Tool for
Lapping Bolt Lugs
Here is a very simple, inexpensive, and easy to make tool for
lapping the
locking lugs on a bolt action rifle. All you need is one old
case, small piece of piano wire, epoxy, small spring, and some small
washers.
The following procedure is what I used to made this lapping tool:

(lapping01.jpg)
- Resize and deprime an old cartridge case to fit the rifle.
- Stick the case into some softwood or wax. I used a small
piece of balsa wood.
- Remove the case from the balsa wood and make a small indention
in the center of the circle impression made by the case mouth.
The small indention will hold the small piece of piano wire.
- I use a 9-inch long piece of piano wire, which will fit through
the primer flash hole and the hole in the bolt face for the firing
pin. (Something between 0.050 and 0.075)
- I wrapped a small piece of scotch tape around the piano wire so
it matched the flash hole diameter.
- Sanded the end of the piano wire and inside of the case neck for
good adhesion.
- Mixed up some epoxy and pushed it into the case.
- Placed the case with epoxy inside back on to the small piece of
balsa wood and place the 9-inch piano wire through the flash hole and
into
the small indention in the balsa wood.
- Placed in warm spot, let the epoxy flow into the case neck and
harden.
- Remove the balsa wood.

(lapping02.jpg)
- Using pipe cutter cut the head off the case.
- Add some springs and washers for desired force. You are ready to
start lapping away. It does not require much force for lapping,
let the lapping compound do the work.
- I used 600 grit followed by 1200 grit compound.
Larry Medler
anyrange@comcast.net
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October 7, 2003