loose sprue plate

[soldierbilly1]

What do you all do for the sprue plate that continually loosens up?
I am losing a lot of time continually tightening the damn thing!
graphite? beeswax? any of this help?
Other than this, my Lyman 38 spec. wadcutter mold is great.
thanks in advance

billy boy

[Rockchucker]

I have this same problem with one of my Lyman molds, I think this was mentioned in another thread somewhere but don't know where it's at. Maybe someone else will chime in with the info.

[44man]

Adjust it where you want it and tighten the setscrew to hold the bolt tight.
I see where the setscrew touches the bolt and file a flat to the base of the threads. You can also stick a small brass or copper slug in the setscrew hole so it tightens against the bolt to prevent thread damage.

[Matt_G]

I see where the setscrew touches the bolt and file a flat to the base of the threads.

+1.
I've never had one loosen up after doing this.

[cajun shooter]

If for some reason you don't have a set screw then the next step would be a machine shop.

[beagle]

First, insure that you have the proper hardware "stackup" under the screw. I like to use a bellvue washer, concave side down topped by a split lock washer.

This eliminates any lateral movement on the washer/plate junction and applies continous pressure on the bellvue washer/sprue plate.

Next, take the mould to a hardware store and get a cap socket head setscrew (allen head) of sufficient length and teh correct thread. I get mine from Ace Hardware.

Clip a small piece of brass and put in the hole and tighten it down. A ball off one of the ball type key chains works well for this.

Lastly, when casting, lubricate the hardware/screw when the mould is hot using a touch of beeswax. Do this sparingly so that it don't get into the cavity.

This should do it./beagle

[soldierbilly1]

super advice all! thanks!! billy boy