any tips for tight screws?

[whoismunky]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for your advice on getting tight screws (particularly small ones) loose. I've got an AK-47 with some aftermarket handguards (on when I bought the gun) and the screws are too tight to remove. I don't think there's any rust or corrosion, as the gun's new. This is preventing me from taking the gun apart and cleaning the gas tube area...and now I have the same problem with my new Mossberg 500 tactical. The pistol grip stock that comes on it is removed by two screws that I'm having no luck with. Wanted to see how you guys usually handle this since it isn't actually stuck, just overtightened...much appreciated

 

[Colt556]

The most important thing to remember about screws is to use the proper size screw driver. The proper size screw driver will save the screw heads and save you a lot of grief. Do you think there might be Lock Tight on them? Sometimes to break a tight screw loose I will gently tap the screw driver a couple times with a hammer to help loosen it up some. Good luck.

 

[tv1217]

Could be loctite, which takes heat to loosen.

 

[IndyMonkey]

The most important thing to remember about screws is to use the proper size screw driver. The proper size screw driver will save the screw heads and save you a lot of grief. Do you think there might be Lock Tight on them? Sometimes to break a tight screw loose I will gently tap the screw driver a couple times with a hammer to help loosen it up some. Good luck.

This

 

[Eddie]

The most important thing to remember about screws is to use the proper size screw driver. The proper size screw driver will save the screw heads and save you a lot of grief. Do you think there might be Lock Tight on them? Sometimes to break a tight screw loose I will gently tap the screw driver a couple times with a hammer to help loosen it up some. Good luck.

Ditto on this. One thing you can do if you are having trouble holding the gun in position while you both tap and hold the screwdriver in place is to have a buddy gently tap the screwdriver with a hammer while you hold the screwdriver in place and apply light pressure.

 

[451_Detonics]

Some Loc-tites can be very stubborn, using a soldering iron on the head of the screw can soften these.

 

[Duce]

Support/clamp your gun down somehow so it won't move. Then:

Colt556 The most important thing to remember about screws is to use the proper size screw driver. The proper size screw driver will save the screw heads and save you a lot of grief. Do you think there might be Lock Tight on them? Sometimes to break a tight screw loose I will gently tap the screw driver a couple times with a hammer to help loosen it up some. Good luck

And post how it all worked out........Duce<><

 

[wolfman]

Some Loc-tites can be very stubborn, using a soldering iron on the head of the screw can soften these.

I don't have any handy right now, but if I remember correctly, the directions say the release temp is 300 deg.

 

[sj kahr k40]

Keep her!!! Lol

I just read the title.

 

[44 MAGNUM SHOOTER]

If you get it off and want to put Loctite on there.. use blue or even clear nail polish for small screws (your girl friend will kill ya for taking it though). Red is a real pain to remove.

 

[44 MAGNUM SHOOTER]

Keep her!!! Lol

I just read the title.

LOL !!

 

[copper]

there are just too many smart alec answers, I don't know where to start....

 

[XtremeVel]

I have had a few so stubborn that I had to also use a extra set of hands and a pair of vice grips attached to the screwdriver/allen wrench. This was after trying all the other good ideas stated above.

Recently, I had fits trying to remove the (4) small set screws in the top of the receiver of a stainless 10-22. It was a good thing it was after hours, or Rugers customer service would of gotten an earful.

 

[jsn_mooney]

heat, correct sized screwdriver, a little "love-tap" on the driver while turning never hurts.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Just to say that this thread has NOTHING at all to do with what I thought it had to do with...

-J-

 

[Jack Ryan]

I've always heard "candy is dandy but liquor is quicker".

 

[Jack Ryan]

Use hollow ground gunsmith screw drivers so the gun doesn't end up looking like it was taken apart by Joe Bob out in the barn.

 

[Mr. Habib]

I've always heard "candy is dandy but liquor is quicker".

Yeah, a couple shots of Tequila usually works, or so I've heard.

 

[LeeStreet]

KY

 

[UltraRick]

Quote:
Originally Posted by sj kahr k40
Keep her!!! Lol

I just read the title.


LOL !!
__________________

Me too!