over tightened a base screw

[komifornian]

I was installing new bases on my Rem. 40X and overtightened the screw and it snapped. And ofcourse I tryed getting it out and runined the hole. So the only option is to drill out the hole a bit larger and to re-tap it. Anybody ever have to do this and if so where did you send it. Incase it matters the base is a one piece US Optics made for the short action Rem.

I already know this was stupid so need to make snide remarks, i feel sick as it is....

 

[former naval person]

Re: over tightened a base screw

Send the rifle and base to GAP and have all the holes opened for the 8-40's. (Get the base holes opened and counter-bored at the same time. Everything will be in line then too.) Much stouter deal. JMHO

 

[komifornian]

Re: over tightened a base screw

Great thanks!

 

[Tripwire]

Re: over tightened a base screw

I get perfectly good holes "fixed" with a 8-40 D&T, and on purpose.....

 

[dbsinh2o]

Re: over tightened a base screw

I'd consider investing in a nice torque wrench as well. Not meant as a snide comment - they come in handy.

 

[MWDG3]

Re: over tightened a base screw

http://shortactioncustoms.com/?p=157

 

[pawprint]

Re: over tightened a base screw

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Send the rifle and base to GAP and have all the holes opened for the 8-40's. (Get the base holes opened and counter-bored at the same time. Everything will be in line then too.) Much stouter deal. JMHO </div></div>
Question, if the original holes weren't in line, what does GAP do to make them straight? Are they re-drilling the holes and filling the originals with a weld?

 

[komifornian]

Re: over tightened a base screw

The screws lined up perfecely, I was just an idiot for over tightening - super frustrating! To answer your question, I don't know but your idea seems reasomable.

 

[komifornian]

Re: over tightened a base screw

Already ordered one

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: over tightened a base screw

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Are they re-drilling the holes and filling the originals with a weld? </div></div>
The new holes will be big enough to take care of the old holes, even if they weren't completely straight. Send it to GAP if you want, but another smith might be faster turnaround. Not really rocket science to drill and tap on the receivers centerline so any good smith will work.

 

[T J]

Re: over tightened a base screw

Chad Dixon @ LongRifles Inc just did this for me last Saturday, he goes by c. dixon on here, super nice guy, give him a shout/pm (might as well get in on the bolt flute GB while you're at it).

 

[E3C3H3O3]

Re: over tightened a base screw

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Already ordered one </div></div>

Smart man, don't feel bad we all do stupid crap at one time or another, not too hard of a fix.

 

[MattA]

Re: over tightened a base screw

Been there done that. Grabbed the wrong size bit to tighten down my base. It was close enough to work but was just a bit small. So once I got close to my torque specs, Bam, I got a nice rounded torx screw. Good times.

 

[jeepguy242]

Re: over tightened a base screw

if i had a buck for every stupid thing i did, i would be freakin rich!!!

i did the same thing on my 700! and i am sure i will probly do it again in time!

 

[califflash]

Re: over tightened a base screw

There's a couple of thing you could do depending on how the screw broke besides drill and tap. If the screw is still sticking out above the hole, even if just slightly, you can try some vise grips. I fear that you will mar your finish though.

Next I would try a small flathead screwdriver. This doesn't matter if its below the surface of the whole or not. The screw driver has to be small enough to fit in the hole. Press into the broken screw hard and attempt to turn it out using friction.

Lastly if the screw isn't broken off too deep in the whole you could try to drill an indention in the center (read: using a small drill bit) and use a reverse tap or easy out.

I break bolts off in 316 stainless on a regular basis and the above methods work about 90% of the time even if I was torquing on he bolt. I do all these before drilling and re-tapping.

 

[Kalman]

Re: over tightened a base screw

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnshortdraw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Are they re-drilling the holes and filling the originals with a weld? </div></div>
The new holes will be big enough to take care of the old holes, even if they weren't completely straight. Send it to GAP if you want, but another smith might be faster turnaround. Not really rocket science to drill and tap on the receivers centerline so any good smith will work.</div></div>

Absolutely, positively, NEVER weld on a rifle. You'll warp the crap out of thing, and ruin the heat treatment! It's what mnshortdraw said, they just move the center of the new hole, but not enough that the new larger hole doesn't still cover the original one.

 

[Hellbender]

Re: over tightened a base screw

IS it a 40X 22 rimfire??

IF so, I doubt if the recoil forces are severe enough, on the 13 pound rifle, to cause any shearing forces large enough to cause problems with only 3 screws.

Or any caliber less than .308, for that matter.

But if it bothers you, then get it fixed.

 

[RobG]

Re: over tightened a base screw

Any good local smith should be able to take care of that for you. No need to mail it off anywhere and deal with that hassle.