Is there such a thing as Hardened Scope Ring Screws?

[KnightExtreme]

Stripped out all 4 Scope Ring Screws and wondering if there is one's that are hardened that will not strip out? Looking for this not to occur again.
Being these are Allen Head Hex Screws, now the 2 Allen L Wrenchs now just spin as does 2 Torx Head Bits. If there is where can I find some not a large quantity maybe 8?
Thanks
KnightExtreme

 

[MallardSX2]

First, I suggest you search out a torque wrench.

 

[wapitibob]

Buy good screws, torx not allen. Amazon or mcmaster carr that meet astm specs.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

If they stripped out because they had locktite, you can use a soldering iron on the bolt head to heat it directly to loosen the locktite for future reference.

 

[TaperPin]

Stripped out all 4 Scope Ring Screws and wondering if there is one's that are hardened that will not strip out? Looking for this not to occur again.
Being these are Allen Head Hex Screws, now the 2 Allen L Wrenchs now just spin as does 2 Torx Head Bits. If there is where can I find some not a large quantity maybe 8?
Thanks
KnightExtreme

Brownells is a safe bet for quality screws. Leupold is a crappy company today, but they have consistently used good quality screws and replacements seem easy to get.

 

[KnightExtreme]

Thanks,
Tried a soldering iron as the last resort, also tapped on each screw, soaked the screws overnight before I attempted and stripped all the screw heads out. These rings were purchased a long time back 2006 when Allen Head Screws were the common screw head but progress now more are a torx head. Have not needed any new rings till now.
Will see if Brownell has something or maybe even Leupold. Do not have a gunsmith to get some assistance. Looks like I will need to drill out the screws to recover the scope.
Appreciate the posts. Time to start drilling! As for a torque wrench if only the shop that installed the Rings would have used 1 and not added loctite they might have come out but that was 19 years ago when maybe using loctite was the norm. That shop is no more... Reason for removing is Bestill Creations only needs the Barrel, Action and Bolt without the scope or stock.
KnightExtreme

 

[KnightExtreme]

Brownell has a lot of options if I only knew what size, length and such would be good to know. Reached out to Brownell CS maybe they can shed some details on what specifics I would need...
KnightExtreme

 

[wapitibob]

Thanks,
Tried a soldering iron as the last resort, also tapped on each screw, soaked the screws overnight before I attempted and stripped all the screw heads out. These rings were purchased a long time back 2006 when Allen Head Screws were the common screw head but progress now more are a torx head. Have not needed any new rings till now.
Will see if Brownell has something or maybe even Leupold. Do not have a gunsmith to get some assistance. Looks like I will need to drill out the screws to recover the scope.
Appreciate the posts. Time to start drilling! As for a torque wrench if only the shop that installed the Rings would have used 1 and not added loctite they might have come out but that was 19 years ago when maybe using loctite was the norm. That shop is no more... Reason for removing is Bestill Creations only needs the Barrel, Action and Bolt without the scope or stock.
KnightExtreme

Drill the head with a bit one size lager than the thread dia and the heads will pop off. Pliers will remove the screw body from the action.

 

[KnightExtreme]

Okay, that sounds like a good idea just have to learn what size these Scope Ring Screws are. (Maybe 6 x 48 ? but could be 8 x 40)
KnightExtreme

 

[AZ_Hunter]

Maybe the are rusted up?? Good luck and post pics when done.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I got some easy outs for the dink screws, they work really well.

 

[KnightExtreme]

All 4 are like this (allen head). Has anyone used a Left Hand Twisted Drill Bit to attempt to break a screw loose? Not had much luck with EZ Outs (when i have tried them though not firearms related) and being so small and no drill press not sure I could not center / notdamage the threads on the bottom half of the rings. But thanks for the ideas.
Still looking at my options.
KnightExtreme

 

[KnightExtreme]

A liitle more research via Brownell suggests the Screws are 6 x 40, still not sure though?
KnightExtreme

 

[wapitibob]

View attachment 887280


All 4 are like this (allen head). Has anyone used a Left Hand Twisted Drill Bit to attempt to break a screw loose? Not had much luck with EZ Outs (when i have tried them though not firearms related) and being so small and no drill press not sure I could not center / not damage the threads on the bottom half of the rings. But thanks for the ideas.
Still looking at my options.
KnightExtreme

Another way, and maybe better for you, is to drill the stripped hole slightly larger, not drilling to the body depth, then use a framing hammer to press/pound/tap the next larger torx bit into the new hole. Essentially making a the torx bit an easy out.

Worst case, you drill the head and it pops off the screw body (you'll see it pop off and spin on the drill), then you use a set of vise grips to turn out the protruding screw body.

 

[Grassymike]

I would not get a hammer anywhere near my rifle and scope. I have drilled out screw's in rings on my drill press. Just use a sharp bit and go slow ,head will center bit and it pops off as others have said.

 

[TaperPin]

Stripped out Allen head screws can sometimes get loosened with a torx bit tapped into it solid. I’ve ground down the torx bit to be as tight a fit as possible without bottoming out in the head. These are usually a good hard grade of steel and you might have to try a couple to get it right.

Left hand drill bits actually work surprisingly well.

 

[wapitibob]

Buy a good scope and tapping a torx bit into a mount screw won't do a thing.

 

[KnightExtreme]

As mentioned no drill press to center the screw only hand drills - corded and cordless I am reluctant to do something that will be more also have no means to Hold the Scope / Rings steady. Not liking the free hand. Guess you need to be more machinist when it comes to dealing with firearms issues. A good firearm's vises are some $ having rubber to protect the scope, would be nice though holding it steady. More things to look at trying! Thanks. Just tried another type penetrating oil will let it sit overnight once I flip the scope over to the top. Put some on the bottom side of the screws and between the slight gap of the rings, maybe it will seep in to the threads. Being as tight as the screw are the heads will be tough to get any thing down from the top the way it is looking. Have not given up yet. Might wait and apply some heat again guess it can't hurt and then try the next size torx head and hope it bits in the edge of the allen head?
If not maybe finding a 9/64 or 5/32 left hand drill bit and see how that works?
KnightExtreme

 

[TaperPin]

Buy a good scope and tapping a torx bit into a mount screw won't do a thing.

I’ve removed a number of stripped out Allen heads that way, so it at least has worked for me.

 

[TaperPin]

… and hope it bits in the edge of the allen head?

Using a Dremel and grinding stone or disk it’s quite easy to fine tune the fit so when it’s driven into the allen head it wedges in tight.

If that doesn’t work out drilling is what I’d do next - with a bit the diameter of the screw, not the head, and just deep enough to release the head. If you aren’t set up for it, a gunsmith wouldn’t charge too much. It’s something they see all the time.