Author Topic: help with my sako screw (Read 420 times)

Handwerk · « **on:** September 06, 2005, 01:23:17 PM »

Although I still haven't decided which gun to take out west ;tikka t-3 ss/syn(7 mag) or sako 75 hunter (.270) I wanted to take my sako action out of the stock to weatherproof things. The problem is the screws are so stinken tight I can't get them to move. I am using the right size screwdriver and although not a weightlifter I consider myself strong enough to back out your average screw. What kind of lube can I apply to help me out. I live 2 1/2 hours from the nearest gunsmith so I don't want to chance breaking the head off the screw. Any Ideas? thanks

rockbilly · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2005, 03:19:12 PM »

:roll: You didn't say where out west, and what you will be hunting but either/or gun is a good choice. I think if I were planning a trip to an area that I had to worry about weatherproofing my gun, then I would opt for the Tikka. It's ready to go as is.

If you have a good set of square cut (gunsmith) screw drivers, then select the point as close to the screw slot as possible and apply a steady pressure both to maintain the driver in the slot and to loosen the screw. You didn't say what screw you are having problems with, but you may try a little WD-40 or Breakfree on it and let it set for a while before trying again. If you have an adapter in you socket set that will accept a hex head, try using a 3/8 drive ratchet, short extension with the driver in the adapter, to provide more leverage.,

Handwerk · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2005, 11:54:25 PM »

Thanks for the info rockbilly, I'll give it a try.I will be hunting in south-central wyoming for pronghorn/mulies.The sako is a new gun and just a beauty, but I am concerned about the weather and poi. I've been torn up about which gun to take for months, I shoot them about the same; but will most likely go with the tikka, it's 2 pounds lighter and worry-free. Although I love the sako, but the tikka's action is actually smoother.

BuckTrucker · « **Reply #3 on:** September 07, 2005, 01:54:29 AM »

Handwerk,

I know what you're talking about. I was trying to remove the trigger guard from my new Tikka and it was so tight I quit for fear of boogering up the screw head. I didn't have the gunsmith type screwdrivers so that may help and if you have time, you could get a set from Cabelas.

I would take the Tikka since it is ready to go and weight does make a difference out west.

Other possibility is take the Sako and as soon as you get back, drive over to the gunsmith and have it professionaly cleaned and lubed which is a good thing to do anyway right. Probably more expensive though especially with the price of gas.

Good huntin
BT

rockbilly · « **Reply #4 on:** September 07, 2005, 12:53:20 PM »

:shock: You do know Tikka is made by Sako? Sako is the premium rifle, and Tikka priced just slightly less. I own 16 Sakos, all are smooth as silk. I don't think I will get much argument when I say, "Sako is the best off the shelve firearm made,"

davidsan · « **Reply #5 on:** September 09, 2005, 04:23:27 AM »

Handwerk,you said you were going to weatherproof things so i would assum your stock is wood,be very careful as oil will ruin the stock if it soaks into exposed areas. If you have a grinder you can take a over large screwdriver and grind to a propper fit. Replacement Hex screws can be ordered from Brownells.

rockbilly · « **Reply #6 on:** September 09, 2005, 06:50:37 AM »

:roll: If you own guns, a good set of gunsmith screwdrivers is necessary. Brownell's offers a set, two handles (long and short), an extension, and about 40 different sized hex drive bits for something in the range of $45, they come in a plastic container. I have a couple of these sets, they are used ONLY on firearms. I learned a long time ago, to keep a gun looking good, don't bugger the screw heads up, it can also get expensive replacing screws, especially on older and/or rare guns. The set of screwdrivers will pay for themselves over the years.

gwindrider1 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 10, 2005, 08:03:42 AM »

Two suggestions for you to try. If you have a chest type freezer large enough to take it, place the rifle in there for about a hour before you try the screws again. Also, one drop of Kroil around the screw should help. Give the Kroil a day to penetrate before you try the freezer trick. One drop of oil on each screw should not be enough to do any damage to the stock.

Good luck with those screws. I've ruined Sako screws myself, and had to buy new ones. You might consider going ahead and getting an extra set of guard screws just in case.