Stripped Allen screw in my Kimber rear sight

[Fatelvis]

Ohhh, I have to sit back and take a few deep breaths.... I just bought a used,"in excellent cond." (I thought), Kimber series 1 stainless Classic and needed to adjust the rear sight, and found the 1/16" Allen screw is stripped out in the rear sight. (The allen wrench just spins in the screw). Its waaay down there, and Im thinking a micro-extractor will bugger the sight threads. Any ideas? PLEASE? Thanks Guys-

 

[Rockstar]

So, is the head "rounded out" where the allen wrench would "grab" it, or is the screw stripped?

 

[Fatelvis]

The head is rounded out.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Would you be able to gently tap in a larger wrench, maybe a metric sized on a bit bigger?

 

[mete]

Try an extractor. Otherwise you might try miracle glue on the wrench and try.

 

[Fatelvis]

What is "Miracle glue"?

 

[musher]

I think he means super glue, but I'd degrease, then glue in a wrench with epoxy. Let it set overnight before trying to turn the screw.

 

[Lingoch]

2 possiblities. Someone put locktite on the screw going in or it is cross threaded. Wullowed out allens usually are from being tight when try to remove them. You don't ususally strip them out going in unless...well you know its cross threaded. Just be careful with the threads that are there. Worst comes to worst you might have enough thread to go either metric or use a different pitch. Be positive.

 

[Rockstar]

How about posting a picture of the jig that you fabricate to hold that tiny allen wrench steady in that tiny hole while the "glue" sets up?? I'm a firm believer in Torx screws...just wish they were available in more sizes for more applications.

You might have to do some drilling; or pay a gunsmith to do some drilling.

 

[NMshooter]

That rear sight has been pressed into the slide with a hydraulic press.

The allen screw is cosmetic.

Be prepared to put it in a vise with padded jaws and use a piece of nylon and a BFH with some force (hammer the stuffing out of it!) to shift that sight.

And if you want some help installing night sights please call someone else...

 

[Fatelvis]

I think he means super glue, but I'd degrease, then glue in a wrench with epoxy. Let it set overnight before trying to turn the screw

Musher, you made my day with the epoxy idea. It worked like a charm! You get to wear a gold star on your forehead today. (and maybe milk and cookies if you're good) LOL Thanks guys!

 

[Bill Z]

I normally drill out the 4-40 hole and tap it for a 6-32 set screw and use that. It's much more durable and prevents this from happening in the future.