doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Sideplate removal?

My one and only attempt at using my drill press to loosen the screw worked perfectly. I was very cognizant of the fact that the Brownell's bit I was using could break in use. I have broken them with just the screwdriver handle. But, It worked and I consider myself fortunate.

Thanks for the post Stephen. I will be looking into the Crown cabinetmaker's screwdrivers. Here they be.

https://www.amazon.com/Crown-185X-Cabinet-Screwdrivers-6-Pack/dp/B00EC99Z2O

Stan;


In regard to using a drill press to hold the the gun screw tightly and securely downward while turning the drill press driveshaft to twist the gun screw counter clock wise. I have used a drill press, mill/drill and a milling machine for such tasks. A proper vise to hold the gun is very much needed. And I offer this advise in the turning of the drill press, mill/drill and milling machine driveshaft to loosen the gun screw. Use a standard 1/2 inch capacity drill chuck and to turn the drill press driveshaft insert into one of the three holes (the holes where one inserts the drill chuck "key" to tighten or loosen a drill in the chuck)a 10inch or so long snug fitting shaft that has on the opposite end a larger diameter "hand hold" and use this shaft to turn the drill press chuck/drive shaft. Using a drill press (or a mill or mill/drill) that has a drive shaft lock (to hold the driveshaft from moving up/down) is desired.

I use this snug fitting shaft into the drill chuck (chuck key hole) when I am tapping screw holes by hand in my mill when I can no longer turn the chuck with only my hand. With this shaft inserted into the chuck key hole I can both turn the chuck and apply downward pressure on the mill (or drill press) while the tap is cutting threads.

Although I prefer the screw driver/ Crescent wrench method in removing "non removable screws", one needs to use what one had to do the job.

Kind regards;
Stephen Howell

Thanks Stephen. I had those thoughts about using more leverage on the chuck, but allowed discretion to be the better part of valor and refused to use any more pressure than I could muster with my bare hand. In the end it was enough.

I'm convinced that the Brownells bit I was using could be easily broken with more leverage. I'll try new things, but I'm very cautious. I can picture a line that can be easily crossed where the leverage exceeds the tensile strength of the bit.

I was using a bolted down vise to hold the action. But, thanks again for the helpful advice. It is always very much appreciated.

Stan;

The Brownells bits will not withstand in situations of tight screws as the type of this overall discussion. It is best to made a "screwdriver" shaft from tool steel such a O-1 or even more tough tool steel and harden/temper for the task at hand.

However, I am satisfied you have already discovered this.

Kind Regards;
Stephen Howell

Fantastic thread! Thanks to all who participated. Gil