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Brownells

Crane Stretcher

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

Swages Rear

Of the crane or yoke

Helps Cure

Excess headspace by tightening the

Also Swages

Retaining groove in .22 magazine

Compact Tool

Measures 3 1/2 inches long

Fits Capacities

From 1/8 inch to 5/8

$36.99
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SKU: 080640000

Overview

Designed for revolver maintenance, this tool is used to swage a small groove in the rear of the crane or yoke tube to reduce excess cylinder play and address excess headspace. It also serves the retaining groove in .22 magazine tubes, making it useful for specific shop tasks beyond a single application. The compact 3 1/2-inch size and 1/8-inch to 5/8-inch capacity give it a defined working range for controlled fitting work. This is a specialized tool for users who need a practical way to correct mechanical looseness rather than a general-purpose field accessory.

Why Hunters Choose the Brownells

Swages Small

Groove in the crane or

Also Swages

Retaining groove in .22 magazine

Designed Address

Excess headspace

Compact 3

1/2-inch length for bench or

Fits Capacities

From 1/8 inch to 5/8

Key Features

  • Swages the rear of the crane or yoke tube to remove excess cylinder play.
  • Helps cure excess headspace by tightening the crane fit.
  • Also swages the retaining groove in .22 magazine tubes.
  • Compact tool measures 3 1/2 inches long.
  • Fits capacities from 1/8 inch to 5/8 inch.

Best Used For

  • For gunsmiths correcting cylinder play in revolvers during shop maintenance.
  • For users needing to swage rear crane or yoke tubes to address excess headspace.
  • For .22 magazine tube work where the retaining groove needs reshaping.
  • For bench work on parts within the tool's 1/8 to 5/8 inch capacity.

Specifications

Capacity1/8" (3.2mm) - 5/8" (15.9mm)
Overall Length3 1/2" (9cm)

Pros

  • Swages a small groove in the crane or yoke tube to reduce cylinder play.
  • Also swages the retaining groove in .22 magazine tubes.
  • Designed to address excess headspace.
  • Compact 3 1/2-inch length for bench or shop use.
  • Fits capacities from 1/8 inch to 5/8 inch.

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Designed for a specific repair task: it addresses crane/yoke tube play and excess headspace rather than general revolver maintenance.
  • Use is size-limited, with a stated capacity range of 1/8" (3.2 mm) to 5/8" (15.9 mm), so it may not suit larger or smaller components.
  • The tool is compact at 3 1/2" (9 cm), which is practical for bench work but means it is not a multi-purpose, all-in-one solution.
  • Its function is corrective rather than cosmetic, so it is best suited to users who already know they need to swage the crane or magazine tube groove.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Revolver maintenance tools
  • Firearm repair and fitting tools
  • Magazine tube repair tools
  • Gunsmithing hand tools

Suggested Accessories

  • Gunsmithing vise
  • Precision measuring tools
  • Cleaning and maintenance supplies
  • Replacement magazine tube parts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this Crane Stretcher used for?

It is used to swage a small groove in the rear of the crane/yoke tube to remove excess cylinder play. The description also says it cures excess headspace.

Can it be used on magazine tubes as well?

Yes. The long description says it also swages the retaining groove in .22 magazine tubes.

What size range does it work with?

The listed capacity is 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) to 5/8 in. (15.9 mm).

How large is the tool?

The specifications list it as 3 1/2 in. (9 cm) long.

Which brand makes this tool?

The manufacturer listed is Brownells.