Author Topic: Using the easy-out to remove a broken screw (Read 759 times)

Kragman71 · « **on:** November 19, 2003, 03:25:58 PM »

Hello,
Sorry for this,but I have never used an "easy-out".
I have a set,but have never had a use for one.
The screw is broken flush with the surface of the receiver. It is a blind hole,and probably has Loctite in it.
I can alighn the bracket over the hole with the other two holes,and locate the center of the screw stud.
It is a #8 screw. What diameter hole do I drill?
How deep must the hole be?
Do I use the "easy-out" by putting it in the drill press,and turning it by hand?
I would like to use this gun on Whitetails later this Season.
Thanks a lot,
Frank

savageT · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2003, 04:21:20 PM »

Given the circumstances, I would recommend taking the gun to a qualified gunsmith and ask him to take it out. If the screw broke off flush with the receiver it's a good chance it does have locktite in it. I wouldn't gamble on drilling it out......Take it to someone who has the experience removing these things.

I have seen acid used from a medicine dropper to eat away at the screw, but that requires applying candle wax around the screw hole to protect the receiver and bluing.

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2003, 04:57:55 PM »

I second savageT, let some one who knows what hes doing fix it. I guarentee that the cost will far out weigh the agrivation if you screw it up. KN

stv · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2003, 02:52:30 AM »

The advice to take this to a good gunsmith is very good advice. The problem with the added presence of lock tite adhesive makes the situation a real mess. An easy out alone may not work and it may break off also. The procedure may require that a bit of heat may be required to cook off the lock tite but too much heat may pull temper out of the receiver. Apply penetrating oil liberally. Then set up in a mill to very carefully find the center of the screw and drill out the core of the broken screw with a centering guide. Then the easy out may have a chance. But if it fails the the screw will have to be completely drilled out and the thread remnants picked out.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2003, 03:48:42 AM »

Ezeouts almost never work for any screws this small. In my experience the best removal method is 'CAREFULLY' center drilling the screw with a lweft hand twist drill.. These work exactly as any standard twist drill excepting they are made to cut with a counter clockwise turn. A bit of heat and the bit usually will remove the screw as it drills. Machinist supply catalogs list these as a matter of course..

Kragman71 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2003, 06:27:02 AM »

Thanks,Everyone
I'm afraid that I made myself look even dumber then I really am.
I see that the easy-out is designed to be turned by a common tap handle.
I know that there is Loctite in the threads because I'm the one who installed the scope,about 25 years ago. The job that I did was servicable enough;this is the first problem that arose.
I understand that the easy-out is not the way to go,anyway.
This morning,while it rained outside,I cleaned the Loctite from all the holes and threads. I just finished levelling the receiver at the drill press. After signing off here,I'll build a dam with modler's clay around the hole and soak it with WD40.
It stopped raining;I'll let it soak,while I harass the loclal Whitetail,this afternoon
Your input was invaluable.
Frank