Heavy Duty Barrel Wrench Instructions
General
The Heavy Duty Barrel Wrench is designed to be the best barrel gripping wrench
possible. It accomplishes that by wrapping and deforming itself around the
barrel with virtually full surface contact. But in order to do that, it cannot
be made to pass a compensator or ring-style front sight fitted to the barrel.
However, in most cases, this is not a problem because Thompson barrels fitted
with sights are almost never interchangeable from one receiver to another.
Sights and compensators are fitted after the barrel is fitted. This wrench is
precision made to fit Thompson specification barrels only. Many aftermarket
barrels are made undersize. Unless undersized barrels are wrapped with paper
cardstock to increase their diameter, this wrench can be damaged by over
stressing it. A 3/4" iron pipe x 2' long (minimum) handle (not provided) is
recommended.
Setup
The Wrench is fitted with a large clamping Bolt and a spreader Setscrew. The
purpose of the Screw is to force the Wrench open in order to be able to fit the
Wrench over a barrel or to remove it. The Screw must be retracted before the
Bolt can be tightened and the Bolt must be loosened before the Screw can be used
to open the Wrench. The Wrench should always be positioned as close to the
receiver as possible.
Barrel Removal
Note that there is an arrow engraved in the side of the Wrench. Always turn the
Wrench in the direction of the arrow. It is advisable to always push the Wrench
handle downward to attain the greatest force. The grip mount will have to be
forced away from the barrel to allow the Wrench to pass by it. Use either the
Richardson Grip Mount Retainer in conjunction with the Receiver Vise or the Grip
Mount Lever for that purpose. The Wrench should be positioned clockwise (looking
from the barrel muzzle) against the grip mount because the grip mount will not
turn with the barrel. The Wrench must be tightened enough to prevent slippage on
the barrel. Place a folded business card between the grip mount barrel
projection and barrel to avoid scratchintg the barrel while turning. Watch
carefully for any sign of slippage and further tighten if necessary. Barrels can
be damaged by Wrench slippage but there is little danger to the barrel from
extreme tightening. Once the wrench reaches the other side of the grip mount as
the barrel is turned, the Wrench should be removed from the barrel. Final barrel
removal should be done by hand or with a strap wrench.
Barrel Installation
The procedure for barrel installation is the same as for removal except that the
receiver should be turned around so that the Wrench is being turned in the
direction of the arrow and the Wrench should be positioned counterclockwise
against the grip mount to start. Always install a barrel by hand and only use
the Wrench for final tightening.
Douglas W. Richardson
2100 McReynolds Road, Malibu CA 90265
Telephone: 310-457-6400
E-Mail: ThompsonSMG@mail.com