Can't Loosen Sideplate Screw on M66

[Vettepartz]

I have a M66 no-dash that I recently bought, and find that one of the sideplate screws is so tight that I cannot loosen it. I am using a gunsmith's screwdriver so that it fits tightly into the slot, but I am afraid I will break the head of the screw if I put any more pressure on it. Any suggestions or old "Gunsmith-Tricks" to get this out?

 

[Vettepartz]

I have a M66 no-dash that I recently bought, and find that one of the sideplate screws is so tight that I cannot loosen it. I am using a gunsmith's screwdriver so that it fits tightly into the slot, but I am afraid I will break the head of the screw if I put any more pressure on it. Any suggestions or old "Gunsmith-Tricks" to get this out?

 

[SW CQB 45]

pentrating oil (like kroil)
wait a while to let penetrate

brace frame underneath and protect finish
use an old screwdriver that fits in the slot and give it a wack or two.

not hard enough to damage the screw, just enough to help jar it loose with the turn.

they do make those impact type screwdrivers, but I would be afraid of shearing the screw slot off.

then try again with your gunsmith screwdriver.

good luck

 

[Denver Dick]

I've had a couple like that. I put a drop of Break Free directly on the screw and left it for 6 to 8 hours. That did it. By the way, I used a "scrunched-up" rag underneath so that I could get the frame level so the drop would say on top of the screw and not run off.

Good luck.

 

[tomcatt51]

This is when you find out if your good screwdrivers really are. Support the gun so you don't mar anything and wack the end of the screw driver AS you're twisting it. Use some discretion, this doesn't require a 4 lb hammer.

 

[bountyhunter]

+1 on Kroil. I have a woden work surface I can lay the frame on for support. Then lean down hard as you turn. There are impact drivers that will work but you may have to grind down a bit to fit the screw.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Take a old screw driver that will fit down in the slot and tap the end of the screw driver with a hammer. Then try it with the good screw driver again.

 

[Vettepartz]

Got it! Thanks for all the tips. I used Kroil on it for about 6 hours, then did the tapping/turning with a perfectly fitting screwdriver. Actually, it was pretty easy after all that. Only down side is that I have that Kroil smell for a few days.

 

[bountyhunter]

Originally posted by Vettepartz:
Got it! Thanks for all the tips. I used Kroil on it for about 6 hours, then did the tapping/turning with a perfectly fitting screwdriver. Actually, it was pretty easy after all that. Only down side is that I have that Kroil smell for a few days.

That aroma will atttract the woman you will want to marry.....

 

[Centenniel]

Kroil... great stuff, and I actually kinda like the smell.

 

[Angel Eyes]

I love the smell of <STRIKE>Napalm</STRIKE> Kroil in the morning. Apocalypse Now

 

[Triggernosis]

Originally posted by bountyhunter:
That aroma will atttract the woman you will want to marry.....

Right on, brother! I wish I'd've known that 20 yrs. ago....