Stuck Screw Removal

[centershot]

I have a Smith and Wesson revolver that has a stuck/rusted screw. It is the one under the grips. I noticed a small amount of rust at the side plate seam, which I am attempting to remove. I have soaked it in Kroil for a few days. Used a screw bit to pound on the screw. Also used a heat gun. To no avail. Any other suggestions?

 

[akajun]

Impact driver with a hand ground bit

 

[SBS]

Apply penetrating oil several times, maybe heat several times, use a proper fitting bit and have patience (also the above). Takes a while if a screw is rusted in a blind hole.

 

[centershot]

Impact driver with a hand ground bit

Did use those on motorcycle screws. Afraid I will twist the head off

 

[1911nut]

The screw for the mainspring?

This stuff is supposed to work great, I use Kroil.

Maybe if you’re not disassembling the frame parts leave the screw alone?

if it’s the side plate screw, have patience, more penetrating oil

 

[Schippergreg]

Apply heat with a soldering iron.

 

[std7mag]

The penetrating oil, along with tapping the bit is good advice.
I'll add to use some valve grinding compound (found in any auto parts store) on the bit/screwdriver.
The abrasive helps bite in and keep from slipping.

 

[PigButtons]

Hand grinding a screw driver bit is a skill that not many have. If you have it then that is your best bet, along with the heat. A screw driver that fits perfectly is vastly more effective because it is in contact with the slot the entire width of the blade instead of just the corners of the blade in the slot as the driver changes angle slightly before engaging the inside edges of the slot.

Applying heat can be a challenge because the threaded portion of the screw is in contact with the frame that it is screwed into and the frame sucks the heat out faster due to the mass of the frame contrasted to the mass of the screw. It will unfortunately soften the screw but you may need to get it at least dark red hot, not cherry red, but enough to see the color change. Takes a steady hand and probably a new screw unless you know how to heat treat it back to its orignal hardness.

 

[DirtySteve]

Put penetrating oil on that puppy every day for a week.. Or soak it in the stuff. It did not rust in place over night. no need to be in a hurry.. Unless there is some sort of need to be in a hurry...

Also I think you are thinking a big battery type impact.. I think, maybe wrong but they are probably referinng to the non motorized type...

CRAFTSMAN Hand Impact Driver, 3/8-Inch Set (CMMT14104) - - Amazon.com

CRAFTSMAN Hand Impact Driver, 3/8-Inch Set (CMMT14104) - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[243Lapua]

A good screwdriver bit and a good whack or hit with a brass gunsmith small hammer has helped me release a lot of frozen screws.

 

[edwardware]

SOP for seized threads:
-apply Kroil (or a lesser oil if you're a welcher). Go away, come back tomorrow.
-apply more Kroil, heat until the Kroil is just seething/bubbling/boiling out of the joint. For the deeply buried thread in your case, it might take a few iterations. I use a propane torch to heat, a hairdryer won't cut it. You're boiling the Kroil into the joint.
-apply torque, with a properly-fit screwdriver.

I have never failed to remove a rust-seized threaded fastener with this approach. Galled or stripped fasteners are another matter

 

[butchlambert]

I would find a shop with an EDM machine.

 

[Bill Score]

Start the video at the 5 minute mark.

 

[dhenry132]

More Cowbell

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

Place it in the freezer for a few hours. Get a soldering iron good and hot with a small bit. Remove from freezer, stick tip of soldering iron in the screw slot and try to unscrew it. This must be done very quickly.

 

[centershot]

SOP for seized threads:
-apply Kroil (or a lesser oil if you're a welcher). Go away, come back tomorrow.
-apply more Kroil, heat until the Kroil is just seething/bubbling/boiling out of the joint. For the deeply buried thread in your case, it might take a few iterations. I use a propane torch to heat, a hairdryer won't cut it. You're boiling the Kroil into the joint.
-apply torque, with a properly-fit screwdriver.

I have never failed to remove a rust-seized threaded fastener with this approach. Galled or stripped fasteners are another matter

Do you think a heat gun would work? I used it to brown an old gun and the temp was high enough to make the solution sizzle.

 

[tobnpr]

Center punch it, left-handed drill bit will often spin it out.

 

[JSH]

Use large amounts of caution and patience. It didn’t get that way over night and it won’t come loose any sooner.
Mess around heavy handed and break half of that screw head off and you will find out what real problems are.
Don’t ask how I know these things.

Also I am still a huge Kroil fan, but that Free All is some good stuff, maybe better in some instances.

 

[AlNyhus]

I've had luck soaking the piece in plain old diesel fuel. -Al

 

[edwardware]

Do you think a heat gun would work? I used it to brown an old gun and the temp was high enough to make the solution sizzle.

A proper heat gun is certainly hot enough, but slower and much less focused than a small torch. Not sure, so I'd use a torch or soldering iron.