly pipe on the wrench to break it loose. I weigh around 200 lbs and I could pick myself off the floor withe just the 18" wrench handle. The cheater made it easy. The wrench fitting the recoil lug probably kept me from breaking the 1/4" X 28 bolt.
 
Guess I better include the recoil lug slot then, thanks for the tip
 
Brodie,
I do think the wrench grabbing hold of the recoil lug strengthens the set up a lot, especially on stubborn barrels. Good luck with your project.
 
Kent Owens said:
Brodie,
I do think the wrench grabbing hold of the recoil lug strengthens the set up a lot, especially on stubborn barrels. Good luck with your project.
Click to expand...

I find it hard to believe the lug has anything to do with how the barrel comes off. After all, it is just a slip fit on the barrel tenon. The only reason I put the alignment cut in the wrench is to align the lug the same time after time and because I loath the pinned arrangement.
 
Action Wrench

I just ended up buying the wrench " Jaws" and made my own handle except i made the handle 3 feet long I have yet to have an action that will not come apart. Justin Bowerman
07 FFl in central California
 
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