When attemptin to install an adjustable gas block last night I went to remove the screw from my original gas block and manage to snap the end of the hex bit in the set screw. The first set screw came out with no issue by the second one is stuck tight. I am looking for any suggestions on how to get the broke tip out of the set screw so that I can remove it. It was a Brownells magna tip hex bit if that makes a difference. I am going to call Brownells today to see about getting the bit replaced.
Gunsmithing Broken Hex Bit
- Thread starter Maelstrom
- Start date
How big…how much working area do you have on the stump to get ahold of? Is it flush with the top of the screw or down inside (recessed)?
Magnet? Super glue? JB weld? Drill? Torch? How wild are you willing to go?
Magnet? Super glue? JB weld? Drill? Torch? How wild are you willing to go?
It is a small 3/32 bit. It broke off pretty flush with the top of the set screw. Didn't think about a magnet. Super glue was my first thought but unfortunately i am out. I am going to pick up a new tube today. I don't want to damage the gas block if I don't have to. If it had broken off in the new gas block I would just leave it in there and let it fall out on it's own from shooting.
You might try a blast of air from a tiny nozzle. I’d be inclined to smack it with a punch once or twice in case the corners of the bit are “stuck” in the flats of the screw. If the stump is clean, some quick set JB weld to reattach the end of the bit to the stump might give you the best chance of getting ahold of it.
If you have an engraver, turn the gas block upside down and apply a high frequency vibration to the area and see if it will vibrate out under gravity.
A more serious option if you have a drill press and associated equipment, drill down into the bit and use an “easy out” screw extractor to pull the whole thing.
If you have an engraver, turn the gas block upside down and apply a high frequency vibration to the area and see if it will vibrate out under gravity.
A more serious option if you have a drill press and associated equipment, drill down into the bit and use an “easy out” screw extractor to pull the whole thing.
There are some very tiny Dremel bits if you look. The shinny one is diamond.
I'd be surprised if you can salvage the gas block, but if you remove around the bit, it should come out. Once you can see the screw, cut across it so a flat head screwdriver fits.
Penetrating oil, may help.
I'd be surprised if you can salvage the gas block, but if you remove around the bit, it should come out. Once you can see the screw, cut across it so a flat head screwdriver fits.
Penetrating oil, may help.
"Lightly" tap a couple of corners of the hex in a clockwise direction with a tiny punch (opposite way that you were turning it) to loosen grip of the broken off piece. Then stick a rare earth magnet on there and it should pull right out.
I just want to find out how I can get to some better classes to work with and what’s sharper target range at accuracy what makes a difference in the scope specially with it’s a 6-24x50 bestsight that’s the name of it I just wondered if you could tell me what the range would be. Is it 800 yards or 1000 yards type of scope thank you don’t be Darwin.
Sorry I am just getting back home from my second 16 hour shift in a row. I did get the bit out and no it was not a ball end. I only use those to start screws. I put the upper in the gun box in my cruiser overnight with an outside temp of around d 22 degrees last night. This morning I brought it inside and smacked the gas block a couple times with plastic handle of the screwdriver. It popped right out thankfully. I put penatrating oil on the screw before I left for work. I will leave it until tomorrow morning and try again to get the screw out. The only picture I took was of the bit to send to Brownells if needed. I called them about the bit this afternoon and they are sending a replacement as soon as they are back in stock.
Use a heat gun to warm up the fastener. If there is lock tite on the threads heat should soften it so the threads will come out. Good luck.
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