Breaking Scope Ring Screws Loose

[Charlie-SA]

I've got a Burris 2 X 7 scope mounted on a 10" Contender barrel I want to remove.  The base a solid one piece base so the screws are quite deep.  The hex slot takes a 3/32" key.  Using the short end of the key I have not been able to break loose.  Concerned about breaking the key.  It has been on the barrel for many years, don't know what may have been used (loctite, etc).  I'm wondering if I apply heat with a heat gun if I can mess up the scope?  Any suggestions?

[sgtt]

I would try a soldering iron.

[SHOOTALL]

lightly tap as you try to turn.

[tlyne]

I would use a heat gun.

[Charlie-SA]

Thanks all.  As I don't have a soldering iron or mini torch I'll try my heat gun but if that doesn't worki I will just drill it out.  I don't care about the base, would replace with a standard weaver type base.

[sr sawyer]

If you are attemting to remove ring srews I would advise using maybe a 10 or 12 gauge copper wire touching the screw and applying the heat indirectly so you are not heating the scope with heat gun.  I believe heating the ring and screw hot enough to do any good with the heat gun will have adverse affects on the scope.
 
Ken

[SHOOTALL]

I would think heating the ring and keeping the screw cool would have the best effect. In most cases the shoulder of the screw binds not the threads. I have seen the heads break off and the remaining pcs of screw come out with finger pressure . Tapping lightly with say a shot of PB blaster will often break the bond and the screw eases out.

[SHOOTALL]

If thread compound was used a very little warming might help but real hot can hurt.

[Charlie-SA]

Picked a small hobby type soldering iron and got 2 loose however heating, tapping etc didn't break the other 2 free, just stripped the allen wrench slot:-(
Now looking at seeing if I can pick up a small extractor bit reasonalbly which would allow me to save the mount if I could find 2 replacement screws.  If not it is drill out time.  Scope was mounted about 15 years back and don't recall who mounted it.

[Westwindmike]

Have you tried Kroil?

[SHOOTALL]

If you live near a machine shop supplier try a left hand bit and extractor . Often the drill bit will cause it to back out . And Kroil is a great product.

[BCB]

I hd the same problem sometime back...
 
I was scared I would round the hex torx screw after I broke the tips of 2 torx wrenches off...
 
Took it to a gunsmith and indicated that I didn't want to get more in it than I could purchase a new set of rings.  If that was going to be the case, the ol' drill and bit were coming out and that would have been the end of the screws...
 
He had a impact driver that he inserted the correct size torx wrench (15 I think) and wacked it a good one and out the screw came...
 
10 bucks...
 
Cheaper than a set of rings...
 
So, a 'smith might be an option if you ask the price first...
 
Good-luck...BCB

[Flash]

Buy a 3/32" Allen bit to go in a 1/4" drive bit driver. You'll be able to use greater downward pressure, while backing the screw out.

[Da-Law-Dawg]

Apply some Kroil or PB super penetrant (liquid, not aresol) on the head of the screws. Let sit overnight.

Take an Allen bit in a driver handle as stated above. Prior to attempting to loosen, mix a dab of Comet cleaner and a few drops of water into a slurry. Apply the slurry to the bit (will help it bite and prevent slipping). The driver/bit combo along with the slurry will give you a solid bite and should break loose.

On a side note, insert the bit and gently tap the handle a few times prior to turning. Will help "shock load" the screws and help break things loose.

[Charlie-SA]

After rounding out both the screw heads on the back ring, tyrying to get an extractotr bit to bite, etc., etc., I got out my dremel and cut the screws.  It trashed the mount but I put a weaver base on which gives me a lot more flexibility.
Thanks for all the tips, will come in handy in the future I'm sure.