Rifle Scopes Stuck Scope Ring Screw

[MoAli31]

Hi fellow members, I recently noticed a slight cant in my scope reticle after doing a couple modifications to my gun and I definitely know that the scope itself is not level with my gun. So after getting most of the scope ring screws off so I could adjust the scope, one screw would not budge. The type of screw is a torx style key and after attempting to lubricate, heat, and using one of the strongest torx key wrench I had, nothing would make it move. Hell, I even tried so hard that I broke 3 different torx wrenches which all snapped in half. I also tried to use a drill bit to take it out but since the screw is so narrow, it’s hard to drill it out without bending the bit. If anyone has had a similar problem or knows how to deal with this stuff, please I need all the advice y’all can give.

Thanks

Mike

 

[Blowby]

Same problem with scope base. I finally went back to the heat method with more heat and it came out. I applied the flame to the inside of the steel action. I would be more careful if your rings are aluminum. Good luck.

 

[psychosniper]

Heat and Left hand drill bit. Might get screw to back out and if nothing else just drill the head of the screw off. As mentioned, be more careful and use less heat with aluminum.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

I once tap the next size torx into the head and was able to back out.

 

[Nodakplowboy]

Do you have a Screw Extractor set?

https://www.brownells.com/items/screw-extractor.aspx

Any well stocked hardware or auto parts store should have them.

 

[strikeeagle1]

IF the screw head is accessible in order for you to get a reversible hand drill with the bit installed, then I would try using one of these Grab-It bits. They run about $10-15 each online.

I have every imaginable tool and bit to remove gunsmith screws and employ all the usual tricks to remove the difficult ones in order to save special screws; however, sometimes you just have to drill them out.

Make sure you tape-protect the surrounding scope rings before starting.

Here are two recent examples of using the Grab-it when other time-honored methods failed.
A 6-40 rear sight screw and a magazine lock-out screw from a 1957 Belgian Auto-5 (screw jack method failed as well)