Vent Pick Diameter

[malachi]

Gentlemen of the artillery,
I have been asked to make a couple of vent picks. Is there a standard diameter of stock used? I've tried to discern the thickness via photos. Are we talking 3/16" or maybe 1/4"
stock? Please advise.
God bless,
Greg Tucker

[Cpt Boone]

Re: Vent pick diameter

From the Artillerist's Manual by John Gibbon

PRIMING AND FIRING IMPLEMENTS.
Priming-wire, Fig. 219, Pl. 29, for pricking the cartridge before priming when the quill or
metal tubes are used. It is made of wire a little less in diameter than the vent, sloping to a
point at one end, and at the other bent into a circle, which serves to hold it by, as well as
prevent it from slipping through the loop on the tube pouch, where it is carried when not in
use.

So you would need to see what the vent diameter is. But a couple primer manufacturers I looked at use 3/16" tubes. So you should be safe with 3/16" brass wire to make them. Do cut the end at a sharp angle to make sure it punches a good hole.