Moomba, this is the part where you would want to use set of measurement calipers to check the mags for dimensions. In particular where they bind during the drop attempt. You'd then compare the readings from the jammers with the free droppers to try to spot the issue.
Your friend suggested the exact solution I would use. But rather than wood blocks I suggest some sheet aluminium "soft jaws". The aluminium won't marr the mags but they will transfer the force to just the spot you want. Wood, on the other hand, will crush a bit and spread the force out to where it's not wanted. Sort of like pushing with a pillow rather than a stick. And you will also want the calipers for checking the "crush" progress. You're looking at deforming the magazine by only a few thou. You won't see that much of a change unless you've got bionic eyes. So if you find a fat spot on the sticky mags it'll be a case of squeeze a little and measure. If there's no change use a few ounces more on the vise handle and then measure again. The force you want to use is going to be measured in ounces on the handle to get the amount of change you want. This isn't about clamping that puppy to show it who's the boss
Done with care this forming operation will have all the accuracy of a surgeon. Done without thinking about what you're trying to accomplish and it'll have all the subtlety of a runaway 18 wheeler.
Along with checking thicknesses and widths also check for any sort of curvature that makes the sticky mags sort of bananna shaped. Keep in mind that we're likely looking for an error or difference that is about the thickness of a piece of printer paper. That's all it takes to be a sticker instead of a free dropper.
Your friend suggested the exact solution I would use. But rather than wood blocks I suggest some sheet aluminium "soft jaws". The aluminium won't marr the mags but they will transfer the force to just the spot you want. Wood, on the other hand, will crush a bit and spread the force out to where it's not wanted. Sort of like pushing with a pillow rather than a stick. And you will also want the calipers for checking the "crush" progress. You're looking at deforming the magazine by only a few thou. You won't see that much of a change unless you've got bionic eyes. So if you find a fat spot on the sticky mags it'll be a case of squeeze a little and measure. If there's no change use a few ounces more on the vise handle and then measure again. The force you want to use is going to be measured in ounces on the handle to get the amount of change you want. This isn't about clamping that puppy to show it who's the boss
Done with care this forming operation will have all the accuracy of a surgeon. Done without thinking about what you're trying to accomplish and it'll have all the subtlety of a runaway 18 wheeler.Along with checking thicknesses and widths also check for any sort of curvature that makes the sticky mags sort of bananna shaped. Keep in mind that we're likely looking for an error or difference that is about the thickness of a piece of printer paper. That's all it takes to be a sticker instead of a free dropper.
Last edited:
