Die Lock Ring Wrench

[Sniffer]

What are you folks using for a die lock ring wrench?

I have several brands of dies and it seems each have a slightly different lock ring size (going to confirm today).

I was installing some new Lyman dies with what seemed like 1" lock rings yesterday which got me thinking that the tools I currently use are clunky and clumsy (wrenches so big that when I get them on there is almost no room left to actually move them before hitting an obstruction / other die / part of the press).

Thinking some thin open ended wrenches might be the best fit for this issue - what are others using?

 

[jamesharrison]

Re: open ended wrenches

That's what I use.

 

[calgarycowboy]

One size fits all

 

[Sniffer]

One size fits all

I already have a couple but the jaws are way too bulky (more bulky than what I currently use and hope to improve upon).

 

[JohnnyPython]

I 3d printed a wrench to tighten my Lee dies. They work well in tight spaces.

Otherwise, a regular wrench would work. Unless the lock ring is knurled.

 

[OkayShooter]

I already have a couple but the jaws are way too bulky (more bulky than what I currently use and hope to improve upon).

Modify the smallest one you can. I took a grinder to it so the wrench fits between my dies on my 4 die turret plates.

 

[Sniffer]

Modify the smallest one you can. I took a grinder to it so the wrench fits between my dies on my 4 die turret plates.

This is the path I am going to try.

I have purchased a stubby 1" wrench and plan to "trim" the open end wrench up as much as possible. I might also cut a part out of the ring end so it can slide over skinny dies and as a 12 point it should be more nimble.

 

[Sniffer]

Update.

So I did pick up a 1" stubby wrench and trimmed the open end jaws to make it more nimble.

I also cut the ring end so it *just* fits over the body of the die and onto the lock ring.

Seems to work well. Way better than the big clunky wrench's I was using.

 

[Meroh]

This will work, the little 6" has very fine, thin jaws and opens beyond 1 1/2 inch. I have both a 6 and an 8" in my tool bag at work, and use them every day; exceptionally strong for their size. It is all that you will ever need. https://www.amazon.ca/Proferred-T08...50458-B016OK8OE8-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1&th=1

 

[1oldfart]

One size fits all

Saskatchewan all sixteenths

 

[1oldfart]

I use the wrrench that came with my Dillon 650 press

 

[Lefty Dick]

I dunno why you need to wrench on die lock rings? But if I somehow manage to screw up and bind the machined lock ring face to the machined press face, I’ll use a good old Thumb wrench, or even a set of water pump pliers.

 

[OkayShooter]

I dunno why you need to wrench on die lock rings? But if I somehow manage to screw up and bind the machined lock ring face to the machined press face, I’ll use a good old Thumb wrench, or even a set of water pump pliers.

Ive had have dies back off a little, just finger tightening the jam nut.

 

[Sniffer]

I dunno why you need to wrench on die lock rings? But if I somehow manage to screw up and bind the machined lock ring face to the machined press face, I’ll use a good old Thumb wrench, or even a set of water pump pliers.

Not looking to go crazy, just don't want anything to move on my progressive presses (a little movement over a few thousand rounds could have unwanted results).

 

[Lefty Dick]

Not looking to go crazy, just don't want anything to move on my progressive presses (a little movement over a few thousand rounds could have unwanted results).

You could put some thread tape of a stretched rubber band in place of heavy duty tooling….. come to think of it there’s a die manufacturer who has the perfect lock rings with an o-rin built in…….

It ain’t Astro physics to address this……..

 

[Sniffer]

You could put some thread tape of a stretched rubber band in place of heavy duty tooling….. come to think of it there’s a die manufacturer who has the perfect lock rings with an o-rin built in…….

It ain’t Astro physics to address this……..

Or, I could simply snug up the lock ring with a wrench that fits (that was the underlying issue here - the wrench was too bulky to work effectively and easily - not sure why you seem to be against tightening but each to their own).

I actually have lock rings with the O ring and lock rings with a tightening screw to hold them in place (necessary for my Co-Ax) but I still prefer to snug up.

Like you say, it ain't rocket science......

 

[Sniffer]

Ive had have dies back off a little, just finger tightening the jam nut.

Same.

One of my guns is very fussy about OAL so having a die back off just a little has caused me some heartache.

 

[boxhitch]

This will work, the little 6" has very fine, thin jaws and opens beyond 1 1/2 inch. I have both a 6 and an 8" in my tool bag at work, and use them every day; exceptionally strong for their size. It is all that you will ever need. https://www.amazon.ca/Proferred-T08...50458-B016OK8OE8-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1&th=1

Princess Auto has the same stubby adjustable

 

[I Dont Care About You]

I 3d printed a wrench to tighten my Lee dies. They work well in tight spaces.

Otherwise, a regular wrench would work. Unless the lock ring is knurled.

View attachment 1057581

LOL, I made that exact one.

There is a version with a handle that allows more torque.

 

[Meroh]

Princess Auto has the same stubby adjustable

Yes, I think that is where I got my 6" one, the larger one, I bought at Ideal Supply many years ago; I think the branding was "Black Rhino", but exactly the same wrench.