stuborn screws
 

I wish I could remember where I read this tip - but it came in handy.

I was trying to remove a screw that did not want to budge, and there was no way I was gong to bugger up the slot on this one.

But I remembered a gunsmithing article (may have been in Shoooting Sportsman but i am not sure) that had instructions on how to remove a stuck screw

NOW - for this method - you need to absolutely remember three things


UNPLUG YOUR DRILL PRESS

FIT THE SLOTTED BIT TO THE SCREW HEAD EXACTLY

UNPLUG YOUR DRILL PRESS

so - I took a bit from my Brownells set and ground the width and length to a perfect fit to the screw slot.

then, after padding the action with leather I placed it firmly in the drill press vice making sure the screw head was parallel with the table. Then - locking the bit in the collet, I lowered the bit and moved the vice until the slotted bit was lined up and was fully in the screw slot.

now - I locked the vertical so that the bit could not ride out of the slot and anchored the vice so that it could not move.

did I mention - unplug the drill press --:)

now - using the collet as a screw driver handle - slowly but firmly rotate the bit.

I was amazed on how smoothly the screw came loose after I could not even budge it by hand.

Nice trick I will have to remember this one.

nice trick
 

How much for a drill press???..:rotf:

Oscar Gaddy used and recommended that technique.

sounds like you meant to get that screw come hale or high water...charlie

Well Angel- mine is a 1930's vintage cast iron Craftsman, a big one, about 25 years ago I paid some old guy who was retiring to Florida $75 for it, I had to take it apart there and was loading it up when he came out and held out a morticing attachment and asked if I had any use for it :rolleyes:- and tossed it in as part of the deal.

And Charlie - yes - I had two important goals - get it out of where it had likely been sitting for nearly140 years and don't break it.

Perhaps it is not necessary to say, but it usually pays to prep the screw/threads with Kroil for a few days prior to going major in this way.

I've been reviving, rehabbing, rebuilding and restoring antique machinery for the better part of 60 years. This is standard practice. Often times, a good tap with a ball peen hammer on the shank of the screwdriver is enuf of a shock to break them loose too.

I agree with Mr. Spencer on that technique for removing stubborn screws without the use of a drill press and I have found a solution of acetone/automatic transmission fluid in a 50/50 mixture is the absolute best penetrant for just about any rusted or gunked up screw.

I used to think PB Blaster was the best until I read about the Acetone/ATF mixture a few years ago. I tried it and was very surprised how well it works. You have to keep the mixture in a sealed container, to prevent evaporation.