Shortening up action screws

[long40shot]

I need to shorten up my action screws on my rem 700. What is the best method for cutting them and getting a straight edge?

Thanks
Matt

 

[Terry]

Dremel tool works with cutoff wheel.

 

[jfseaman]

In order of preference:

Belt sander
Tool grinder, fine wheel
Dremel type tool

Your best tool for this is time. Take your time.

 

[Toolbreaker]

If you're just removing a few threads, double-nut the screw with however much you're needing to remove protruding, then grind off to the nut. Taking the nuts back off will clean & straighten the bottom thread.

 

[Gene66]

Belt sander works best for me.

 

[savagedasher]

If you're just removing a few threads, double-nut the screw with however much you're needing to remove protruding, then grind off to the nut. Taking the nuts back off will clean & straighten the bottom thread.

Totally agree the starting threads need to be adjusted also I do before removeing the nut .
Larry

 

[carlsbad]

lathe

 

[Preacher]

Run them into a 1/4 x 28 die and when your done cutting you'll have a nice edge, and clean threads...

 

[Hippy]

If you're just removing a few threads, double-nut the screw with however much you're needing to remove protruding, then grind off to the nut. Taking the nuts back off will clean & straighten the bottom thread.

+2

 

[butchlambert]

lathe

Tell me the advantage and how do you check them up.

 

[germanlongbow]

Thats a smart idea. Always had an issue getting thread back into receiver after using dremel tool and sander. Thanks

 

[alf]

Unless you're needing a half inch off, I chuck 'em in my drill press and use a file......

 

[Preacher]

IF- I was going to cut them in a lathe, I would drill and tap a piece of metal, screw the bolt into it, chuck that in the lathe and cut away what I didn't want...

 

[ranch23]

Tell me the advantage and how do you check them up.

On big bolts, 1" or so, I would double nut them in a 3 jaw, advantage?, not time certainly. On smaller I use a drilled and tapped piece of flat stock, leave the threads hang out the amount you want to cut off. Grind away on a 2 X 72 belt, perfect every time. And if you nut the opposite side they don't move at all.

 

[carlsbad]

Tell me the advantage and how do you check them up.

slide them into the back of a collet. You can take off .002 at a time and then chamfer the last thread.

--Jerry

 

[butchlambert]

slide them into the back of a collet. You can take off .002 at a time and then chamfer the last thread.

--Jerry

Preacher's idea is good. A collet? I could double nut and Dremel or belt sander faster. To each his own.

 

[WayneShaw]

I've never had a problem gripping a screw a 3 jaw to trim off the end. I take the aluminum jaws off, just use the steel main jaws that are about an inch deep. Run a nut up on it, cut with a hack saw, face off. Nice finish.

 

[long40shot]

Excellent ideas guys! I do have a bench mounted belt sander. I'll probably Excellent l incorporate it some how.

Matt

 

[hogpatrol]

Tell me the advantage and how do you check them up.

Collet and it's done the way a real machinist would do it. As stated in many of my previous posts, there are myriad ways to use machine tools for a given result and the best way is not the other guy's.

Actually, a friend has an old Atlas lathe. It's great for shortening all kinds of fasteners. Last time I used it was for scope base mounting screws, 8-40s.

 

[carlsbad]

Preacher's idea is good. A collet? I could double nut and Dremel or belt sander faster. To each his own.

You don't have a full set of 5c collets mounted near your lathe? I use collets for most small work. --Jerry