Lee 6-banger

[Echo]

I have a nice Lee 6-banger in 30 cal - I believe 180 gr - whose pins stick. It just HATES to open! They appear to be protruding too far. I tried whacking with a light (4 oz) ball-peen, but no joy. Cursory measurement show about .560 protrusion on one, .570 on the other, measured from back to front. Against my better judgement, I tried the vise, but again no joy. Torch, to expand? I need help!

[Pee Wee]

I had the same problem, I reamed out the female side so the pin went in and mold was flush and opened and closed as it should.

[Springfield]

Lube them. Also make sure the mould halves pivot free on the handles.

[Echo]

Lube them. Also make sure the mould halves pivot free on the handles.

I removed the blocks from the handles to work with them, so no problem there - they are tight in the holes! I hesitate to ream the holes - I really believe the pins are too exposed. But...

[OS OK]

A heavier hammer with a soft touch and re-miking after each blow so you hopefully don't go too far?

[BK7saum]

Also, I've had molds that stick when cold will open freely when heated to casting temp due to expansion of the mold material. What do they do when heated to casting temp?

[dudel]

File the high pin down so it the same height as the low pin?

Had a Lee 6 cavity with the same issue. Would stick hot or cold. When you tried to open it, one side would not release, and the halves formed a "V" shape. Tap the sticking side and all was fine.

[Mk42gunner]

A heavy hammer swung lightly will move more than a light one swung as hard as you can. Rest the mold on something solid when you do this, an anvil would be ideal.

Also run a straight edge along the mold faces next to the pins, I had one that had distorted the faces enough to hold the mold open a few thousandths if everything wasn't lined up just right when closing.

Robert

[Walter Laich]

FWIW
Had a Lee 6 that wouldn't open or close cleanly--sorta 'caught' when opening and closing.
Every time I would close the mold during a casting session I would give it a light tap with hammer to close it up
After about 25-30 casts it no longer needed the 'encouragement' Whatever was hanging up was gone or pushed back in shape

[Echo]

Thanks for all the advice - I have a 2-lb single-jack - it will get some exercise tomorrow...

[DerekP Houston]

Hrm thought I was the only one with this issue. My lee wadcutter really liked to stick closed when hot, but was fine when room temperature. I may have to try squaring it up with a heavy "ford adjustment tool" as well.

[John Boy]

I really believe the pins are too exposed. But... Padded vice - squeeze the cold mold

[MT Chambers]

The new Lees are meant to be that way.