Well, my bedding job looks like it may be a success, but when I put the action screw back in the stupid head stripped. Wasn't even tight at all...now the screw won't come out. I have a spare screw that I can cut down and use, but I need to get this one out. it is just a tiny bit too large for the allen wrench now, and the next size up is way to large. I was hoping to shoot it tomorrow, I keep having little setbacks.

try a metric, or, epoxy the wrench you have in the socket

Take the larger allen wrench and carefully filing a gradual taper into it until it can get a good bite.

However, like tin can says, if it is not stripped but you simply have the wrong size then you may be better off simply finding the proper wrench. Another trick is to pound a torx driver into it but try the other suggestions first.

If all the above tips fail use a left hand twist drill just slightly biger than the hex key that wont work. As you are drilling on the head the screw will come out 99% of the time. Remember use a left hand drill for this.

quote:

Another trick is to pound a torx driver into it

that's why I suggested a metric- they are close in size to the SAE's, and maybe one can be forced in that's slightly oversized... but the torx method could be handy.

This is the only good reason to use a torx drive bit. Tap a close fitting one in and back the screw out.

don't forget ez-outs, and impact drivers are your friend when removing stripped things too.

J Zola has it right. I've used Torx bits for years for this purpose and they bite great, cheap too!

Looks like I'll be getting an easy out bit. I'll try grinding down the next size, but I'm doubting I can get it. I tried some gorilla glue, but it just broke when I went to screw the screw out. I thought it would at least grip it enough to let me start unscrewing. The screw isn't even in there tight at all...have no clue why it stripped.

If you keep messing around you will have to drill it out. Forget the easy outs. Lee440 and J Zola are right. If you want it out, pound in a Torx bit driver. If it is really tight, a hammer strike on hand held impact driver will break it loose. When you screw up as often as I have, these are things you know.

Don't have any larger size torx...

go over to the local sears or auto parts sort, and get a set of 1/4" drive torx bits..

or, get an easy out set, and grind down the TIP of an easy out till it goes in.

gorilla glue? well, you learned a lesson, don't use wood glue for metal work.

really, stop screwing around and go get a set of torx..
jeffe

Got it out.

Little bit of hillbilly ingenuity...but it is out with no damage to anything.

well howdja doit?

First, I wouldn't have tried this if it was tight at all, but I knew it wasn't so:

Cut a little notch in the screw, put in a screwdriver at an angle and lightly tapped it till it got to where the allen wrench could get it out.

Then I cut down a longer screw I had for the rifle to the proper length for the front action screw and put it in.

Sometimes a set of left hand drill bits is a nice thing to have. Especially when removing broken or striped screws.

Just my 2 cents.

Regards,
Eric

quote:

Originally posted by J_Zola:
This is the only good reason to use a torx drive bit. Tap a close fitting one in and back the screw out.

+1