Cleaning rod handle that rotates

[Chill Wills]

I am looking for plans or methods of attaching a cleaning rod handle that can rotate.
I have a length of SS and metal lathe. Looking to make a long, bomb proof, one piece rod and have the handle spin free to follow the rifling.
I am looking for ideas on the "insides" of the free rotating handle.

Thanks in advance, Chill

[Pipefitter]

A couple ball bearings with snap rings on the front and back should work. 608-2rs bearings, the shaft just a bit longer than the handle, drilled and tapped to fit the cleaning rod. I can draw it out on paper for you if you like.

[NSB]

Buy a Tipton, they’re made that way. Good product.

[MUSTANG]

Buy a military M-16, M-14, or 50 Caliber cleaning rod handle. Thread your rod to mate with the correct handle for your single-piece Steel Rod. All three of these military handles are designed to allow the rod to turn when pushing or pulling the Cleaning rod.

[country gent]

Dewey rods use a thrust bearing front and back and a nylon bushing in the middle.

I would use this set up and a self locking nut counter bored on the back side. Tighten to set end play

[hoodat]

I can give my Dewey handle a spin, and it spins for 15-20 seconds. It doesn't take much to keep me occupied, and sometimes I just sit and enjoy it for awhile. I would recommend whatever system they use. jd

[Chill Wills]

Dewey rods use a thrust bearing front and back and a nylon bushing in the middle.

I would use this set up and a self locking nut counter bored on the back side. Tighten to set end play

It all sounds good. I am needing a visual or drawing to understand. For this project, I guess I am a visual learner. I can hack out a few prototypes but I hope not to make this more than once.

Even the simple Hoppe's and other cheap little rods have swivel handles. I do not want to destroy one to see how they have done it.

Thanks all. Keep it coming!!!

[country gent]

Look to Mcmaster Carr for the thrust bearings and locking nut. Ill draw it up shortly. Its not a hard set up and no tricky machining.

[country gent]

Here iss a crude assembly drawing no dimensions since I dont know what your working with material wise

[Chill Wills]

Here iss a crude assembly drawing no dimensions since I dont know what your working with material wise

NICE!!!!

This is very helpful! Thanks for putting the time in to draw this up! I get it now.

One question, ...two really: What does it say lettered in the upper right, and I assume the shaft on the upper right with the half round drawn on it is one piece continuing with the cleaning rod shaft?

The pictured is turned a little and I am having trouble with the far side.

Thank you for the help! Chill

[Chill Wills]

By the way, I will be making two rods. One with 1/4" SS and the other using 5/16" SS

[country gent]

Its says this end is drilled to accept rod.Drilled to a close fit the rod is locktited into this part. It allows for the correct size nut to be used

[country gent]

Ive been using file handles for tools for years when I can. a little sanding and oil finish they are cheap and look very good. As above look to Mcmaster Carr for parts.

[Chill Wills]

The idea is to use the brass and walnut I have on hand for the handle. I intend to make all the parts, great and small. One rod will be a gift for a friend. In this case, making it all is kinda the point. I will however consider buying the bearings. I really appreciate your help. This basic design gives me a lot to go on.
Be safe, Michael Rix

[wilecoyote]

NICE!!!!
This is very helpful! Thanks for putting the time in to draw this up! I get it now.
One question, ...two really: What does it say lettered in the upper right, and I assume the shaft on the upper right with the half round drawn on it is one piece continuing with the cleaning rod shaft? The pictured is turned a little and I am having trouble with the far side. Chill

...straightened

[country gent]

When Im having a hard time "seeing" project I set the parts out on the bench like an assembly drawing sometimes it helps.

[Chill Wills]

When Im having a hard time "seeing" project I set the parts out on the bench like an assembly drawing sometimes it helps.

Indeed!
I also start drawing fast on graph paper. Quick and dirty.

I don't have time to cut metal this month but I did take time to sketch out some rough measurements today. Thanks!

[Dutchman]

I can give my Dewey handle a spin, and it spins for 15-20 seconds. It doesn't take much to keep me occupied, and sometimes I just sit and enjoy it for awhile.

This sounds like a Youtube video in the making.

Dutch

[Chill Wills]

It turns out that thrust bearings are super expensive. I am going to do (try) a work around.

[country gent]

Chill Heres what I found in thrust bearings
Mc Master Carr

1/2" id 15/16 od .249 thk

Part number 6655K17 3.82 ea

For the 2 rods you will need 4

Again not knowing size I picked this size at random as a mid point to what you might need