Savage 99 lever screw removal

[slug]

I have to remove a Savage 99 lever and the screw and its nut just rotate in their hole.
I tried epoxying the nut side to the lever to hold it in place, but that didn't work.
I'm considering drilling a small hole in the nut, off center, and using an awl to hold it in place while I back out the screw.
I'd rather not go that route.
Anyone have any ideas?
TIA

 

[450yukon]

I would try to avoid the drill method too, but the little locking tab on the lever bushing (nut) is obviously not there anymore so to fix it properly a new one can be had from Numrich if no other option.

I would try having someone press the domed side onto something like a hockey puck that will give a bit of a bite, heat the screw side up a bit with a butane lighter. place your screw driver and give it a whack with a hammer and...good luck.

 

[guntech]

Obviously the little 'stud' has been damaged and not holding it from rotating... You could try red Loctite on the round end that is slipping, put a little on and rotate, add more rotate and wipe off excess and then let it sit a few hours before trying again.

 

[gunrunner100]

Another option is to cut a cross slot in the smooth side. When done well, and blued, it’s hardly out of place.

 

[guntech]

Another option is to cut a cross slot in the smooth side. When done well, and blued, it’s hardly out of place.

You could do that with a sharp edged cut off wheel in a Dremel Tool and grind a screwdriver to fit perfectly...

I just thought of something... it is possible the threads are unscrewed enough that the little lug is not engaging the indent ... so while turning the screw push down hard on the rounded end and see if the lug will engage the indent... it may just drop into it allowing the screw to unthread.

 

[slug]

The Loctite method worked.

Thanks for your help, guys!