Cross treaded screw issue!!!

[wisconsinteacher]

Well the Savage build is not off to the best start. When I mocked up the rifle, I managed to cross thread the front screw on one of the scope bases. I was able to remove it but you can tell the screw is cross threaded. I tried to put a new screw in the same hole but it was a little tight so I stopped. I am guessing I messed up the threads in the receiver. What can I do to fix the issue?

Note to self, don't work on fun projects after a 14 hour day at work.

 

[truck driver]

You can get a bottoming tap of the proper thread size and chase the threads. If that doesn't work you have to have it retapped and threaded to the next size larger.
If you don't start the bottom tap right it will take out the existing threads and you will then have to drill and tap to the next size larger.

 

[HOGWILD338-378]

I thought I was the only person that did stuff like that :mrgreen: I would let a gunsmith fix it and be done with it since I had no tools or the experience to do,the task! But I messed up 4 holes at 25.00 a hole to fix my problem which will not happen again! I learned what an inch Lb torque wrench was meant to be used for and when to use it! You would think a Mechanic with over 32 years working on cars and airplane's would not do something like this but I will take the blame

 

[WYcoyote]

I did the same thing on an M70, opted to get the next size bigger screw, tap, and proper drill bit from Brownells and did it myself successfully.
You will need the bottom tap unless you pull the barrel off, i think.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I called my local smith and he is going to fix it for me. $15-20 is what he is going to charge.

 

[HOGWILD338-378]

Money well spent :mrgreen:

 

[FOTIS]

No doubt!

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I dropped the gun off at 3:30 and just got a call that it is good to go. Not bad for 4 hours. He said to not put a lot of torque on it but that it was ready. $20 total.

 

[HOGWILD338-378]

15 inch lbs can be over done really fast and I would also say add a little blue loctite to all screws for the bases!!

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I do have a torque screw driver so I should be okay. What is the lightest a guy could go and still have enough holding power?

 

[HOGWILD338-378]

Normally the base manufacturer says to use their torque value but I think 15 inch lbs is on the low end but 25 inch lbs would be the high end but I would research or give the base manufacturer a call for sure since you have spent money repairing I would get the proper value and use it !