Gunsmithing Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

[armorerr]

Finally mounting up the Ken Farrell 20MOA base and putting the Falcon Menace on my Savage 110. I found lots of good advice here via the search and FAQ on leveling and everything, but I can't find any info on how to fix my issue, which is this:

When I torque the base mount screws, they bind the bolt. Loosening and removing the bolt, then torquing down one at a time reveals the rear two screws are a touch too long, the bolt will not go in when they are tightened down.

Ken's directions say this might be an issue, but I can't find any help on how to cut them down without damaging the threads. I have a dremel, grinding wheel, etc., but from experience, since I lack a die set or a nut in the correct size to fix the threads after cutting, I am hesitant to just start grinding down and hoping for the best.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[USMCj]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

dremel and cutting wheel.

 

[armorerr]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

That was my first thought - are you sure it won't bugger up the threads too much?

 

[USMCj]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

if you have a steady hand, you will be fine.

 

[doc76251]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

Wrap the screw in electrical tape and either put it into a vice and hit it with a file or hold it in a set of vice grips and rub it against a file.

Dremels are nice but if you only have 2 screws and no good way to hold them you can booger them pretty quick.

Sounds like you only need to take off a thread or two. The file is just fine for that.

Cheers,

Doc

 

[Crazy Dog ll]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

Put a nut on the bolt,back the nut up towards the head til desired amount you want cut off. Cut next to the nut,when done ,work the nut back and forth towards the end and you are done!

 

[chpprguy]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

I have put mine in a regular cordless drill...
chuck the bolt head in the drill chuck with the threaded end sticking out...
I lightly clamp the drill in my vise,
spin the screw and use a stationary file against the spinning screw. (like a mini lathe)
works well as long as you have the screw fairly centered and snug....
Andy

 

[Turk]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

I would use a file; and putting the nut on first sounds like a great idea!

 

[Guest]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

This may not pertain to your situation but I know that Remington screws are different lengths if you put the rear screws in the front holes it will bind your bolt. Just a thought

 

[armorerr]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

Thanks to all for the advice! The drill sounds like a good idea, I will remember that for next time. This time though, I simply used a metal file clamped in my vise and did it by hand. Slow and steady and I now have them in without a binding bolt!

I tried to find a nut to use as a back-off thread clean-up, but could not find one in this size at the local big box stores. I have done that in the past for automotive bolts with good success.

Thanks again to all for helping out a noob!

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

Put a nut on it, dremel cut it, then unscrew the nut to correct any threads that may have been damaged.


I do this all hte time on bolts for my R/C engines, controls etc and it works flawlessly.

 

[Coyotejunki]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

I usually use a file, or a bench grinder then a file.

 

[bcw1284]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

If you just need to shave a lil bit off, use a file.

When I installed my USO base, the screws were over 1/8" too long. A HIDE member suggested wire cutters, and that worked ok, but I found the dremel to be easier. Just make the cut nice an straight, then bevel the edge after the cut and clean any burrs off. Threaded right in, worked like a charm.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Base mount screws too long - how can I cut them?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Put a nut on it, dremel cut it, then unscrew the nut to correct any threads that may have been damaged.


I do this all hte time on bolts for my R/C engines, controls etc and it works flawlessly. </div></div>

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