Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps Review

Let Me Tell You About the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps

The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps are a neat little addition for anyone using Frankford Arsenal‘s line of rotary tumblers, especially for brass reloading. My reloading bench often feels like a mini-lab, and when I was deep into processing a large batch of spent brass, the usual rinsing process was becoming a cumbersome chore. Losing those tiny media pins during a water rinse is a frustration I’ve experienced more times than I care to admit, leading to wasted time and materials. I’d been eyeing up solutions, and these caps seemed like a direct, no-nonsense answer to a very specific problem.

The initial impression of these caps was one of pragmatic design. They feel like they are built to do a job and keep doing it without fuss. The material is robust, and the mesh looks sufficiently fine to catch even the smallest media without becoming a blockage itself. I briefly considered a DIY approach using screen material, but the custom fit and integrated design of these caps were clearly superior. My first reaction upon receiving them was a quiet sense of “finally,” a feeling of having found a solution to a persistent, albeit minor, reloading headache.

Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put these sifting caps to the test in my home reloading workshop, specifically in conjunction with the Frankford Arsenal Lite Tumbler drum. My primary scenario was the post-tumbling rinse of brass cases and the associated stainless steel media. This meant handling the drum filled with water, brass, and a good volume of stainless steel pins, often over a utility sink.

The caps performed admirably under these conditions. They fit snugly onto the tumbler drum, creating a secure seal that instilled confidence. There was no slippage or leakage during vigorous shaking and rinsing, even when the drum was quite full and heavy. The robust mesh caps proved effective at retaining the tiny pins while allowing the dirty water and debris to drain away freely. It was immediately apparent that this was a much more controlled and less anxiety-inducing process than trying to strain everything through a colander or homemade sieve.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, processing multiple batches of brass, these caps have held up remarkably well. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rinsed brass with them, likely well over 20, yet there are no signs of degradation. The wire mesh straining caps haven’t shown any signs of corrosion or loosening, and the mesh itself remains intact and free of any bends or tears. They continue to fit the tumbler drum with the same secure feel as the day they arrived.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse under running water, often with a gentle scrub from an old toothbrush to dislodge any stubborn debris caught in the mesh, is usually sufficient. I’ve even accidentally dropped one onto the concrete floor of my workshop, and it emerged unscathed, a testament to its durable construction. Compared to my previous, more improvisational methods, these caps offer a significant leap in reliability and ease of care. They are a clear upgrade from less specialized solutions.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps

Specifications

The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps are designed as a practical accessory, coming in a convenient 2-pack. They are specifically fitted for both the standard Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler and the newer Rotary Tumbler Lite. The primary component is the wire mesh straining cap, which is engineered to be robust enough for repeated use.

These caps are fashioned in a grey color, a neutral choice that blends well with most workshop environments. Their purpose is to act as a filter, allowing you to rinse brass and pins without the worry of losing them down the drain. The mesh is fine enough to prevent the smallest media from escaping, yet open enough to allow water and debris to pass through efficiently.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps is to facilitate a mess-free and secure rinsing process for tumbled brass. In this primary role, they excel. The caps perform their main job with exceptional efficiency, making the often messy task of separating brass from media a straightforward affair.

The robust mesh caps are undoubtedly their strongest feature, effectively containing the stainless steel pins while letting water drain. This prevents the common problem of pins escaping down the drain, which can cause significant plumbing issues and a considerable loss of reloading media. They meet, and arguably exceed, expectations for their intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design perspective, these caps are all about practical utility. The wire mesh is integrated seamlessly into the cap structure, suggesting a well-thought-out manufacturing process. They feel solid in the hand, and the fit onto the tumbler drum is precise and secure.

The grey color is understated, allowing the functional aspects of the design to take center stage. There’s no unnecessary complexity here; it’s a simple, effective design focused on usability. The secure fit means you can confidently manipulate the loaded tumbler drum without fearing slippage.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a key aspect of these caps. Made from resilient materials, they are built to withstand the rigors of repeated use in a reloading environment. I have experienced no wear, tear, or performance degradation even after substantial use.

Maintenance is exceptionally low. A simple rinse is usually all that’s required to keep them clean and ready for the next batch of brass. There are no complex parts or seals to worry about, making them a very low-maintenance accessory.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps come as a convenient 2-pack, which is the primary offering. There are no additional accessories included or required for their operation. Customization options are also absent, as these caps are designed for a specific fit and function.

However, their simplicity is their strength. They are not designed to be modified, but rather to work perfectly with the Frankford Arsenal rotary tumblers they are intended for.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps

Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps?

These Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps are an absolute must-have for any reloader who utilizes Frankford Arsenal‘s rotary tumblers for cleaning spent brass. If you’ve ever experienced the heart-stopping panic of watching stainless steel pins vanish down the drain, or wrestled with a makeshift sieve, then these are for you. They are perfect for home reloaders, gunsmiths, and anyone processing a significant volume of ammunition.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who do not own a compatible Frankford Arsenal tumbler or those who use ultrasonic cleaners or wet tumbling methods that don’t involve a rotary tumbler with loose media. For those using them, I’d recommend ensuring you have a good utility sink with a reliable drain, or at least keeping a strainer basket in the sink just as an extra layer of protection.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps

The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Sifting Caps are a simple yet incredibly effective solution to a common reloading frustration. They offer a significant improvement in convenience and peace of mind during the brass cleaning process. The robust mesh caps are well-made, durable, and perform their intended function flawlessly.

At $16.99 for a 2-pack, the value proposition is excellent. They are an economical investment that saves time, prevents potential plumbing headaches, and ensures you don’t lose your expensive stainless steel media. I would absolutely recommend these caps to any owner of a compatible Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler. They are a small addition that makes a big, positive difference in the reloading workflow.