Buggered screws

[Pete99004]

So you get a new to you gun off the internet and decide you better pull the cover a take a look see to make sure there is not swarf or rust or 4 pounds of mold under there. You carefully select the proper screwdriver and remove the cover screws, do your cleaning and lubricating as you should, place the cover back on and tighten your screws - everything is going well right up to that last turn when your driver pops up and out of the slot and BINGO you have buggered up screw head!

So...now what? What are chances of getting a replacement screw that's got the same blue casting? Any method of cleaning or dressing the top of screw itself? Probably could do minor dressing on SS screws, but blued screws?


Pete

 

[snubbiefan]

If you can't get them from some other source...Jack First in Rapid City, SD can usually turn-up what you need. They actually make screws out there. Nice folks and you can Google them. They have a website, but it's pretty basic. You will have to call them to order.

I'd try Smith first. They have been known to simply mail me small stuff at no charge.

 

[TAROMAN]

Midway sells replacements. Usually, however, I just fix 'em:
1) Put the screw in a vise (carefully) and, using a small hammer, peen the raised metal back down.
2) Carefully dress the slot with a needle file.
3) Polish off the top of the screw with 320 or 400 sandpaper, maybe even 600.
4) If high polish is needed, give it a lick on the buffing wheel. If screw is stainless, go to step 7.
5) Tough up with Brownell Oxpho Blue.
6) Oil
7) Carefully install.

 

[Pete99004]

Great advise guys - I appreciate your help and will give the dress up a try first, replacement if I can't bring it back to a decent appearance. Wouldn't you know it though, the harder you try to not do it, the easier it is to do it!!

Pete