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You are here: HomePublicationsCaptive-Bolt Stunning of LivestockIntroductionTroubleshooting Captive-Bolt Equipment

Troubleshooting Captive-Bolt Equipment

Symptoms

Causes

Action

Cartridge does not detonate (a misfire)

  • Firing pin failing to make contact with cartridge.
  • Inspect cartridge for firing pin indent.
  • If no indent is visible, strip down firing assembly and check condition and operation of parts.
  • If indent is visible, check position of indent and rectify if necessary.
  • Water or oil-damaged cartridges.
  • Use a new box of cartridges.

Bolt does not return fully to the breech

  • Incomplete set of buffers and washers.
  • Check and make good, as necessary.
  • Worn washers and buffers.
  • Check and replace as necessary.
  • Build-up of carbon deposits on piston, breech and in chamber.
  • Check and remove if present.
  • Bolt is bent.
  • Replace immediately.
  • Corrosion inside barrel.
  • Check and remove if present.

Stunner fires, but there is insufficient power to stun the animal

  • Incorrect strength of cartridge being used.
  • Check type of cartridge against model of stunner and animals being stunned.
  • Incorrect air pressure used.
  • Choose air pressure according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Incorrect positioning of stunner on animal.
  • Check correct stunning position for type of animal being stunned.
  • Bolt not returning fully to the breech after each shot.
  • Check for carbon deposits on bolt, breech or in chamber and remove if present.
  • Check buffers, washers and collars for wear, replace as necessary.
  • Check number of washers, buffers and collars, make good as necessary.

Bolt sticks in animal’s head

  • Bolt is bent
  • Replace immediately
  • Recuperator sleeves excessively worn or missing.
  • Check and replace as necessary.
  • Cutting edge of bolt narrower than shaft due to incorrect sharpening.
  • Replace bolt and sharpen by grinding the inside diameter only.

Cartridge difficult to extract

  • Damaged breech
  • Check for scored or split cartridge and if found, return stunner to manufacturer for repair

Unusually loud detonation

  • Split cartridge
  • Check for damaged breech, return to manufacturer for repair.
  • Check that the correct cartridge is being used.

If symptoms persist, return the equipment to the manufacturer for repair. Do not continue to use under any circumstances.

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