M1C Garand scope rings for M82 scope

[Spurr]

Each scope ring has one bolt easy to tighten but the other is off-set so a regular screw driver does not fit straight-on in the bolt head slot. I've tried putting an angle on a flat head screw driver but it does not seem to work properly. Seems to bind for some reason. I lubricated bolts with light oil. I started to damage the bolt head slot so I stopped.

I considered myself very proficient with all manner of hand tools until this situation.

Sounds like a dumb question, but I really need some help! What kind of tool do I need?

 

[Post Oak]

They are tricky to get the screws aligned right. I like to clean the screws and threads well before I try to install them onto the scope. Just clean and oil them and run them in and out and make sure they move easily. I like to use a small straight screwdriver with a round shaft on the lower screw. I've even used a larger jewelers screwdriver to get them started and partially tightened. Once you install the rings and mount on the scope, try starting the lower screws first, then the upper. Then gradually tighten both alternating between them. I've never had much luck if the uppers start first or if one screw is tightened more than the other.

 

[Spurr]

ODCMP,
Man, are you ever spot-on with your advice! "Tricky" is an excellent term. I pretty much stumbled onto your same technique. Screw threads were my big problem. After looking at the the rings and mount and remembering which screws came out of which hole I decided to put padding on my vice jaws and just screw each into their place before trying to attach rings on my scope. First I washed screws and screw holes with mineral spirits. Then applied Imperial Sizing Die lube to both surfaces. Selected proper fitting bits from my hollow ground screw driver set and began to slowly tighten each screw. Each screw was very hard to screw in. When I backed them out they unscrewed just fine. I started to install scope rings with the lower "off-set" screws because they are so hard to properly put a screw driver bit on. Finished with the upper screws. My original M82 scope is now firmly attached to the scope rings. Quite a project for just four little screws.

 

[Post Oak]

Great, glad to hear you got it worked out! I've had some where the screws were deeply staked into place...that is a another challenge.