Removing screws.

[ar15barrels]

And frankly, wouldn't it be worth a try?

Nope.
It would destroy the screw.

[Zamble]

I went to Brownells and ordered the Browning A5 bit set. Hopefully that works.

[CASEC]

Ill give you the poor mans solution that mimics Randall's mill recommendation. Use it at your own risk and be careful with the finish and crushing thin walled parts. I take a standard smooth walled and vice pad the backside where the work piece is touching. Then i fit my hex bit screw head snuggly in the screw and close the vice with a little pressure. Then i take my wrench and start turning the screw just a bit. I can generally turn it just enough to break loose a stuck screw without messing up the screw head. Once its loose I can remove it as usual.

[Jon Road King]

I have had excellent luck using the milling machine to remove stubborn screws.
I clamp the part in the mill vise, center up the quill over the screw, then put a 1/4" hex extension bit holder in the drill chuck.
Now I put the proper fitting bit in the holder.
Applying pressure to the quill handle will allow you to keep the bit from camming upwards while you turn the drill chuck by hand to turn remove the screw.
This method is FAR more solid than any type of handheld screwdriver.

And that's why I troll these threads... excellent!
I had never even thought of that. Gonna have to file that way back in my mind next time I get a tough screw...

[67Cuda]

Was there Loctite used on the screws? Wouldn't hurt to put some heat on them with a mini butane torch. If you use some of the methods stated, you could risk twisting the head off, but that's always a risk.

[bountyhunter]

I am trying to take apart a Browning semi automatic 12 gauge. I am having a hell of a time removing the screws to disassemble it. The shotgun is in okay shape and I don't want to do anything to mess it up. I have sprayed PB Blaster on it and go out occasionally to try to remove the screw, but no joy. On top of that, the bit and screwdriver tips break off.

Any suggestions how to loosen it up or where I can get stronger screwdrivers so the tip won't break off? Only the smallest ones will fit in the head to even try it.

You have to get driver heads that have the correct blade thickness to match the screw EXACTLY and then grind the width to match. In some cases I have ground blade thicknesses as well to get perfect match. So many people use whatever is the right width and tear up the screws because the blade is too thin.

[Zamble]

Hopefully the A5 bit kit from Brownells will be a perfect match.

[RustyIron]

I clamp the part in the mill vise, center up the quill over the screw, then put a 1/4" hex extension bit holder in the drill chuck.
Now I put the proper fitting bit in the holder.
Applying pressure to the quill handle will allow you to keep the bit from camming upwards while you turn the drill chuck by hand to turn remove the screw.

Dude. That's a kick *** idea. I may not use it this year... or this decade... but someday I may need to do this. Thanks.

[TexasJackKin]

As stated above the bit fit needs to be VERY precise. I've got a tool that fits my aircraft rivet gun, that allows you to "rattle" the screw while you apply torque to loosen the screw. This has allowed me to remove many tight screws, as well as screws with striped heads. Easy outs are only a solution of LAST resort.

[CSACANNONEER]

I have had excellent luck using the milling machine to remove stubborn screws.
I clamp the part in the mill vise, center up the quill over the screw, then put a 1/4" hex extension bit holder in the drill chuck.
Now I put the proper fitting bit in the holder.
Applying pressure to the quill handle will allow you to keep the bit from camming upwards while you turn the drill chuck by hand to turn remove the screw.
This method is FAR more solid than any type of handheld screwdriver.

Note to self, REMEMBER THIS!

[grymster]

I like AR15's suggestion. By the time I've fixtured something in a milling machine, I usually just drill out the offending screw.

On delicate items, I've sprayed with a lubricant, then placed screwdiver in slot and hammered (gently, but thoroughly) for a spell here and there. I use a a light brass hammer. The vibration often lets the lubricant work its way in and I've had a lot of success with this.

[ar15barrels]

I've got a tool that fits my aircraft rivet gun, that allows you to "rattle" the screw while you apply torque to loosen the screw.

I have one of those that goes in my air riveter for larger bolts where you can't just put the item in the milling machine (motorcycle engine!)

[ar15barrels]

Dude. That's a kick *** idea.

Note to self, REMEMBER THIS!

I like AR15's suggestion.

Y'all need to spend more time around old machinists.
These are the kinds of things you pick up in a machine shop...

[CSACANNONEER]

Y'all need to spend more time around old machinists.
These are the kinds of things you pick up in a machine shop...

I worked in a machine shop for a while during college. The head machinist was over 80 and could only work part time. Anyway, old "Smitty" did teach me how to make a left handed tap out of a right handed tap using nothing more than a bench grinder. So, I do know what you mean. The old guys who are true machinists and not just CNC monkeys are a dying breed but, they are also a wealth of knowledge and old tricks.

[thx1138x1]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned EDM.