Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

One of the projects I've had in the back of my mind was to make a flush rod that would ease the cleaning of a muzzle loader bore. I wanted a rod that would pump water our of the end, but still allow mounting a brush or cotton swab on the end of the rod. Well, I've succeeded in making one that works darn well.

Here's what I did.

I went to my local Ace Hardware and bought the following six items.



The items are as follows (left to right / top row first):

10 ft of 3/8” OD x 1/4” ID Vinyl Tubing @ $0.29 per foot - $2.90
5/16” OD x ½” Length Threaded Aluminum Spacer w/10-32 Thread - $0.65
1/4” HB x 1/4” MPT Hose Barb - $1.79
1/2” x 1/4” MPT Hose Barb - $2.99
3/4” x 1/2” Hose Adapter - $3.99
11/32” x .014 x 36” Brass Tube - $4.99
TOTAL: $17.31 plus tax

Here's a close up of the smaller parts.



The key part is the 10-32 threaded aluminum spacer. It's a slip fit into the brass tube.



I used a fine tooth hack saw to cut four channels into the side of the spacer - as deep as I could go without impacting the integrity of the threads. This is what it looked like after the cuts.



Then I mixed up a dab of two-part epoxy on a piece of aluminum foil.



And used the epoxy to glue the spacer into one end of the rod - leaving it stick out of the end about 1/16". After the epoxy was partially dry, I used a small wire to assure the four cut channels were clear and not filled up with epoxy.




I used a little more epoxy to secure the hose barb to the other end of the tube.



Then I attached the vinyl tubing.



This set-up allows water to flow out of the end of the rod with a brush or cotton mop attached.



This is what a low pressure water flow looks like with no brush or mop attached. It's a great way to flush the face of the breech. I either put a patch over the nipple and lower the hammer to block water flow, or remove the nipple and install my Zerk fitting flush tube to channel the water away from the lock and stock. (Zerk flush tube is here: http://www.huntingnet.com//forum/tm.aspx?m=3378512)



If you block the threaded hole with a short 10-32 round head bolt you get a flow like this (really flushed the grooves).



Put on a brush and you get this.



Put on a cotton mop and you get this.



This is what it looks like flushing the barrel of my New Englander with the cotton mop on the end.



So, what do you think. Is it worth $18 and an hour of your time?

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

I hope you patent it before this post.........that is creativity at its finest.........well done!!

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

That's pretty cool. I think the only change i would make to it would be to have the fitting changed from a water hose connector to one that fit my 2 gallon sprayer. then I could use it anywhere by pumping up my 2 gallon sprayer instead of having to connect to a water source. I might just try that.

Then again this is still April 1st

OK OK I believe you.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Aw, come on Chet. That would have been way too much work for a joke, even for me. :D:D

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Cool Semi. Great idea. And I think Chet has a good alteration too. With the sprayer you could fill it with warm soapy water and get the ultimate clean.
Well done. I would really send that out ot get patented before someone steals it.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

while it is a fine idea.. its not for me. I will just use the bucket.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

LOL. I said I believed you. as matter of fact i already got my sprayer out and am going to build me a unpatented version tomorrow.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Oh come on Dave. A little pressure can make all the difference in the world. You were married ,you should know that:D

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

I agree Bronko. In fact, I'm thinking about making another one with a sprayer to leave at the hunting lease.



Good idea. I justtried mine hooked toa hose mounted garden sprayer filled with soapy water. The water wasn't warm, but it worked just fine. :)

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

This is a photo of my 2 gallon model ,prior to the re-construction phase. I also have a 4 gallon back pack model . I was thinking that it could be used at Rondys for a mobile smokepole cleaning business. Just filler up and go around camp flushing out smokepoles. Ought to be worth a couple bucks each. OK OK a little extreme, must be the entrepreneurial spirit kicking in. But in all honesty I am making one out of my 2 gallon sprayer.:D

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

One thing I would have on that metal tube is a bore guide.I am sure it will work, I just have a few problems with it.

For one, I can't use something like that most of the year as we turn our outside garden hoses off in September and not back on until May. Now that could be used in the laundry room but by the time I unhook one appliance to hook that up, use it, unhook it, and re-hook the appliance, then I would have been done cleaning my rifle. That's too much monkeying around.

Like I said, for an occasional cleaner it might be a good idea actually. But just not for me.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

That's why you need my super duper portable version.:D:D available in 1 gal. or 2 gal. size. We have a special right now. Buy the 2 gal size and we throw in the one gallon size FREE. and if you order in the next 10 minute you get free shipping and handling. That's right. Both the 1 gal and 2 gal models plus free shipping and handling all at the low low price of a 2 gal model. Quantities are limited. CALL NOW:D:D Pick up that phone and order yours today. call 1-800 flush-it.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Bang On Chetmarks!!! You could charge 500 grains of GOEX or a dozen round balls. :D

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

I must have to much time on my hands today HUH?

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Depending on how strict they are with period stuff they might not let that thing onto the grounds at a rondy. Too modern.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

That's for sure. they don't even let ME on the grounds at most Rondys because I don't have the right clothes. But we could make it look period correct. We could design it to look like a cow bladder or leather water container. Install a battery operated pump inside for pressure and the nozzle and rod could look like a wood ramrod. It can be done ,just like sneaking candy into the theater:D

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Hey Chet, I just got in from mowing my lawn. While I was walking back and forth behind the grass muncher I got to thinking about yourRoundavous enterprise. Here's my suggestion. Use the name "Weasel" and slap a little mud on your clothes. Then people who are looking for you could say "has anyone seen that dirty boreflushing Weasel?"

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Grass?? what is that. All I got here is 5 foot snow drifts and another blizzard heading this way. But your idea sounds good. I've been called worse. I kinda like the name Weasel. maybe I will have to change my name on the board here. How do you do that?

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

He's mowing grass and its snowing here. Figures..

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

This guy would approve. :D

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

A act of Congress. Call Nancy Pelosi.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Although it took me nearly all day to download this post with my dial-up.Good idea.

RE: Try a Semisane Flush Rod
 

Half nutz?


;)