Gunsmithing Screw Length problem

[SquarePizza]

Just got in my bottom metal for my win m70 and find that the DBM action holes are inletted deeper than the stock hinged bottom metal.

Now, my action screws are too long. So I am faced with a dilemma, because Winchester uses 1/4-32 screws, which I cannot just snag at my local hardware.

I am not set up for metal working, so I am not thinking that I can hacksaw the screw, because the end threads would be buggered up and I am guessing that the screws are harder than the action.

So I am debating about either buying a die for rechase the threads (about 20ish plus shipping), or maybe trying to find someone that can cut them down for me.

Any one have any ideas or experience in this area?

 

[AK264]

Re: Screw Length problem

Just grind em down. take it slow keep em cool. after you got length clean op the end threads with the grinder 45 degrees to the fastener while rotating the fastener

 

[jake6547]

Re: Screw Length problem

note: when your grinding the threads you want the bolt head to be up so the burr from grinding rolls to the end of you screw and not in your threads. make since?

 

[Hink]

Re: Screw Length problem

I had the same problem when I switched stocks on a project rifle. I just sat in fron of the idiot box (tv) with a file a filed off 1/4 thread at a time, then lightly chamfered the work surface. Check the length, and continue as necessary.

Go slow, pay attention, and check your work often.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Screw Length problem

Two other options:

1) Washers. Not sexy, but better than messed-up threads.

2) Use thread files to clean up the threads after cutting the bolts. This will avoid the need for an oddball tap.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Screw Length problem

This is a good excuse to buy a dremel... otherwise, a hacksaw and a fine file will do great.

I recommend you buy an extra set from brownells, though. As you know, the 1/4-32 screws are hard to get, and if you fugger one up, either now or in the future, its REAL nice to have spares on hand.

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Screw Length problem

http://www.mcmaster.com/#hex-nuts/=heqvmw


McMaster-Carr has 1/4x32 SS hex nuts... order one, they probably have the screws too.... thread the nut on, cut the screw, file smooth, thread the nut off...

then put your rifle back together and shoot it

 

[SquarePizza]

Re: Screw Length problem

Thanks guys! I never thought of a grinder, I might try that first.

The m70 had 3 action screws, 2 long 1 short. I am using the short in the rear action hole, which leaves me 2 longs, so I can experiment on one and still have a second before i have to order a new set. =P

 

[turbo54]

Re: Screw Length problem

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body">http://www.mcmaster.com/#hex-nuts/=heqvmw


McMaster-Carr has 1/4x32 SS hex nuts... order one, they probably have the screws too.... thread the nut on, cut the screw, file smooth, thread the nut off...

then put your rifle back together and shoot it </div></div>

In building my FN SPR, the ONLY source for 1/4-32 screws I could find was brownells - for Winchesters...and believe me, I looked and called around. Mcmaster was my first stop.

It's nice they have the nuts though... screw the nut down, so the part of tge screw to be cut off is exposed. Cut it off, using the edge of tge nut as a guide. Remivethe nut, which kicks the burr up, and dress the burr with a file. Good to go.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Screw Length problem

I like to make sure my treads are straight. This is how I do it but it would require you buying a tap. I take a small piece of strap metal, 1/8 - 3/16. Drill and tap it. The I take the screw I'm cutting down and run it through the hole I just tapped.

Leave only the part of the screw you want to grind off sticking out. The grind it. The cut is square and you can clean up the threads screwing it and out of the scrap you used.

I have made such set ups for just about every screw you can find on a gun.

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Screw Length problem

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like to make sure my treads are straight. This is how I do it but it would require you buying a tap. I take a small piece of strap metal, 1/8 - 3/16. Drill and tap it. The I take the screw I'm cutting down and run it through the hole I just tapped.

Leave only the part of the screw you want to grind off sticking out. The grind it. The cut is square and you can clean up the threads screwing it and out of the scrap you used.

I have made such set ups for just about every screw you can find on a gun.

</div></div>

I do the same, just use a nut instead of a tapped piece scrap

 

[SquarePizza]

Re: Screw Length problem

I went with the grinding method, and then hand filed the end of the screw to taper it. Ended up taking all of 15 minutes and worked great. The screws were a LOT softer than I thought they would be.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Screw Length problem

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SquarePizza</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went with the grinding method, and then hand filed the end of the screw to taper it. Ended up taking all of 15 minutes and worked great. The screws were a LOT softer than I thought they would be. </div></div>

Great! It's good the screws are soft. You definitely want THEM to fail before the female threads in the action do.