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Gunsmithing Drilling out base screw on stainless barrel?

keith jones

Full Member
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 14, 2010
407
3
45
Bulls Gap,TN
I have a TC encore barrel. It is used and one of the base bolts are broke off in it. I have used carbide bit to try drilling it out but have broken two. I do not have drill press, using electric drill. Is there a better bit for stainless steel? Would not have thought carbide would have broken so easily.
 
Re: Drilling out base screw on stainless barrel?

Put a fine point on a center-punch. Tap counter-clockwise and as little downward as possible and slowly tap the broken screw out. I've had them a couple of threads below the surface so I was tapping almost straight down but still managed to back them out.

Stay with it.
 
Re: Drilling out base screw on stainless barrel?

+1 on the stay with it. I had a similar problem with a rem 700. I actually stopped trying with the wrong tools. I do have a press, but talked to the Snapon truck guy and he got me a left-hand drill bit. (i think 5/64, It was small) and that did it. I think the key is drill counter to the threads and it'll come out. BUt don't try to micky mouse it. Find someone with a drill press and a small left-hand bit. A split second mistake could cost a lot more than the right tool. Good luck, let us know how it works out....

TAG
 
Re: Drilling out base screw on stainless barrel?

GO with A left hand drill bit. Depending on the screw weather it was a 8-40 or 6-40 then i would get the appropriate drill size in a left hand bit (probably cobalt steel) and then it should pop right out.