Question about Novak style set screw type and size.

McHoss

McHoss

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
38   0   0
Location
New Brunswick.
I am trying to adjust the rear sight on my S.A.M. commander that has Novak style sights. The set screw is tiny and even with glasses on I find it hard to say for certain it’s an Allen screw as opposed to a Torx. I was able to get an Allen in there, but it’s a very tight fit. When I try to loosen the screw it wont budge even with a fair amount of pressure. Being that the Allen tool is so thin I don’t want to break it or strip the head. Any thoughts?
Is it definitely Allen?
Torx?
What about getting it out? Heat?
I already put a bunch of penetrating oil to it so will wait for that to take effect.

Thanks.

Pics for those inclined. I did my best to get a clear close up.

View attachment 150924

View attachment 150925
 
I am assuming it was imported by Wolverine. You could contact them maybe they could tell you for certain fom their Smith's experience working on them. I had a technical question about my SAM and they were able to give me the answer.
 
It's a grub/set screw. Does the hex key fit properly? What's your hex set, metric or imperial? If it won't budge with some elbow grease then they probably used red Loctite which will require a little heat.

m3-grub-screw-set-screw.jpg
 
See that circle pounded into sight next to the screw? That them staking the screw in you can see how the material is pushed over the screw. It'll come just need to gently turn it
.
 
4n2t0 said:
It's a grub/set screw. Does the hex key fit properly? What's your hex set, metric or imperial? If it won't budge with some elbow grease then they probably used red Loctite which will require a little heat.
Click to expand...
The key fits, I t’s a very tight fit, it has to be wiggled to seat completely. The problem is how small the key is, I’m afraid it will just twist itself. If I’m not mistaken the key that fits is metric. I don’t have it out right now. But I think I only took metric sized keys out today so.....
 
AB.boy said:
I am assuming it was imported by Wolverine. You could contact them maybe they could tell you for certain fom their Smith's experience working on them. I had a technical question about my SAM and they were able to give me the answer.
Click to expand...

Good idea. I will do that tomorrow. Thanks.
 
skoal said:
See that circle pounded into sight next to the screw? That them staking the screw in you can see how the material is pushed over the screw.
Click to expand...

Ummm, no.

Here's an example of a staked screw.

Gas-key-stake-job.jpg
 
Last edited:
McHoss said:
The key fits, I t’s a very tight fit, it has to be wiggled to seat completely. The problem is how small the key is, I’m afraid it will just twist itself. If I’m not mistaken the key that fits is metric. I don’t have it out right now. But I think I only took metric sized keys out today so.....
Click to expand...

You're overthinking this, it's a screw, heat it and give it some muscle. If you're really worried about twisting it then use a screw driver and hex bit.
 
Last edited:
Give it a wack straight down to help break it free from any possible thread locker and then heat the sight, not the set screw and turn it out. The screw driver & hex head will work better than an allen key.
 
Heat it hot, but not enough to affect the steel. The sight will expand around the screw, reducing the holding force; if there is lock-tite, it will release, and it should come out. I agree that a screwdriver with the right hex bit can be kept more colinear to the screw axis, and there will be less chance of it slipping and stripping the screw. If you do strip the screw, it will need to be jigged up and drilled out with carbide. Not happy times.
 
Meroh said:
Heat it hot, but not enough to affect the steel. The sight will expand around the screw, reducing the holding force; if there is lock-tite, it will release, and it should come out. I agree that a screwdriver with the right hex bit can be kept more colinear to the screw axis, and there will be less chance of it slipping and stripping the screw. If you do strip the screw, it will need to be jigged up and drilled out with carbide. Not happy times.
Click to expand...
Exactly my concern.
I will use my Allen driver bit and hit it with some heat today, hopefully that does the trick.

Do I bother using loctite when I’m done adjusting it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom