Moon clip tools.

[eveled]

I’m looking for reviews on the tools you guys use for your moon clips. What is tge best one to buy? The TK Custom one looks nice. Thanks

Just realized they’re caliber specific? Argh! Pretty expensive too.

 

[hittman]

A local guy made this one from I think a 223 case and a piece of wood. There’s gotta be other old heads here who know how this is done on the cheap.

 

[Jeepnik]

I've got a mooner that does six at once. My demooner does two.

 

[contender]

Ok, first off, there are (2) tools to be used when using moon clips.

A de-mooning tool. Many can easily make one. All you need is a hollow tube of sturdy metal, (steel pipe) that the caliber you will be using fits inside the tube. Cap one end, add a handle, and cut a notch about 1/3rd of the way around the other open end. The longer 2/3rds portion will extend past the clip, while the 1/3rd portion will be under the moon when the empty is put inside the tube. A simple twist will will remove the empties. I've made a few out of old aluminum golf ball retrieval poles. (The kind that has several sections that telescope inside each other.) The ID of the tube determines what caliber(s) they can be used on.
There are many pictures of these types of tools out there.

Then there is the moon loading tools. I have 3 of them I use. A TK Custom, a Unique-Tek, and the third brand escapes me at the moment. I have another one that loads 6 rounds at a time,, but it's slower & not as easy as the others. The ones I use are not caliber specific,, but they DO require different center pilots for the size of the moon center opening. They normally come with a couple of different size center pilots.
These tools can cost a bit more,, than making your own, but are worth every penny. I'll have to see if I can get a picture or two. But again, you can go to TK Customs & look at them.

TK Custom is my favorite & works just fine.

 

[eveled]

Yes the TK ones look nice. I’m not afraid of making my own, but would prefer to buy one if its nice. I only make things that are unavailable or that I can do better.

Just found an interesting one, universal all calibers all clips. Performs both functions. Fits in a pocket. Unfortunately it’s currently unavailable. Anyone have one of these?

https://www.originalprecision.com/universal-moonclip-tool.html

 

[OMBlackhawk]

I have been using BMT tools for a few years. They are excellent.

 

[Huskerguy72]

I made my own. The removing tool is simply a metal, broken golf club shaft. I shorten the grips a little and determine where to cut the end so the empty cartridges fit. I just used a small Dremel tool to make the slot. Have made several of them for others.

For the installation tool, I just took a cheap pair of pliers that fit my hand size well and again used my Dremel tool to cut a slot on my plier that fits the moon clip side and another slot that fits the brass edge.

These tools work great for me and I have the price of the pliers in them. Send me a message with your contact and I will send you pictures.

 

[dobegrant.45]

I use the TK tools with great success

 

[mveach]

Honestly, I don't use a tool. After a little practice, it's pretty easy

 

[contender]

The Original Precision tool is just a de-mooning tool. It says so in that ad.

That's the easiest one to make.

A tool to put the ammo onto the clips is the more expensive one.

I've not used or own a BMT tool, but I've heard good stuff about them.

 

[gnappi]

My is a simple steel pry bar of sorts. It works, no more no less

A pic from an ad.

 

[eveled]

@Huskerguy72 sent me pictures of his homemade tools. Says they work great. Posted with his permission.

 

[contender]

Great!!!!!!

My only concern would be the pliers MIGHT cause small burrs in the inside edge of the clip. I've got ZERO experience in this,, I'm just thinking out loud.

 

[Jcmiller58]

I used the B.M.T. tools for a 45 ACP and 8 round 357 magnum pistols. Not cheap but the work great.

 

[eveled]

I have been using BMT tools for a few years. They are excellent.

I used the B.M.T. tools for a 45 ACP and 8 round 357 magnum pistols. Not cheap but the work great.

Just watched a video. Pretty neat device.

 

[eveled]

The Original Precision tool is just a de-mooning tool. It says so in that ad.

Respectfully, It does both. The ad I posted says it does.
“Moons AND De-moons everything”

Here is the video from the link on his web site.


It looks a little fidgety, but also compact and does all calibers. Not for high volume like the others. But still effective.

 

[contender]

Oops,, I missed the demoon part. I read it too fast & not close enough. (Picture me with a Dunce hat on!)

I've heard good stuff about the BMT tool. With the different guns/calibers I have that use moons,, I'd have to own a few of them. A 6-shot .45, a 6-shot .40 S&W, a 8-shot 9mm, and a 6-shot 9mm.

Hmmm, an idea for a Birthday or Christmas gift list,,, !

 

[BarryinIN]

I have two moon clip revolvers. One I just do by hand, the other I wouldn’t want to.

The BMT tool is what I use on the one. Moons and demoons. Takes a little practice to get the knack, but works well when you have the touch.

 

[JBP]

I’m looking for reviews on the tools you guys use for your moon clips. What is tge best one to buy? The TK Custom one looks nice. Thanks

Just realized they’re caliber specific? Argh! Pretty expensive too.

I have the ones from TK for my 45's and 10mm's. Been using them for years.

 

[contender]

I will most likely be adding a BMT tool to my wish list soon! It looks great!

 

[zaitcev]

I use a plastic barb elbow about 3/8", which I cut with a knife in order to create a tool, just like in the photos.

IIRC it was something like 75 cents or thereabout. Maybe $1.20 today with the inflation. I thought I would wear it quickly and discard it. But this is actually original. I just re-sharpen it with a pen knife once in a couple of years.

(Taurus M380UL is pictured, but the same elbow works on Ruger LCR.)

 

[zaitcev]

Also, not sure if this counts as a tool, but I do not carry clips in the cardboard box in the photo anymore. Instead, I have a few "speedloader"-like holders and just throw them into a range bag's pocket.

I know some guys have boards with pins sticking out, on which they stack clips like puzzle towers. They can carry up 30 clips at once easily. Nobody wants to stuff clips at the range.