Lyman Universal Trimmer...

GringoLoco · January 6, 2009, 01:04 PM

Those of you who have one, how happy are you with it? I bought one maybe a month ago, trimmed maybe 250 .223 cases, and all a sudden when I go to clamp a case in the chuck it slips past and won't hold the case. It seems as if the two little spring loaded grippers have worn down or something and they just let the case rim slip out. I've tried holding the case in there differently and everything, nothing works now. I'm trying to figure out how soft brass cases could wear down those things in only 250 cases. Now I'm wondering if it was just a fluke and I should give another one a chance, or go to something else. I chucked the box and I doubt I still have the receipt, so who knows if I can take it back.

Sam06 · January 6, 2009, 01:23 PM

I had one years ago. I did not like it very much if I remember right. I use a Forester or trim dies and a file. The forester is a good tool that can be used in several ways. It has a hook up for an electric screw driver and can in/out side neck turn also. Check them out on Sinclar's site. They have the better price($55??).

bob kk · January 6, 2009, 04:02 PM

I have the Lyman manual and electric one. Mine did the same thing. There is a way to adjust it. Not sure but think I took the arm off and turned the big knob one turn put it back together then it worked. Won't hurt to try that.

**Unclenick** · January 6, 2009, 04:40 PM

Sounds like it just needs to be adjusted. Call Lyman and talk to their tech. If it doesn't work out, e-Bay the thing and get a Wilson trimmer. It's not universal (you need different holders for each case size) but the base unit is cheaper ($35) and it keeps more positive coaxiality of the case and cutter.

Wildalaska · January 6, 2009, 05:09 PM

Never had any problems with mine

WildilikeitAlaska ™

arizona98tj · January 6, 2009, 09:51 PM

I bought my Lyman 30+ years ago for a small handful of various rifle cartridges.
Last week, I just trimmed a batch of .223.
This weekend, I bought a new carbide cutter for it.
Hopefully I'll get another 30 out of this one.

Damn....these things are high maintenance!

January 6, 2009, 01:04 PM	#1
GringoLoco Member Join Date: November 9, 2008 Posts: 60	Lyman Universal Trimmer... Those of you who have one, how happy are you with it? I bought one maybe a month ago, trimmed maybe 250 .223 cases, and all a sudden when I go to clamp a case in the chuck it slips past and won't hold the case. It seems as if the two little spring loaded grippers have worn down or something and they just let the case rim slip out. I've tried holding the case in there differently and everything, nothing works now. I'm trying to figure out how soft brass cases could wear down those things in only 250 cases. Now I'm wondering if it was just a fluke and I should give another one a chance, or go to something else. I chucked the box and I doubt I still have the receipt, so who knows if I can take it back.

January 6, 2009, 01:23 PM	#2
Sam06 Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Fayettenam Posts: 1,086	I had one years ago. I did not like it very much if I remember right. I use a Forester or trim dies and a file. The forester is a good tool that can be used in several ways. It has a hook up for an electric screw driver and can in/out side neck turn also. Check them out on Sinclar's site. They have the better price($55??). __________________ The two most abundant elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.

January 6, 2009, 04:40 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Sounds like it just needs to be adjusted. Call Lyman and talk to their tech. If it doesn't work out, e-Bay the thing and get a Wilson trimmer. It's not universal (you need different holders for each case size) but the base unit is cheaper ($35) and it keeps more positive coaxiality of the case and cutter. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 6, 2009, 09:51 PM	#6
arizona98tj Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 980	I bought my Lyman 30+ years ago for a small handful of various rifle cartridges. Last week, I just trimmed a batch of .223. This weekend, I bought a new carbide cutter for it. Hopefully I'll get another 30 out of this one. Damn....these things are high maintenance! __________________ stu-offroad.com Largest Jeep TJ project site on the web! (now with guns)

January 6, 2009, 04:02 PM	#3
bob kk Member Join Date: October 6, 2008 Location: E Tn Posts: 56	I have the Lyman manual and electric one. Mine did the same thing. There is a way to adjust it. Not sure but think I took the arm off and turned the big knob one turn put it back together then it worked. Won't hurt to try that.

January 6, 2009, 05:09 PM	#5
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Never had any problems with mine WildilikeitAlaska ™