Stripped set screw

runawaygun762 · Aug 7, 2016

I have a stripped set screw in the rear sight of my pistol. It's a Dawson sight, so the screw is thooper tiny and thooper deep in there. I don't want to try using JB Weld on an allen wrench, as the chance of getting it on the threads seems too great. Is there an easy way to get this thing out or do I need to look for specialized equipment?

mike cyrwus · Aug 7, 2016

drill it out, remove it, retap to 6-48, get 6-48 set screw

jcameron996 · Aug 7, 2016

Really small left handed drill bit??

runawaygun762 · Aug 7, 2016

You lost me at drill it out. Can you even do that with a Dremel? I'll try it. Thank you.

Matt1911 · Aug 7, 2016

If you're using a Dremel, might as well just order a new rear sight.

wav3rhythm · Aug 7, 2016

Angle grinder and belt sander

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

drmitchgibson · Aug 7, 2016

Drill it out. Try an easy-out (they generally are garbage but do work well 1% of the time). Try a similar size from the alternate measuring system (metric/standard). Try a torx. Try a spline wrench. Try a flat blade screwdriver that fits tightly in the socket.

Trying a bunch of things is slow and requires the tool collection of a real man. Drilling is fast, but requires balls and skill.

dennishoddy · Aug 7, 2016

The question is why is it stripped in the first place? Was the wrong type of thread locker used? was the set screw metric and you used standard, or visa versa?
If the wrong thread locker was used, heat may be your partial answer. Look up on the net what type of threadlocker you used, and see what temp is required for it to release.
Then do like Mitch said. Use a Star, metric, or whatever including making one with a grinder that is tapered and will wedge into the stripped hole. It should come out intact if your holding your nuts with your right hand, and staring at a 70's poster of Farah Fawcett.

If none of that works, and you don't have the ability to drill and tap like Mike said, its gunsmith time.

runawaygun762 · Aug 8, 2016

I'm just going to say screw it and run with it as is. It has two set screws so the sight should stay put. Not like I use sights anyway. I only have them on there because the red fiber optic rod really makes the black nitiride pop. I'll fart with it this winter.