Forster case neck trimmer

nnn66

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 6, 2006
194
2
Texas
I have a Forster case neck trimmer and my crank handle keeps coming unscrewed as I turn it. What the heck am I doing to cause this? I keep screwing it back in and then it unscrews itself as I turn the next case. It just started happening yesterday. I've used it numerous times in the past without this problem, so I can't figure out what has changed to cause this to happen. Any ideas?
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

I've only had this happen when there was too much resistance, i.e. I sized the case mouth too small for the pilot to turn in there or something. It's happened on occasion. Try some Loctite, or screw the handle on harder?
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

Mine did that same thing too when I first got it was that ever frustrating, then i somehow fixed it. Cant exactly remember what I did though .... Ill try to remember sorry Ill re post when i figure it out .
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

I posted this last week and still haven't got it resolved, so I thought I'd bring the topic BBT. I have tried screwing the handle down tighter, but it seems to do no good. It just unscrews itself as fast as you can turn it!

I used it for a while with no trouble whatsoever, but once this happened the first time, it has continued to do it every time I trim a case. Its quite frustrating, but I know there must be some simple solution that I'm not thinking of. The fact that another poster to this thread had a similar experience, but then fixed it somehow, makes me wonder what it is that I need to do differently.

Anybody else experienced this and have a solution for me?
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

I'm a few hours away from mine to look at it. But by any chance are you trimming your brass cranking it counter clock wise, I know it sounds like a dumb question but I know I trim turning it clockwise and if I remember right that is how the crank is attached thus keeping it tight.

oneshot.onehit
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

No, I'm definitely turning it clockwise. I'm right-handed and turn it with my right hand, with the stroke away from me going over the top. I used it in exactly this same manner, numerous times, with no problem, before this started happening. I can screw it back on tight and then watch as it just unscrews itself as soon as I start cranking the handle.
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

Is it coming unscrewed at the main shaft, or is it the plastisol covered aluminum handle that is coming loose? If the latter, then I believe it has a bossed bolt that tightens the two together but the boss allows it to seat but let's the crank handle turn freely. I don't have mine nearby, but I think you have to remove the vinyl plastisol cover and there is an allen head screw underneath.
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

It is the plastisol handle coming off. I'm going to pull the vinyl cover off when I get home tonight and have a look at it. Thanks!
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

I am in the same boat with previous poster. I had that problem-chronic, for years! I don't remember what I did, maybe loctite but I think it is genetic, they, (Forster) will all do it. Keep the shaft well lubricated. BB
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

I think I have remedied the problem. As Gene Poole suggested, I took the vinyl cover off of the handle and tightened the screw...it was definitely loose. After tightening it, I trimmed some cases and it worked perfectly. Thanks for the help!
 
Re: Forster case neck trimmer

They have a plastic cover now? WHY WASN'T I TOLD! (just kidding)

Mine is quite old, (at least 25 years) and it has a knurled aluminum knob. BB