Italian Screw Problems

deucedaddyj · December 12, 2005, 10:06:30 AM

Probably the biggest problem I have with Italin repros are the cheap weak screws they come with. I have an excellent set of screwdrivers, I don't try to force the screws, but they always strip out never the less. Does anybody know where I can get some quality replacement screws? This is really getting irritating.

Virginia Gentleman · December 12, 2005, 11:55:19 AM

I have never had problems with Uberti/Cimarron/Navy Arms screws, but a solution mught be to get new ones and harden them with a blow torch and oil/water quench. I had a problem with a S&W strain screw that stripped and I fixed it by cleaning up the screw slot with a file and polishing it with 600 grit sand paper, then heating it until it was and orange white color with a blow torch and quenching it in used motor oil. It came out a nice shade of blue and hasn't stripped since. What kind of gun was it these screws came out of?

deucedaddyj · December 12, 2005, 12:15:17 PM

Well, it was a few different guns. One was a cheaper no name Italian copy from a company called Ricambi. One was a Heritage Rough Rider (I believe that they're an American company), the thrid is actually a Uberti Cattleman, but it's an older one made for Iver Johnson in the 70's. That sounds like a very good solution, I'll be sure to give it a try next time I have the gun disassembled. Could this process also be used to harden internal parts to help reduce wear, or should that be left to professionals? I might try it on the Heritage, because it's cheap all the way through.

Dakota Widowmaker · December 12, 2005, 02:18:20 PM

I have not stripped out a screw, but, I have damaged the heads from time to time.

Usually, its from using a poor/well used screwdriver.

I just tore apart and put back together a pair of Uberti SAA clones. Putting them back together, don't over tighten but use a drop of locktite "blue". (the removeable stuff...not the perm stuff)

For "slightly" stripped screws, locktite "red" will help.

deucedaddyj · December 12, 2005, 02:31:14 PM

Thanks for all the help, I bet that'll come in handy next time. Like I said, my screwdrivers are brand new and very good quality (craftsman). I think the big problem is the age of the guns. They were all pawn shop specials, so they weren't well taken care prior to my owning them. In fact, the remington copy was down right nasty when I pulled it apart. It literally looked like someone had rubbed it around in dirt mixed with used motor oil, and never bothered to clean it anything but the outside. (It's still good quaility for the price I paid for it)

Here's another question since I was talking about the remington. There's one screw (the front triggerguard screw to be exact) that will not come out at all. I've tried generous amounts of WD-40 (man's miracle juice) and can't get it to budge. With the problem I've had with the screws stripping out, and the problem with the screw heads, I'm kind of scared to put too much pressure on it. Are there any lubrications or methods anybody uses to get these thing out?

Virginia Gentleman · December 12, 2005, 03:00:21 PM

I have not had the problem with the newer Ubertis/Cimarrons, but the older ones used cast parts that may not have been heat treated properly. As far as frames etc, I wouldn't even think of trying to heat treat them myself, leave that one to the professionals. Try a product called Kroil, it beats WD-40 hands down on siezed or frozen screws/parts and smells better too.

Standpat Steve · December 13, 2005, 12:25:38 AM

Quote from: deucedaddyj on December 12, 2005, 02:31:14 PM
, my screwdrivers are brand new and very good quality (craftsman).

Howdy deucedaddyj,

Are those new craftsman screwdrivers intended for use with guns? Gun screwdrivers are parallel as the tip rises from the end, just like the slots in the screws. Normal craftsman screwdrivers are wedge shaped (or tapered, if you prefer) as the rise up from the tip, just like the slots in the majority of wood screws. Don't ask how I learned<G>

Virginia Gentleman · December 13, 2005, 01:54:30 AM

I would higly recommend getting a set of screw drivers that are made for gunsmithing before proceeding. The craftsman screw drivers may be part of the problem. No flame intended, but use the right tool for the job as the hardware store tools can end up doing more harm than good.

Arcey · December 13, 2005, 07:14:51 AM

Just an offer.......

Once you do get 'em apart then go reassemble the things, don't crank down on 'em. All of mine come down now and again for cleanin'. When they go back together all I do is snug 'em up. Go over the things when I clean 'em 'n snug 'em back.

Only time I sweat gettin' a screw out is when they're brand new. Rest of the time I can just about get 'em apart 'n put 'em back tagether usin' one them little screw drivers that come with Smiths fitted with adjustable sights.

deucedaddyj · December 13, 2005, 08:32:39 AM

Then the Craftsman screwdrivers might very well be the problem. I had no idea about that difference in the shape of the tip. They are made for small electronics and things of that nature, but I guess I shouldn't have assumed they would work on everything. I'll be visiting a gun shop this weekend, so I guess I'll pick up a set of quality screwdrivers. I never had problems when I disasembled my Marlin rifle with them, but now that I'm thinking about it, I'm almost certain that's the problem. Are there any recommended brands I should keep my eye out for?

