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Action wrench question

Is there any reason that a large crescent wrench cannot be used as an action wrench for actions with integral square recoil lugs like a Winchester model 70 ?

The commercial wrenches have a part that bolts over the top of the action, but other than keeping the wrench from slipping off after the action comes loose from the barrel, I see no advantage.

Thank you
 
Is there any reason that a large crescent wrench cannot be used as an action wrench for actions with integral square recoil lugs like a Winchester model 70 ?

The commercial wrenches have a part that bolts over the top of the action, but other than keeping the wrench from slipping off after the action comes loose from the barrel, I see no advantage.

Thank you
It might work if the barrel isn't very tight.

There is a lot of difference between a wrench that fits firmly all the way around and one that slides onto the side. If you want to demonstrate that difference to yourself, put a bolt in your vise and compare twisting it with a Crescent or open end wrench vs a socket.
 
Found out that a Wheeler Action Wrench that wraps around the action is not the best way to go. (Savage) Broke the barrel nut loose and tried turning the barrel. The barrel would barley move. Squeaked like a stuck pig. Loosened the action wrench and the barrel spun out with no issues. The action wrench had distorted the action enough to bind the barrel. Never used it again.
I've re barreled a BUNCH of Savage rifles and had no issues not using the Wheeler.
(it's under the bench collecting dust) Cost too much in shipping to sell.
I have learned how to swap barrels without the wrench and NEVER had issues braking a nut loose or nut coming loose after an install. ;)
IMHO, the best style wrench are the ones that fit "inside the action" (rear entry) from the back.
 
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Is there any reason that a large crescent wrench cannot be used as an action wrench for actions with integral square recoil lugs like a Winchester model 70 ?

The commercial wrenches have a part that bolts over the top of the action, but other than keeping the wrench from slipping off after the action comes loose from the barrel, I see no advantage.

Thank you
atlatl,
I will tell you a little story about how I ruined a friend of mines savage action trying to do the same thing. We made sure we had the tightest fit we could humanly get, had the barrel in the vise all good! We started out slow and easy, then found the barrel was really on there. We put a pipe on the wrench to get some leverage. Something gave, but it was not the action to barrel junction. We had twisted the action to the point it was unusable!!!! I felt so bad, that I bought him another rifle to replace the action, because he came to me for help.
Please Sir, action wrenches and barrel vises are not that expensive. Spend the money and make sure that my mistake does not happen to you!
I now own just about every action wrench you can think of because of that one incident!
Rob
 
I have found that if you over tighten the action wrench on to the action you will compress the threads on to the barrel making it even more difficult to remove. The wrenches I use have a notch cut out for the recoil lug and the lug and action both break free from the barrel, Getting heavy handed on tightening an action wrench is just not a good plan.....
MOPO.
 
Atlatl
I built a switch barrel rifle for my son last year. It is on a Champlin flat sided action. I used a 15" crescent wrench with a shop towel between the wrench and action. These barrels were only as tight as I put them on. If you are taking a factory barrel off I am not sure you want to use a crescent wrench for that.
 
Crescent wrench are great for nuts and bolts ....the jaws on the wrench are not parallel or square to each other, there for you will not get a good "bite" on what your trying to tighten up/loosen up.

Crescent wrenches are great for punch presses, not so great for delicate work
 

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