PSA for those with or considering the Inline Ergo Roller Handle

Z

zanemoseley

New member
I got a Hornady LNL AP press this year and have used it for 3-4k .45 rounds, I immediately put it on the Inline stand and installed the Ergo Roller Handle. Everything works great and the handle stayed tight until tonight when I loaded about 300 rounds.

About 1/3 of the way through the handle had rotated counter-clockwise and was rubbing the press on the way back to home. I got out my wrench and fixed it but it soon loosened again. I figured I'd finish my session then take the handle off and put some lock tite on the threads which I hadn't done yet. When I took the handle out there seemed to be some metal in the threads of the handle and the threads in the casting looked a bit rough. I went to town with the lock tite and reinstalled the handle.

A couple hours later I keep thinking about it and come to the conclusion that I didn't think the threads in the casting had much life left so I decided to "pin" the handle with a 1/4-20 bolt while there are still some threads remaining. I drilled and tapped for a 1" bolt.

The problem is that the casting is aluminum. Its design for their straight handle which exerts no torque to speak of during operation. The Inline handle is fabulous but exerts torque on each stroke since the force is off center. No problem with the handle, just that the casting and design can't support the handle. If I knew then what I do now I would almost be tempted to pin the handle after install from the get go to preserve the threads.

I hope that my fix will hold and the handle won't get loose. If it does I hope Hornady will help out but might not if I disclose that I'm using an aftermarket handle. I think the odds of stripping out the casting using the original handle would be 10% of that with the upgraded handle.
 
A helicoil would fix the threads but not sure how long it would last. I hope that pinning it will be more permanent. I guess we'll see.
 
That's too bad cause if it would have come through enough you could have put a nut on both sides. I have been thinking about getting one of those. Will have to put more threads on it maybe.
 
I bought one from ultimate reloader before they were discontinued. It has enough threads for me to nut it on both sides of the press casting. No movement with those tightened down. I suppose you could use some JB Weld to secure the Inline handle. Downside of that is it would take some heat to break the bond later if you needed to remove the handle.
 
Have you called the folks at Inline? I haven't had a problem with mine, also on a Hornady LNL AP, and when I have contacted them, they have been helpful.
 
Have you called the folks at Inline?
Click to expand...

This ^^^^^
I have their roller handles on both my Lee LoadMaster and Lee Breechlock Challenger.
I have to say, they were a couple of the better investments I made.
 
Just to follow up. There is no issue with Inline handle itself, it is well made and robust. The problem is that is exerts more rotational force on the threads on the LNL AP which can cause damage to the threads of the press. I would call Inline if I felt it was their problem. I haven't gotten much use since I fixed the press but I hope it will hold. If not Hornady will probably take care of me.
 
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