removing obstinate screw?

[horseman308]

Got a small problem. I need to remove the quarter rib on my #1-B. The front three screws came out fine, but the rearward most screw (closest to the breech) got all buggered up so that the hex wrench only spins in the head. Is there anyway to remove that screw without damaging the rib? I know I could use a hacksaw to cut a slot in it for a flat-head screw driver, but that would require cutting into the rib due to the counter sink. I'd rather not deform a $50 part if avoidable. Thanks for any ideas.

[Beers]

what you need is some lok-tite (the red stuff) or, a cheap-ass screwdriver w/ interchangeable bits, a hex bit you don't mind tossing and a replacement for the stripped screw.

Put a drop of lok-tite in the stripped screw, and set the hex bit into it and let it dry. Then fit the screwdriver onto the removeable bit and screw it outta there. Done. (actually this should work w/ any bit you don't mind parting with, as long as it will fit down into the stripped screw.)

[jpsmith1]

Get an Easy-out.  They run about $1.50 at Home Depot or Lowes.  You'll need to drill into the screw and lightly tap the easy out in with a hammer.  Turn it left and the flutes on the easy-out will grab the hole in the screw and pull it out.

They come in different sizes from a #0 to #6 is the biggest that I have.  A #0 or #1 should handle most any gun screw chores.

[Beers]

Hell.... that sounds a lot better than my idea..

I wish I'd known about that several years ago.... 

[MI-shooter]

Use a Torx bit and tap it into the buggered hex recess. Tap it hard! Then use either a socket to fit the Torx bit or a square shank screw driver to fit the bit. You can use a wrench on the square shank to help turn it. Light heat, less than it takes for water to sizzle on the metal, may help also. It's worked for me.

[marlinman93]

Make sure you don't use any heat if you Loctite the screw tip in first! Heat will cause the Loctite to release, and then you're back to square one!
 If none of the above tips gets it free, then tap in the torx tip and apply heat to the tip, then when the tip transfers heat to the screw, put the handle on it and unscrew the screw.
 Finally if none of this works you can carefully grind the head off the allen screw with a dremel and a burr. Don't remove it clear out to the rib, or it will leave a mark on the rib. Just remove almost all of it, and then gently pry the rib up, which will snap the head off. Then you can take the remaining stub out with pliers.

[jpsmith1]

Easy-outs have saved my tail many times.  Last one was pulling a rusted in place 5/8 bolt out of a motor.  The threads were rusted and the head was rusted and rounded off.

First thing that I'd reach for.  Then I'd buy a good set of screwdrivers that will fit the screwheads properly.

[Hairtrigger]

Left hand drill bits are as good as easy outs for small screws in my expierence

[jpsmith1]

The legendary left-hand drill bits.  I have a small set of them that I picked up at Harbor Freight tools.  I've never seen them anywhere else.  The smallest one that I have would probably cut a hole big enough to damage the threads.  Where can one find them in other sizes? 

[Hairtrigger]

You could try Travers Tools or MSC or a large industrial supply house
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/N2DRVSH
https://www.travers.com/Default.asp

[joshco84]

if you cant find any kind of tool or machining equipment pm me.  my mom works at a "store" that supplies tools and bits and blades and abrasives and anything you can think of.  i can seriously get anything a guy needs tool wise if you cant get it around you.