Stripped Screw

[Hannie]

I just pulled apart an old lever action I had bought some time ago...I was removing the scope and upon closer inspection I see that the old screws that mount the bases are both stripped clean (no it was not me)

Anyone have some do it yourself home removal tips I can try before I have to head over to the hardware store?

Cheers
H

[Dean2]

The fixes are pretty standard. If the holes go clear through, push up on the screw with a pointed tool while turning it out. If they don't you need to get a fine blade under the screw head and lift while turning. Final choice is a very strong magnetic head, place on screw, turn and lift at same time. Not much can go wrong with any of these approaches, except you may not get the screw out.

If none of these work, clamp gun in vice and using drill press, drill throught the dead centre of both screws. Remove rest and re-tap holes one size bigger. Would suggest that if you are asking this you may want to have a good smith or mill wright do the drilling cause if you get this just a little wrong you can make a real mess.

[berjerkin]

try to drill out with a left hand drill bit. they usualy grab the screw and back them out while drilling in reverse.

[Hannie]

Originally Posted by berjerkin

try to drill out with a left hand drill bit. they usualy grab the screw and back them out while drilling in reverse.

It took me 2 hours with a small file but I finally got it off.

Thanks guys