Stuck hex-head action screw

[db22]

My Savage 11 has hex-head action screws. The main (forward) screw is frozen in place, and every 5/32" hex key I have has rounded out trying to remove it. I have soaked it with Liquid Wrench, tried grinding the keys flat again (being sure to quench them), and tried to drill out the screw (hardened steel -- no progress).
Should I try to jam an 11/64" key in the socket? Sacrifice a drill bit trying to drill it out? Give up and take it to the gunsmith? Any suggestion will be appreciated!

[quickdtoo]

Try a tight fitting torx drive in it, tap it in and give it a shot. You may be able to shorten an easy-out to fit too.  

Tim

[Rangr44]

If you use a screwdriver-pattern driver, ILO an angle wrench, you can bear down into the screw while turning the driver with another tool.
You need to use a good/hardened driver bit - not cheap, Chinese junk.

I mount the rifle securely in a padded vise, and use a wrench on a square-shafted driver, or visegrip pliers on a round-shaft driver - and bear down with all my weight/strength while turning s-l-o-w-l-y.

Also, with especially stubborn specimens, I've found it helpful to heat soak the screw head just prior to the attempt, with the tip of a very hot soldering iron.

.

[gunnut69]

The classic technique is to chuck the hex driver bit (only best quality please) in the chuck of a drill press. The weapon is secured in a machinist vise(padded) such that the bit is allowed to enter the offending screw. The hex bit compounds the problem a bit as there is already likely damage done to the hole in the bolt head. The quill is lowered(I like to minimise how far the chuck has to move) and the quill is turned with a wrench. DO NOT, REPEAT DO NOT ENGAGE THE MOTOR!!!!!! An assistant or two can be of great help in holding the rifle and holding down on the star wheel of the drill press. I've taken out some very serious problem screws with this technique..It still gives me the willy's cometime..

[db22]

Thank you all for your suggestions and guidance!
Quick, nice to hear from you! As you can see, I have drifted away from the Handi fold -- found a very good deal on this left-handed Savage M11, and am enjoying using rifles with the bolt handle on the right (left) side. Still have the .357 Max, and the Versa Pack, Huntsman, and Pardners. Hope you and your family are well and happy!

[quickdtoo]

Thanks Dave, hope all is well with you and yours too, and you get on top of those action screws!! 

Tim

[nicholst55]

I've found an impact driver with very good quality bits to be a lifesaver for times like this; Brownells sells a pretty good one.

[Victor3]

Try a tight fitting torx drive in it, tap it in and give it a shot. You may be able to shorten an easy-out to fit too.  

Tim

 When using this method it helps to grind the end of the bit square and sharp so that it cuts itself into the socket as you tap it in. Otherwise it can smoosh material radially and jam the screw more tightly into the hole.

[db22]

Thank you for your help! SFC Nichols, thank you for your carreer in service to our country!

[db22]

Try a tight fitting torx drive in it, tap it in and give it a shot. You may be able to shorten an easy-out to fit too. 

Tim
EUREKA!! It worked just as you said. I had a T27 bit that tapped in perfectly. Thanks to all!!

[quickdtoo]

That's great, the tapping helps to break it loose too I think, doesn't hurt anyway!! 

Tim