Question Regard ing Use Of Bolt Tool

My son bought a repro M1 Carbine Bolt Tool for use on our three carbines. Regarding use of the tool, I thought I read somewhere that the pawl that is forked is used for assembly and the plain pawl is used for disassembly. Is this correct? It seems to me that it works better the other way around.

BTW, I did strip, clean, and reassemble my bolt, but managed to get the extractor pin back in wrong - wasn't gripping the extractor. Last night I took it apart again, and this time I got it in right. Luckily I had not fired the carbine since last time, else I may have automatically disassembled my bolt mid-magazine, huh?

BTW, did they subcontract that extractor pin to a watch-making company or what?

YES, forked is for assembly

YES. you probably woudn't have been able to chamber a round with the plunger in the wrong way since the extractor would unlikely be able to ride up and over the cartridge rim easily. I learned this the very first time I reassembled one of these things, taking a functional bolt and rendering it nonfunctional!

YES, actually at least one watch making company made the little plunger! (wadsworth watch case co. now defunct made pocket watches)

USE the tool to disassemble the bolt in a gallon ziplock bag! Point the face of the bolt towards the bottom of the bag. TRUST ME it will save you lost tiny pieces!!!!!!

Double thumbs up on the Ziploc bag. Saves hunting all over the room for tiny little pieces and springs., at least until you really get the hang of the tool.

I have done about 20-25 bolts over the last 25 years, and I still use the bag. Of course, I am still a klutz, not matter how many times I do it! HAHAHA:lol:

before, but it sounded like a good idea and it sure was. I've never had a part fly away, but with the bag, there just is no down side. It doesn't slow or complicate the process in the least and the added peace of mind is stunning. Nothing like practical tips that work.
Thank You
D

I used a bag the first time but found my thumb works just as well. It is a bit easier too as it takes me one or two tries to get my repro tool seated properly before applying force.

I had done maybe 20 bolts, then bought 350 import carbines for $89 each all at once in 1988. Took them all apart in less then two weeks. Lots of fun, and lots of practice. Sold them for $150 each and thought I was making a killing. Those were the days. :D
Using the bolt tool correctly and carefully I have probably taken apart and put back together over 1,000 bolts without a bag. Most of the time they were gummed up and nothing was going to fly away anyway. Getting the spring and plunger lined up to the pawl putting it back together is the hardest part. Done wrong and you are looking for a replacement pawl. Once you get the hang of it, Too Easy Drill Sargent. :madsmile: