Repair advice

[Flashole]

Purchased a used 35 rem barrel on line.  Looked OK when it arrived.  The ad picture showed a nice looking adjustable rear sight.   The sight was secured using the four holes.  The screw heads were a little damaged and it was from some one trying to take them off.  I managed to get the screws out.  Found out the installer used an intire tube of thread locker.  I guess the over flow was supposed glue the base to the barrel.  What I need help with is trying to save the mounting holes.  They are plugged with red thread locker and I'm not sure the best way to approach this.  So far I have used a very under sized drill bit and was able to get to the bottom of one hole just using my fingers to turn the bit.  It is far from being able to get a tap started.  Any help would great.
 
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[Keith L]

I have used a soldering iron.  Heat melts the thread locker quickly, and a small iron won't overheat the barrel.

[Grumulkin]

I've used a very small screwdriver to remove thread locker with good success.

[Hopalong7]

     I've used a combo of Keith's and Grumulkin's methods on many occasions for the same problem.  Never had to remove a tube full though.  The barrel outside of the holes will clean up nicely with 0000 industrial grade steel wool.  You can also use a little of the wool in the holes with the driver.
Walt

[zoner]

try a large needle and a little heat on the needle or heat the hole with a soldering iron. Heat will soften loc-tite

[luckydawg13]

dont they make loc-tite remover

[Flashole]

Did not know about the remover.  This little project it getting to be a pain.  Used a little heat and I have a few very small curved steel picks.  Mounting screws look like they came up very short for this application.  Probably why the bottom half of the holes were full of thread locker.  90% has been removed and no signs of any thread.  Almost made a big mistake of my own when I brought out my 6-32 tap.  Could not find a 6-48 yesterday.  Found a couple drill-tap guides on line, one cost more than the barrel.  Talked to one gunsmith on the phone and he charges $30.00 a hole.  If I find the right tap I will see if I can free hand it.  Thanks for the feed back
 
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[leadman]

Buy a 6-48 bottoming tap and a starting tap. Use the tapered starting tap about a quarter turn ,then back it up and it will cut the little piece of loctite, then a quarter turn again, etc. when the tapered tap hits bottom, then switch to the bottoming tap (it has a fairly flat bottom).  Midway or Brownell's have the taps. If you have a supplier for machine tools nearby they may have them.
Have you tried acetone in the holes? This should soften the loctite so you can use a pick or a needle to work it out.
 
If you can't get it out send me a PM. I have the taps.

[Flashole]

Thanks leadman.  Going to see what acetone will do while I'm waiting on my order from Midway.  I use taps on the job but more as a field mechanic and so much bigger than 6-48.  I'm sure it this real easy cross thread this small of a hole.  I sure have a greater appreciation for the guys that have the lathes and mills in their garage and know how to use them.
 
 
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