Muzzleloader Hammer Alignment Fix (Cold Bending Method) | Over the Gunsmith's Shoulder

Ken Brooks fixes a misaligned hammer on a percussion muzzleloader kit gun—the nose was rubbing the nipple instead of striking center. Watch him cold-bend the hammer without heat and get it aligned for reliable ignition. In this episode, Master Gunsmith Ken Brooks walks you through a real-world repair on a friend's kit-built percussion muzzleloader. The hammer wasn't centered on the nipple, which would cause ignition problems with a cap installed. ✅ How to diagnose hammer-to-nipple alignment issues on muzzleloaders ✅ Cold bending a color case-hardened hammer (no heat required) ✅ Proper disassembly of a V-spring percussion lock ✅ How the fly works in double set trigger locks (and why it matters) ✅ Reassembly with the mainspring vice technique ✅ Checking tumbler play and tightening the hammer fit 🔧 Want to learn real gunsmithing from certified professionals? 👉 https://americangunsmithinginstitute.... 🔔 Subscribe for weekly gunsmithing repairs, tips, and training from AGI's master gunsmiths. #Gunsmithing #AGI #AmericanGunsmithingInstitute #OverTheGunsmithsShoulder #FirearmsTraining #Muzzleloader #PercussionLock #GunRepair #BlackPowder #KitGun #HammerAlignment #LockWork #GunMaintenance #MasterGunsmith Chapters 00:00 - The Problem: Hammer Not Centered on Nipple 00:24 - Gene Kelly Intro 00:57 - Ken Brooks Explains the Customer Situation 02:05 - Diagnosing the Hammer Alignment Issue 02:55 - Options: Bending vs. Twisting the Hammer 03:36 - Cold Bending Decision (Owner Approved) 04:07 - Removing the Lock from the Stock 04:48 - Using the Mainspring Vice for V-Springs 05:43 - Releasing Spring Tension and Removing Parts 07:43 - Driving Out the Tumbler and Removing the Hammer 08:44 - The Fly: Don't Lose This Part 09:10 - Setting Up in the Bench Vice 10:51 - Cold Bending the Hammer with a Mallet 11:58 - Reinstalling the Fly on the Tumbler 13:29 - How the Fly Works (Double Set Trigger Explanation) 16:46 - Reassembling the Lock: Bridle, Sear, and Springs 18:03 - Checking Tumbler Play and Hammer Movement 19:43 - Test Fit: Checking Alignment in the Gun 20:20 - Flintlock vs. Percussion: Ken's Take 23:16 - Final Adjustments: Tightening Hammer on Tumbler 25:52 - Final Check: Clearance Confirmed 26:26 - Wrap-Up: Seven Guns Everybody Needs 27:13 - CTA: Learn Real Gunsmithing at AGI