[Speedo66]

Hi- I posted this on another site also, no replies yet.

My original 1873 has several stuck screws, I'm trying not to bugger them up.

I've tried various penetrants, and have heated one with a propane torch and then sprayed to cool it with penetrant, but no luck.

Local gunsmith declined to try.

Any ideas?

Do machine shops have any special equipment to remove them without damage?

[rcmodel]

If you have access to a drill press, you can chuck a screwdriver bit in it and use the quill to hold the gunsmith ground blade down in the screw slot while turning it with the chuck.
I use the bit extension from a Chapman screwdriver set, as well as the ratchet handle supplied with the Chapman sets.

I use that method on old Winchesters with usually a very good success rate.

The driver bit simply can't raise up and slip out of the slot.
And if it breaks, it is in total control in the drill press chuck.

PS: It usually helps to put the driver bit in the screw slot first, and give it a couple good whacks with a small hammer.

The vibrations will usually break the screw loose from the threads and it will then come out normally.

rc

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I agree with screw driver in slot tapped with hammer .// I also try to barely tighten screw. Because this is the way it was moving when last cutting , then back off. //// Drill press is best if you have access.

Is it necessary to remove screws? (I'm of the if it aint broke don't fix it mentality)

[Speedo66]

Thank you both, much appreciated.

Will give it a try.