Anybody ever seen a metal failure on mold handles like this?

I can try.

Roachcreek



Not sure if I have the correct halves right but it is a closer picture, Hope this helps.

I usually roll pin the wood handle Ferrell to the metal handles, but had not done it yet to these two sets. I always wondered if that would cause failure, but I have two sets I roll pinned a few years back, Knifemaker is using a set I did 7 or 8 years ago and they never failed.

I think smart money is on a improper heat treated batch. I ordered three more sets, the definition of insanity perhaps.

I purchased both new off Ebay, 1-19 and 9-19, conceivable they could be from the same batch.

They have opened a claim, but I was more interested in letting them know. If I have to get a cab, go to the USPS, p ay shipping, I might as well combine the two halves as one.

I ordered a boxed set of three off ebay about two hours after this happened. I have used Lee mold handles for years, always thought they were bullet proof, lighter construction than Lyman, but they never failed. I have used their Pak press and bulket sizing dies , but lately I use the NOE system as it has more choices and seem to be more consistent. Also I shoot 25 caliber airguns and NOE is the path to correct airgun bore sizing. Never cared for Lee molds, but I size for my Bulldog with Lee sizing dies. 

Roachcreek

Yes, I cooled each with water to handle them without burning my fingers, I am legally blind and do crap like that to my digits. My adult kids just shake their heads, but my lovely wife is my airgun enabler, picks up screws, guides drill bits and hex wrenches and cleans up after me cause it’s what we do.



Roachcreek

I established contact with the Lee tech today.

I learned that this was most likely caused by holding the mold handles to tight. When casting with a new mold I baby it by using a raw hide mallet to cut the spruce, then open the mold and lightly tap the center pin while opening the mold with finger pressure, this particular mold ejects the bullets easily, I then close the mold, position the spruce plate by using the mallet to gently move it into position, then tightly hold the handles shut and give another light tap to ensure it is closed while gripping the handles.

These handles are made of sintered metal, the pressure and light tap is what broke these handles as I performed the closing operation.

I had told the folks at Lee that I was not after warrantee replacement, as I had ordered a 3 pack an hour after it broke, I just was wanting to know why and how they broke.

The tech said that the two handles are reverse images of each other and the two intact halves can be reversed to make one set.

Live and learn, personally if I have another breakage, it will be replaced with a propriety set of handles made by the molds maker.



Roachcreek