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April 24, 2018
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Hey everybody.
Question for you. I have a plastic barrel tool from Ole Dog. And a steel one that came in a Dan Wesson box I bought.
Which is "original? Maybe both? The box is from around 1979 that had the steel one in it. Are they maybe both original Dan Wessons from different time periods? Which is the best type to keep around if you had to choose?
Thanks
DWF Supporters
April 14, 2018
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The steel one could very well be the EWK barrel tool. The plastic multi-tool is what originally came with the revolvers. The EWK is a fine tool and is the one that I use all the time. The original tool certainly is not the tool you want to use if the barrel nut is difficult to remove for whatever reason. The EWK tool is available all the time from EWK for $25 plus shipping though there is one on an auction site that just went past $50 (go figure). The original multi-tools seem to be going for over $100 on Ebay. I would put that one away somewhere and buy the wrench and allen wrench kits from EWK.
April 24, 2018
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Thanks John. They are both Multi tools. One on the left that came in the DW Box has the envelope, and gauge too. It is the steel one. Neither is the EWK type I do not think.
One on the right is of course the Plastic type. Should have uploaded a pic to begin with.
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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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The steel tool is an original factory tool, they were used prior to the plastic ones. The steel tool won't break like the plastic will. I prefer to use the EWK tool as the pilot that goes in the bore is aluminum and won't damage the bore. I'd guess the steel tool would be more correct for a 1979 era pac.
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April 24, 2018
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Thanks. I did think the steel one that came with the envelope and gauge in the box was likely original vintage. Paper work in the box was dated 1979.
Wander if a guy could wrap the steel end with some thin scotch tape to keep from scratching the bore? Have to try it.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I think you guys have it backwards. The first tool was the flat 12 sided wrench. It fit the 12 sided exterior nut. Then the 5 sided insert was introduced in 1971-1972. The flat tool became 5 sided after a bit. Early 15-2s were still being sold with the flat wrench until probably 76 or 77. After that came the red plastic tool and then other colors. Plastic was still being used when the large frame guns and supermags were introduced. I am not sure when the steel multitool was introduced but it was probably after 1982. The plastic tools are fragile and with age even more so. A necessity if you are trying for all original. Since they often broke, especially if the barrel nut was over tightened, I think many folks bought replacement steel tools,hence they are found with all age guns. Lastily, Norwich used the doornob tool. EWK tools are well made but I love the convience of the steel multitool. The flat style wrench is underappreciated in my opinion. However, care had to be taken to not let it slip and the small Allen wrenches would break off. The plastic tools also would lose the wrenches.
As far as scratching the bore with the steel tool, I think that is not a problem. The aluminum of the EWK barrel tool would be far harder once it oxidizes.
If I am wrong about the sequence of the introduction of the steel multitool tools it would surprise me.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Ole Dog said
I think you guys have it backwards. The first tool was the flat 12 sided wrench. It fit the 12 sided exterior nut. Then the 5 sided insert was introduced in 1971-1972. The flat tool became 5 sided after a bit. Early 15-2s were still being sold with the flat wrench until probably 76 or 77. After that came the red plastic tool and then other colors. Plastic was still being used when the large frame guns and supermags were introduced. I am not sure when the steel multitool was introduced but it was probably after 1982. The plastic tools are fragile and with age even more so. A necessity if you are trying for all original. Since they often broke, especially if the barrel nut was over tightened, I think many folks bought replacement steel tools,hence they are found with all age guns. Lastily, Norwich used the doornob tool. EWK tools are well made but I love the convience of the steel multitool. The flat style wrench is underappreciated in my opinion. However, care had to be taken to not let it slip and the small Allen wrenches would break off. The plastic tools also would lose the wrenches.As far as scratching the bore with the steel tool, I think that is not a problem. The aluminum of the EWK barrel tool would be far harder once it oxidizes.
If I am wrong about the sequence of the introduction of the steel multitool tools it would surprise me.
AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!
This all strikes me as being pretty accurate
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