old RCBS press question

[justme]

I bought an old press at a garage sale and gifted it to a pal. It's an older rcbs press with the handle in line with the ram. I believe it to be a Jr model, but it has no model I.D. on it. It was rough but cleaned up well. The linkage is such that the handle will not stay upright towards the top of the press. Was there originally a counterweight on the linkage that kept the handle raised? Any one remember?Pictures possible with a trip across the county.

 

[STP]

No counterweight for that one. Have your friend cut a coathanger and bend it to wrap around the handle and hook the other end in the die hole, or around the die.

 

[justme]

THANKS stp. He's got it rigged with something similar attached to the right side bolt head now. Hoped there was a part missing.

 

[jonbearman]

You can also screw it in the optional threaded hole so at rest it will be straight down and out of the way. I have one of these myself.

 

[Shootinstick]

I use to tie mine up with a velcro cable strap. Now I just screw the handle out and toss it in the drawer next to the press when not in use.

 

[Tozguy]

Is there a spring washer on the pin between the handle knuckle and body?

 

[Tozguy]

Mounting the press so it is tilted backwards can also help keep the handle up straight without wires or velcro. Tilting the press backwards can have other advantages as well.