[PROBLEM] Removing Screws on Mini-14...Pics Included

[adriano]

Hello all. I am trying to remove the upper half of the gas block on my Mini-14 in order to install a foreward mounted weaver rail in its place. The entire process simply requires the removal of 4 screws on the underside of the barrel (see pic's). However, the problem is that these screws are absolutely unwilling to turn, no matter how much "elbow grease" I apply. I have the correct allen key, and have tried lubricating the thread (I can access the thread from the top, bottom, and side), but with no luck. Is there something I am missing here? Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[Donny Fenn1]

iirc, they are pinned or pressed after insertion so they cannot easily be removed...?

 

[Al Flipo]

Get yourself a punch or a piece of metal about the same size as the head of the cap screw then support the other side well and give the head of the screw a couple sharp taps with a hammer and the punch, that should stretch the screw and will make it easy to remove, it will also undo the damage on the hexagon socket of the screw.

 

[Halger280HVMag]

I recently installed an adjustable gas-block on my mini-14.....

Yup, the screws are staked....

After a bit of cussing, I simply ordered-up four new cap screws and drilled out the existing caps (very easy to do), once the heads are off, it is a simple matter to grip the protruding remains of the screw with small vise-grips and turn it out......

proceed with installation and gapping/torqueing of new gas-block.....

 

[ricochet]

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[Slash5]

How about using an impact driver?
It was the only way to get a locktited scope mount screw out for me.
Used on motorcycles a lot.
You can pick them up for around $10.

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcnuts/stuckscrews.html