Jump to content
SASS Wire Forum

Dust cover screw stripped on 1873 rifle


The Revenuer

Recommended Posts

The small screw on the dust cover of my 1873 is stripped.   I have new screws coming but would like some advice on how to remove the stripped one.   
 

Anybody have experience with this? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Phantom, SASS #54973 said:

Why not just leave the Dust Cover off?

I can’t get it off, the head of the screw is stripped out.  
 

Maybe drill the head of the screw off?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Use a small drill bit to drill a hole in it and use an Easy Out to screw it out.  Sometimes you can drive an allen wrench into the hole to turn it if you don't have an Easy Out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, The Revenuer said:

I can’t get it off, the head of the screw is stripped out.  
 

Maybe drill the head of the screw off?

Oh...I miss understood :P

 

It turns but that about it? Can you apply pressure on the dust cover while unscrewing?

 

Phantom

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Phantom, SASS #54973 said:

Oh...I miss understood :P

 

It turns but that about it? Can you apply pressure on the dust cover while unscrewing?

 

Phantom

Sometimes using a small impact screwdriver will work too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Once you have it out, we tear down and clean these guns so often that many just leave the cover off...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A pointed diamond bit on a dremel can recut the slot too.

Just now, Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 said:

A pointed diamond bit on a dremel can recut the slot too.

Can everyone tell I've broken and messed up a bunch :-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Once you have the screw out.  There is a small block that it screws into under the cover.  You may have to replace this piece also.   Also watch out for the spring and indent ball when you remove the cover sometimes they can pop out and get lost.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sometimes it is possible to use a Dremil tool with a small cutoff wheel to make a new slot in the screw so you can get a screwdriver in there to remove the screw.  This method sometimes puts marks on the area around the screw so be carefull.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On occasion, I've been able to remove a damaged head screw by chucking a driver in a drill press and bearing down 'moderately' while rotating the chuck ccw by hand.  Soak it first with penetrating lube.. 

 

If all else fails, a Jeweler can remove the screw for you, using a micro-impact hammer, like is used in gemstone setting.  Or If you happen to have a friend with a pneumatic engraver, like a Gravermeister or GraverMax, that is the same tool.  Just slowly hammer the screw out from one side of the damaged head --OR engrave a new deeper slot.  

 

AFTER-THOUGHT

If you take it to a Jeweler, call first.  Don't just walk in with a rifle.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Or, If the dust cover still moves like it is suppose too, just leave it there.  Unless you need to pull the Breach Block (Bolt).  If you can just leave it there, color the screw head with a Sharpie and call it "good"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Colorado Coffinmaker said:

Or, If the dust cover still moves like it is suppose too, just leave it there.  Unless you need to pull the Breach Block (Bolt).  If you can just leave it there, color the screw head with a Sharpie and call it "good"

Frankly, I'd drill the screw head off and chuck the damn Dust Cover as far as I can.

 

But...that's just me...

 

Phantom

Link to comment
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, Dusty Devil Dale said:

call first.  Don't just walk in with a rifle.  

:lol::D:lol::D

 

Solid advice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, Nickel City Dude said:

Also watch out for the spring and indent ball when you remove the cover sometimes they can pop out and get lost.

More solid advice right there.

 

I definitely launched that little ball into the ceiling when I removed my dust cover.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, Fretless said:

More solid advice right there.

 

I definitely launched that little ball into the ceiling when I removed my dust cover.

Finding the little ball and spring are half the fun of taking it apart. 

 

 I bet a #6 or #4 steel shot would work fine as a replacement. 

 

But keep in mind the dust cover really performs no essential function, except keeping out some of the dust about 1/4 of the time when it happens to be closed.  It is mostly cosmetic----- unless you carry the gun in a truck that looks like mine.  Then dust, dirt, mud and various animal hair might be an issue.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.