Rehab for an old RCBS Press...

I just inherited a very rusty old rcbs press that I am looking to put into service. My plan is hit it with some penetrating oil and a wire brush, then work my way up to 000 and 0000 steel wool on the loading "rod" to smooth it out.

I've still got to figure out a way to remove the .357 dies that are rusted in place though. Penetrating oil and a wrench is my only thought.

Any ideas guys?

I'll try to get a pic up tonight.

You could try some heat, but I don't know if that would create more of a problem than help. I have used just a standard soldering torch to loosen up some bolts before. There are also some products on the market now that will eat the rust and leave the what's beneath it alone.

I would hit the threads of the die with some Kroil, top and bottom.

Photos are up. Sorry they aren't higher quality. I'll try tomorrow when the light is better

I have a RCBS JR2 press that was worse shape than yours and it came out fine. Use Kroil penetrating oil and let it work in for a couple days. Bolt it to the workbench and use a wrench. The lock ring will probably come off, leaving the die. You may need a pipe wrench to remove the die. Even if you use some heat, the body of the press is steel and you need to repaint anyways.

I agree with using Kroil. Let it sit wet with Kroil for a few days and give the parts a rap with a small hammer now and then. Often the impact of a few light hammer hits seems to help loosen the parts before you go to it with a pipe wrench or channel lock.

I wouldn't get too crazy cleaning the ram. a little steel wool is probably OK, but I wouldn't use emery cloth or you might wind up removing metal and making it sloppy. Some oil and a little use will more than likely loosen up the press to usable condition.

I agree with the Kroil and let sit. You might get the big bushing to come out for replacement and the date of manuf. is stamped under the flange.

You will need that if you order replacement linkage which I would not be surprised is still under warranty.

Tom

Take out that big nut the die is screwed into, it's made to be removable. You could then put it in a vice or something and use a cheater bar on trying to get the 357 die out, if you can't get it out get a new big nut from RCBS (part # 09138 Bushing 1 1/4-12 to 7/8-14).

In fact, Hornady makes an insert that replaces that nut so you can use their lock and load dies

Here's a video I found of doing the actual swap

I bet your RCBS trimmer can be cleaned up as well. You will like it if you spend the time to clean it up and put it into service again...

Hope you share pics when you get your stuff running again!

This is correct answer.

Bet the trimmer will clean up fine.

Copyright © 1996 - 2013 :: AR15.Com LLC :: All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.