Help, torx screwdrivers tips are breaking off, my scope ring screws are super-stuck

I have removed many stuck screws on guns using a Makita cordless impact driver .They have a very sensitive trigger and can easily apply a nice hit and won't screw up the job.Just used last nite to remove some slotted screws on the bolt guide on a mas 45. Used a wheeler slot tip.They came out real easy.You can apply lots of down pressure and them burp the trigger out they come.Dewalt also have them.One of your friends should have one..I haven't used anything else to remove stuck screws for some time now.

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/18v...97846&ef_id=U9zuhAAAARBtDY9C:20140802135828:s

R
 
I have a hammer impact that I use on motorcycle side cases.
Tap and turn is the theory.
Find a new solid Torx bit and one of these.
They fetch around $15 and Canadian Tire should sell them.
Just don't go ape on it.
 
The bits are breaking. Impact drivers will not stop that.

The grip the rings have on the screws is the problem. It is either Loctite causing it or the friction of the screw head within the ring. It will be either heat that will release grip of the Loctite or compressing the rings to relieve screw head pressure.
 
Good solid quality bits and light tapping would be worth an effort.
Another option would be to drill the heads off the screws and deal with
the stubs once the scope is removed.
Then the heat method would be appropriate.
 
try driving around town and look for a snapon truck or mac tools truck,they are usually in the industrial district or at mechanic shops. if you cant find a truck go to a repair shop and ask the mechanics if they have their number.they usually hand out calendars or magnets with it on it. i have a mac set that i bought for work but i keep it at home now for my guns. i have never broken any. the wheeler gunsmithing set i bought broke like crazy.
 
guntech said:
The bits are breaking. Impact drivers will not stop that.

The grip the rings have on the screws is the problem. It is either Loctite causing it or the friction of the screw head within the ring. It will be either heat that will release grip of the Loctite or compressing the rings to relieve screw head pressure.
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The bits react differently in an impact driver .Bin there done that.He has to try before he condemns the driver theory.

R
 
Hi everyone, just finished a brutal set of nightshifts, so am going to try some of the suggestions tonight. Probably try the non-heat solutions first such as tapping and compressing the rings to give some play for the screw. Then, will keep trying other things down the list of "severity" until , if I have to, will just cut the dang rings off.
 
Don't be afraid to use heat. Use a heat gun, not a flame type heat source if you are worried about damage.
 
I've come across a couple ring sets where the screws were never coming out. One was red Loctite and another was when the previous owner had blow up the rifle under it.

I took a diamond rotary cutter for a Dremel (10 in a pack, Princess Auto bargain bin)and ran it into the Torx head and ground down. That safely cut all the heads off and I threw the rings away. It was down to salvage mode and I was happy to get the scope back into use.
 
guntech said:
Please explain how heating a bit up will case harden it... this is a new concept to me.
Click to expand...

Well, it's not on topic, but if you heat up mild steel and quench it in a little oil, you can actually harden it.
I just threw that in since the OP seems to be using those expendable bits. And I like to experiment. Probably all of us on here do.
 
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[QUOTE=kamlooky;10336578
Buy new rings and wait for Snap-on to wander by.
Let him destroy his torx inventory.
If he gets them out, buy the bit from him and a kupple more.

I like the way you think!!
 
Insert one of the bits into the screw, the bit only, get your hammer , give that somna beech a good smack on the back of the bit, works more than you think and no worries about heat.I have used this method many times with success.

I discovered this by accident, kept stripping bits myself tryng to remove scope base screws , so I pounded an over sized bit into the screw, put 1/4 ratchet on the bit, I almost could have turned it out by hand after the hits.
 
I can't believe everybody will take a dremel to the rings before simply drilling out the screws. this would be the easiest step with the least damage. You might even be able to find an extractor that will be small enough. Some of those extractors can have alot of torque applied to them before snapping.
 
nevanevan said:
I can't believe everybody will take a dremel to the rings before simply drilling out the screws. this would be the easiest step with the least damage. You might even be able to find an extractor that will be small enough. Some of those extractors can have alot of torque applied to them before snapping.
Click to expand...

Once you get to this point, take the rings off and then use your wee bit oh heat.
 
TriggerTime said:
Well, it's not on topic, but if you heat up mild steel and quench it in a little oil, you can actually harden it.
Click to expand...

Your post said nothing about quenching...
Quote Originally Posted by TriggerTime
if you are using 'bargain' type torx bits, do try heating them up. you may accidentally case harden them enough that they won't go all chewy.

and the bits are already too hard, they are breaking now..

and mild steel does not harden, it requires high carbon steel to harden when heating red hot and quenching. And some steels require water quenching, oil won't do it.
 
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