Re: arrrrrrrrr. red loctite on scope base screws.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mikee Booshay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Used to be a motorcycle mechanic - had issues with stuck/loctited screws ( into aluminum mostly ) all the time.
Snap-on impact driver - there is no substitute. Add heat if especially stubborn. I had a cheap Craftsman, when it wouldn't come off with that, I borrowed JC's ( the other mechanic ). FIrst decent payday, bought my own ( created a saying on payday Friday, the day the red and white truck comes - time to get snapped off by the jerk-on man).
Still have it today - still kicking small screws asses with it! </div></div>
Yes, this was my first thought as well. Honda used to use phillips head screws on their brake rotors, and without this tool, I never managed to remove them without stripping the head. Torx is much better in that regard, but I'll bet this would have worked well with some heat, too:
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000723.php
I also highly recommend Snap-On for driver bits. I broke several Torx bits removing seat belts before I finally coughed up the dough for some Snap-On ones, but they have lasted through many, many jobs and are still in my tool box. And they'll be replaced free if I ever do manage to break one. Like these precision rifles, tools are the same -- "buy once, cry once!"