Gunsmithing Getting stuck screws loose?

[txgw]

I bought a gun with a scope on it already and the ring screws were WAY too tight. So far I've broken 12 torx drivers and have only gotten 5 of the 12 screws out. Any ideas on how to get them out or a different screwdriver to use that might not break. I've broken 4 Craftsman, 2 bits, and both ends off of 3 different L shaped ones that come included with rings.

Can you apply heat to it without messing up the scope? I've also heard about some people putting stuff in the freezer, and just wondering how/if that would work.

Thanks for your help

 

[Hogshooter]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

Drill the heads off wih the proper size bit. Once the heads are all off and you take the top rings off the screws should come out easily,

 

[Dracozny]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

sounds to me, barring rust damage that a prev owner chose to use something for make shift locktite like clear nailpolish. you could try to freeze it but really you want to freeze the screws not the whole mount. try to find a bit that you can use with an impact driver, it will be able to handle the stress a lot better

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

What rings are they? Just curious

 

[BALLISTIC]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

Cordless impact driver with a impact rated torx bit. A soldiering iron held on the screw for a minute will help release any glue or locking adhesive that was applied.

 

[txgw]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

They are the Weaver Tactical 6 screw rings.

Thanks for the tips so far. About to head to the John Deere house to get one of the mechanics try his luck.

 

[txgw]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BALLISTIC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cordless impact driver with a impact rated torx bit. A soldiering iron held on the screw for a minute will help release any glue or locking adhesive that was applied. </div></div>

Any suggestions on where to get an impact rated Torx T15, I haven't found anyone that makes one that small. I was told that there wasn't any glue/adhesive applied to them, and the ones that I have gotten out do not appear to have anything on them.

The Mechanic at the John Deere house broke 2 more Craftsman, 2 snap-on, and twisted another snap-on to where it was unusable, but we got all but 2 on each ring out. Looks like now I just have to drill out 1 screw for each ring, unless someone has another idea.

 

[wilecoyote]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

(before drilling)try placing a proper screwdriver on the interested head,heating the surrounding ring area w.a bic lighter_on the same time,try to turn the screwdriver_good luck

 

[LRI]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

Buy some Torx Bits. Insert one into the head of the screw as you normally would. Use a hammer and tap the insert in so it gets a good bite at the base of the socket.

Now get a torch. Heat the BIT, not the ring, base, scope, gun, etc. Via convection, heat will run into the screw.

Once it's smoking hot, put your screw driver onto it and using slow/deliberate force start backing it out. Push down with a lot of pressure as you do this.

If its an aluminum ring that's been anodized, it's probably the source of your frustration. Anodized parts often bite a fastener really hard and become stubborn when its time for it to let go.

You might also add a pinch of ATF tranny fluid to the screw prior to heating it. Keep the coals on it till the tranny fluid starts rolling smoke.

I've done hundreds of screws this way. Keep the drills in the tool box.

Good luck.

C.

 

[Brock Golson]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

You could try maybe some PB Blaster lube on them. Just a thought since you have had other responses going a different route. The PB Blaster will soak in and maybe loosen up some rust or whatever and free the screws.

 

[txgw]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. 26 screwdivers/bits/scokets I finally got the last screws out. We broke everything from cheap Chinese stuff to Craftsman to Snap-on. In the end it was 2 cheap ones that got the last 2 out.

Ended up freezing the last screw with canned air and tapping on a ratchet attached to a cheap 1/4" drive socket torx to get the last one out.

 

[Mcarnell82]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

I have used the same method Chad described and it works 99 percent of the time. Next time save yourself 25 torx bits, buy a propane torch and try it the way he explained.

 

[Killer Spade 13]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BALLISTIC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cordless impact driver with a impact rated torx bit. A soldiering iron held on the screw for a minute will help release any glue or locking adhesive that was applied. </div></div>

Great suggestion!!! Have to log that one back in my data banks!!!
Thanks!!!

 

[pure_mahem]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

Kind of surprised the head of the screws didn't strip out on you, quality stuff. Glad it all worked out for you.

 

[txgw]

Re: Getting stuck screws loose?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mcarnell82</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have used the same method Chad described and it works 99 percent of the time. Next time save yourself 25 torx bits, buy a propane torch and try it the way he explained. </div></div>

I'll have to try that next time, didn't see it before we got them out this go around. This time it kind of got to be a challenge to see who could come up with the best idea on getting them out.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. If anyone finds an impact rated T15 I would be interested in where to get one because I haven't found one.