Stripped Screw

Bittermansbro

Bittermansbro

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
31   0   0
Location
Calgary, AB
Ok, feel free to smack me. :slap: I did a noob thing and stripped a slotted screw on one of my rifles. Is there any other way to get it out before I have to consider drilling it?

I can't recall the size of the screw right now, but its one of the little guys that holds the lever springs on an 1873 Uberti. The other one was tight but came out, this one however......

Any help would be much appreciated.
 
I am assuming you have "bubba'ed" the screw slot where a screw driver no longer fits what is left of the slot.

If you are reffering to the two screws on the bottom of the action, it may help to relieve the spring pressure first ... Save all the pieces so someone can fix it.

I suggest you take it to a gunsmith and hopefully he can save it before it really gets screwed over.
 
sorry gents, I ruined the slot. The screw and threads on that screw are fine, everything is just so tight, it ruined the slot.

I don't know if I 'bubba'd' the screw, that would imply I was trying to make it better and improving it by doing something dumb and lowering its value. :p

Well I didn't make it better, I just ruined the slot.
 
Are you able to "Dremel" another slot perpendicular to the washed out original one? - I've done this before and it works pretty well; use a small wheel and go as deep as you dare into the washed out head.

Also, if you’ve got the means, try bracing the pistol on the other side of the frame with a piece of 2 X 4 and then use an impact driver. An impact driver will force the “screwdriver head” down and twist at the same time. I’ve had great success with the two combined methods for removing stuck screws.

Your last option is to use a sharp punch, make a deep impression in the screw head and then hit it on an angle; “lefty loosy” after applying heat or penetrating oil. – Save this method for last since you’re dealing with a delicate firearm hear.

Drilling the screw is likely THE LAST thing you want to do.

Of course my knowledge comes from being an auto mechanic not a gunsmith. But I’ve gotten small screws out of just about everything.

Keep me informed as I’d like to help.

Since you live in Calgary I could help.

Jeff
 
What Jeff said about dremeling a slot. Make sure to use a hollow ground screw driver, not the wedge type usually found in the tool box. Soak a little oil in there first to help it out. Also give the end of the screw driver a little whack with a hammer when it's on the screw, this might dislodge the threads a tiny bit if they're a little stuck together.
 
I've had good results with a product called "Screw Grab" from Lee Valley, it looks like lapping compound and increases the grip of your screwdriver.

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=32212&cat=3,41306,41329

Used it with a buddy re-finishing an old wood sailboat....we got real good at getting out stuck fastners!

Maybe Guntech's suggestion about removing the tension from the springs and some Screw Grab will be enough.

Good Luck!
 
actually, in this case drilling isn't a bad option, but you better have a milling machine or a very good drill press with the vice bolted down so nothing wanders. Once the head is off, the rest of the screws can be removed and the shank of the screw can be grabbed with pliers and turned out, IF it is tight due to over tightening, if it's seized/rusted then we move on to a bit of heat and soaking in penetrating oil.....be very carefull with dremels, one slip and they dance off across what used to be your pristine firearm, leaving humorous little scratches and divots. If you drill, leave the other screws IN. If you don't when you take the head of the screw your removing the now loose parts will fly up the drill and spin around, possibly damaging them or the gun your removing them from.

If you aren't experianced/good at fine metal work, take this to your gunsmith, it'll be worth the maybe 50$ he'll charge and you won't feel stupid every time you look at the damage you did before you took it to him anyways........word to the wise

C&L
 
I f you do have the facility for accurate drilling use a center drill after getting the true center of the screw so the small drill doesn't wander however from the sound of it I agrre with you utilizing a gunsmith or toolmaker/machinest
 
stripped screw

l have had some good sucess by drilling a blind hole in the centre of the screw which is pretty hard to do l know but it is possible,and then driving a torx bit1 to 2 sizes to big into the hole with a small hammer if all else fails its worth a try.
 
THanks guys, your information is great. There is some stuff here I can try, but it looks like it may get a trip to the Doctor. My two motives here are to learn and not wreck things in the process!

I will let everyone know how it works out and what happened
 
If you have to drill. Snap On sells left handed cobalt drill bits with screw extractors. Every time I used the drill bits they were able to spin out the broken bolt or screw. Just remember to put the drill in reverse.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom