Lee Trimmer adjustment

Krieger9 · November 5, 2009, 04:32 PM

Can't find the post from yesterday but it was mentioned about adjusting the length on the trimmer.

I'd discounted this idea because mine turns fairly loosely / easily and with the tight fit I don't think it would stay in position.

Am I missing something to secure it in the position once I find it, or are people using something like a lock-tite, or am I just over estimating the friction?

Odd.

Also I unscrewed mine for the first time in awhile and found some shavings up there. Is that usual?

Voluntary release of ignorance.

res45 · November 5, 2009, 05:59 PM

Use a small screwdriver and gently spread the threaded end of the case length gage it should fit tighter now. If necessary you can use a pair of pliers with the jaws taped up to help screw it on tight once you get it started.

farmall · November 6, 2009, 01:18 PM

I always find the Lee trimmers to cut to a length about halfway between min and max. I run the stud in tightly, then, by trial and error, grind the tip to trim to the min length. Never saw the point in trimming to anyother dimension, unless you enjoy trimming.:barf:

Andy

snuffy · November 6, 2009, 02:48 PM

The lee trimmers pretty much are set at whatever length they're made at. Usually that's to the minimum trim-to-length for whatever cartridge it's made for. You CAN make them cut shorter by grinding down the pilot tip. Once shortened, you're stuck with it. The only reason to do that is to trim shorter than minimum trim length.

Why on earth would you WANT to make it trim longer than max length?

farmall · November 6, 2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Why on earth would you WANT to make it trim longer than max length?

Only reason I can think of is to use the trimmer stud on some non-standard cases.

Do you guys use the Zip-Trim spindle, or the little spud with the threaded on shell holders" I'm partial to the Zip Trim spindle, used in a cordless drill.

Andy

Krieger9 · November 6, 2009, 03:26 PM

This was in reference to an earlier posting where someone was talking about their trimmer being short and the advice by the masses on that post was to adjust it to the exact measurement.

You guys are talking more what my understanding was.

Funny how the little things...

Thanks gentlemen.

Krieger9 · November 6, 2009, 03:28 PM

I use the case holder with the trill fix attachment and the wooden ball trimmer.

I'm curious what the upgrade of a zip trim would be? I would love to make trimming smoother, but not sure what I'd be buying. Is it more than a drill replacement?

farmall · November 6, 2009, 03:42 PM

It's a little 3 jawed chuck, used on the zip trim tool. 1 size fits all (well, pretty much all) case heads. You have tbuy a seperate spindle to use it in a drill. Total cost for chuck and spindle @ $15. I really like it! I, too use the ball ended cutter.....minimizes sore hands.

Andy

stacks04 · November 9, 2009, 03:47 PM

that was my post, and with my length gauge screwed all the way in it was cutting it shorter than the min length. i have since fixed it by adjusting how far it was turned in. it was only a matter of 1/2 turn or so. not major adjustments. maybe i just tightened it to much.

November 5, 2009, 04:32 PM	#1
Krieger9 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2009 Location: Howell Michigan Posts: 130	Lee Trimmer adjustment Can't find the post from yesterday but it was mentioned about adjusting the length on the trimmer. I'd discounted this idea because mine turns fairly loosely / easily and with the tight fit I don't think it would stay in position. Am I missing something to secure it in the position once I find it, or are people using something like a lock-tite, or am I just over estimating the friction? Odd. Also I unscrewed mine for the first time in awhile and found some shavings up there. Is that usual? Voluntary release of ignorance.

November 5, 2009, 05:59 PM	#2
res45 Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 753	Use a small screwdriver and gently spread the threaded end of the case length gage it should fit tighter now. If necessary you can use a pair of pliers with the jaws taped up to help screw it on tight once you get it started. __________________ The Reloaders Network discord Channel https://discord.gg/Nafuzht

November 6, 2009, 02:48 PM	#4
snuffy Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2001 Location: Oshkosh wi. Posts: 3,055	The lee trimmers pretty much are set at whatever length they're made at. Usually that's to the minimum trim-to-length for whatever cartridge it's made for. You CAN make them cut shorter by grinding down the pilot tip. Once shortened, you're stuck with it. The only reason to do that is to trim shorter than minimum trim length. Why on earth would you WANT to make it trim longer than max length? __________________ The more people I meet, the more I love my dog They're going to get their butts kicked over there this election. How come people can't spell and use words correctly?

November 6, 2009, 03:26 PM	#6
Krieger9 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2009 Location: Howell Michigan Posts: 130	Reference This was in reference to an earlier posting where someone was talking about their trimmer being short and the advice by the masses on that post was to adjust it to the exact measurement. You guys are talking more what my understanding was. Funny how the little things... Thanks gentlemen.

November 6, 2009, 03:28 PM	#7
Krieger9 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2009 Location: Howell Michigan Posts: 130	P.S. I use the case holder with the trill fix attachment and the wooden ball trimmer. I'm curious what the upgrade of a zip trim would be? I would love to make trimming smoother, but not sure what I'd be buying. Is it more than a drill replacement?

November 6, 2009, 01:18 PM	#3
farmall Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2004 Location: Beatrice Nebraska Posts: 613	I always find the Lee trimmers to cut to a length about halfway between min and max. I run the stud in tightly, then, by trial and error, grind the tip to trim to the min length. Never saw the point in trimming to anyother dimension, unless you enjoy trimming.:barf: Andy

November 6, 2009, 03:42 PM	#8
farmall Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2004 Location: Beatrice Nebraska Posts: 613	It's a little 3 jawed chuck, used on the zip trim tool. 1 size fits all (well, pretty much all) case heads. You have tbuy a seperate spindle to use it in a drill. Total cost for chuck and spindle @ $15. I really like it! I, too use the ball ended cutter.....minimizes sore hands. Andy

November 9, 2009, 03:47 PM	#9
stacks04 Member Join Date: February 27, 2009 Posts: 62	that was my post, and with my length gauge screwed all the way in it was cutting it shorter than the min length. i have since fixed it by adjusting how far it was turned in. it was only a matter of 1/2 turn or so. not major adjustments. maybe i just tightened it to much.