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June 12, 2026
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Is there really a difference between them and how to tell.
February 16, 2016
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There are small frame wrenches, large frame wrenches and compensated barrel wrenches.
There are two-piece metal OEM wrenches, acrylic (plastic) OEM wrenches, one-piece metal OEM wrenches and aftermarket wrenches like EWK.
They are all different, so not sure what your enquiry is pertaining to, so please elaborate.
June 12, 2026
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Pure curiosity. If I needed one, wanted to be sure I got the right one. Pretty sure it doesn't say the model on the wrench.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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The first barrel tool is the flat ,one piece,12 sided wrench made for the first Dan Wessons with the exterior 12 sided barrel nut. They have 3 Allen heads for sideplate, latch and grip tang. From 1970
The second is identical but it has a nut with tines for the slots in the barrel nut. Early(1971) ones still have the 12 sided tool but later ones had 5 sided wrench and nut. The models 8,9,11 and 12 with exterior nuts can be tightened with an appropriate size ratchet wrench . These one piece tool are poorly regarded by some who try to over tighten the barrel nut. Snug is enough . Circa 1971 to 1975.
Then came the plastic tool with the 3 Allen wrenches . They are to be avoided IMHO. Many are broken inside and won't unscrew the nut. Plastic ages and gets fragile and folks over tighten the nut and break the metal ring inside free of the plastic. Probably many break because someone Loctited the barrel nut😠. Circa 1975 to around 1979?
Then came my favorite. The two piece metal tool with 3 Allen wrenches . A small Allen wrench on the barrel insert for the latch and front sight, a large Allen wrench on the metal crossbar for the grip and a smaller one on the other end of the crossbar for the sideplate screws ( which also don't get overtightened ). Circa 1979 to 1995.
Lastly are the scarce and expensive doorknob tool from Norwich during Bob Serva's time . They are the easiest to use but have no Allen wrenches with it . It is a simple matter to get a set of Allen wrenches and feeler gauges from your nearest auto parts store. Circa 2001 to 2005. I think CZ used after market tools but I have no CZ guns so I am not sure.
Also ,there is a longer tool that fits inside the shroud of Palmer and Norwich Compensated Barrel Assemblies. The barrel nut is 11/2" inside the shroud where the barrel ends .
Maybe this description should be pinned somewhere where it can be easily found.
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Yes it should be pinned!!!!!
June 12, 2026
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Proof that there is no stupid question.
February 16, 2016
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That response by Ole Dog makes mine look lame.
June 12, 2026
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I HAD the doorknob. Boy, do I regret that one.
February 16, 2016
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The doorknob is my favorite.
June 12, 2026
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Remember the days when you could get a 10-inch barrel for $200 and a doorknob for $20.
July 6, 2022
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I have used most or all of them except the door knob, been looking for one forever. I absolutely hate the plastic ones. If you go to CZ Spare Parts they have sets of good tools which include shim for $43. https://shop.cz-usa.com/dw-products/revolver/spare-parts.html?price=40-50
February 16, 2016
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austinshovel said
I absolutely hate the plastic ones.
Yea, the plastic tools are only good for being original equipment, not for actual use.
June 12, 2026
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austinshovel said
I have used most or all of them except the door knob, been looking for one forever. I absolutely hate the plastic ones. If you go to CZ Spare Parts they have sets of good tools which include shim for $43. https://shop.cz-usa.com/dw-products/revolver/spare-parts.html?price=40-50
EWK has 357 barrel wrench for $29.95. Waiting for delivery. Will review after receipt.
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