wire breaking in barrel

[NJP3]

Hi,

I am not the greatest armorer out there so bear with me.
Twice now I have had problems with my epee wires breaking in my barrel when I tighten it a few days after wiring. I think its cause I cause so much tension when I initially put the barrel on w/o wire glued in, then when its dry an needs tightening I snap it. I bought a point setter, because I figured that was what it was for(I hadnt been using one before). But I dont exactly get how it works If someone could inform me on what I am suposed to do with a point setter and how I can prevent my wire from twisting off in my barrel I would greatly appreciate it

Thanks
NJ

[DangerMouse]

I think the problem is due to your need to tighten the barrel a few days after you wire the blade. When you first put the barrel on, put a drop of Loctite (or similar) on the threads first. Then tighten the barrel with two wrenches (one just below the barrel on the blade and one on the barrel). Tighten it until you feel it stop (without cranking it down). Give it another 1/4 turn and it should be good to go. I usually never have to tighten my barrels after this.

Good luck
-DM

[Artisan]

When you turn the barrel to tighten it, the wires cross, then twist, then break. You might get away with 1/2 turn but not much more once the wire is glued down.

[NJP3]

Thanks for the help, I will try to get my barrel really tight this time, but what exactly is this point setter used for then?

[Mergs]

Setting the point, silly!

no, really, it is for making sure that the tip of the wire (the plastic end) is fully seated into the bottom of the barrel once the barrel is tightened down (as per previous discussions). Best technique is to clamp the blade so that it is up and down and with a slight pressure pull on the wires while pressing down with the tip setter until the tip bottoms out in the barrel. Sometimes I take a small hammer and tap the mandrel/point setter to make sure its set.