Virginia Gentleman · December 13, 2005, 10:07:50 AM

Quote from: deucedaddyj on December 13, 2005, 08:32:39 AM
Then the Craftsman screwdrivers might very well be the problem. I had no idea about that difference in the shape of the tip. They are made for small electronics and things of that nature, but I guess I shouldn't have assumed they would work on everything. I'll be visiting a gun shop this weekend, so I guess I'll pick up a set of quality screwdrivers. I never had problems when I disasembled my Marlin rifle with them, but now that I'm thinking about it, I'm almost certain that's the problem. Are there any recommended brands I should keep my eye out for?

Chapman, Pachmayr and Peacemaker Specialists are a few brands to come to mind. I have had good luck with the Chapman set.

44caliberkid · December 13, 2005, 05:28:23 PM

I have an inexpensive set marketed by B-Square that I got at Sportsmans Warehouse. They have worked very well except that the smallest one did break off the tip on a stubborn screw, so I bought a brownells Mag tip to replace it in the set. I also have an old set of Chapmans, but the two smallest sizes of those broke too. At least the Mag tips are guaranteed for life. The B-Square set is about $16 -$17 dollars.

Standpat Steve · December 13, 2005, 08:08:47 PM

Howdy Again,

When it comes to mail order gun screwdrivers, Brownells is ususally thought of as the top choice. Midway sells an affordable assortment as does B-Square. At a gun shop you might see Bonanza/Forster which I think are fine, or Chapman's-which are purposely soft so that you damage the screwdriver tip not the screw head. Any of these, if you select the size screwdriver tip closest to your intended victim, er screw, should help you remove and replace the screws without noticable marks. Let us know how it works out.

deucedaddyj · December 13, 2005, 08:57:59 PM

I have to agree, the right tool is always worth the money. I'll be sure to check out some of those brands. Thanks for the help everyone. I'd be lost without folks like you. (I'm pretty bad off already!)

Big John Denny · December 15, 2005, 10:26:54 PM

duecedaddy, Cabalas has a set of gunsmithing screwdriver bits in their catalog for $14.99. It comes with a driver, 26 different sized bits and a snap locking carry case. I use mine on my guns and it works well. The item number is XS-22-2444.

I don't think you can find a set this good for less money. It even has a magnetic tip to keep from loseing screws.

44caliberkid · December 17, 2005, 12:32:39 PM

I am disappointed in all of you. When I saw "Italian Screw Problem" I anticipated lots of tongue and cheek inuendo about passionate Italian women, even considered some myself. We apparently are all to adult for that here.

Forty Rod · December 17, 2005, 12:43:25 PM

Grace screwdrivers are the best I've used. Chapman aren't bad, but I've broken the tips on a couple of them.

Others will chime in with other brands, but whatever you decide, this is one place where cash buys quality (usually). You don't have to break the bank, but don't go for cheap.

Virginia Gentleman · December 18, 2005, 07:11:40 PM

Quote from: 44caliberkid on December 17, 2005, 12:32:39 PM
I am disappointed in all of you. When I saw "Italian Screw Problem" I anticipated lots of tongue and cheek inuendo about passionate Italian women, even considered some myself. We apparently are all to adult for that here.

HAHHHAAAAHHHHHHAHHHHHHAHHHHHHAAAAAHHHAHAHHAH!!!!

GOOD ONE!

blue drifter · December 22, 2005, 01:07:20 PM

Quote from: deucedaddyj on December 12, 2005, 10:06:30 AM
Probably the biggest problem I have with Italin repros are the cheap weak screws they come with. I have an excellent set of screwdrivers, I don't try to force the screws, but they always strip out never the less. Does anybody know where I can get some quality replacement screws? This is really getting irritating.

duce merry xmass
try vti at www.vtigunparts.com I have used them in the past. they are very helpfull, infact you tell them what clone or gun
you have and they have packs with all the screws you need for about $ 25.00 A pack and their quick too,two mabey three
days. you can go to the web site and pick out what you need, like I said they are very helpfull.

h c ramrod · January 14, 2006, 06:12:54 PM

Howdy I have run into the problem of not bein able to loosen the screws on the uberty 1873's when new, so i just shoot them for awhile and oil them up and after shootin them a while i can get them loose.
When I put them back together I use the blu lock tite and just snug them tight, then no problem.
for me any way ....... Ram.