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Jaw screw is stuck. Need guidance

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TheTyler7011

Pilgrim
Joined
Jun 21, 2018
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Picked up an old Fowler. This screw will NOT budge. I’ve sprayed it with PB blaster and have lightly used a hammer. My drill won’t even get enough torque. But I haven’t put it on it’s strongest setting as I’m worried I’ll break it or something.

I do not want to keep forcing this. Any ideas ?!
9792AE3D-051E-440B-9399-DF0ACCF76514.jpeg
 
Try soaking the entire cock in a penetrating oil for a day or two to give the oil a chance to get into the threads. Then, after removal from the oil and drying, if it doesn't break free, try a little heat.
How much heat are we talking ? And how would be the best way to apply said heat
 
If you have a heat gun, that would work. Otherwise a propane torch, but go lightly. You don't want to change the temper of the metal of the cock.
I’ve used a torch to slightly reshape a bayonet. But man it totally mutilated the color. Not ideal for this old gun, but better than breaking it. I’m guessing to just keep trying as I gradually make it hotter and hotter ?
 
I’d suggest removing the cock, clamp it in a vise, protect it with leather, heat a little, and apply that big ass screw driver with a square shank, and crescent wrench.

If it comes down to this, best to try to tighten it a bit and then unscrew it. It will often help break the rust bond.

Gus
 
That rust holding the jaw screw in place has been working on getting tighter for years. Give the rust busters some time to do their job. Patience is your best ally with the rust removers. A week is not too long. I do like the smaller impact tools. Those 3/8" drive tools are just too big for gun screws. This is not the case for using excessive force.

I just saw this tool on Amazon and it is similar to the impact tool I use in these situations:
ARES 18026-1/4-Inch Drive Manual Reversible Impact Driver - Includes 6-Piece Flathead, Phillips, and Spiral Screw Extractor Bit Set - Disengage Rusted Fasteners or Frozen Bolts - Compact Design - - Amazon.com

Let the cock soak in PB Blaster, Kroil, Kerosene, Molasses, or 50/50 Acetone and (Ford) ATF until the impact tool arrives. Put the cock in a padded vise and heat it up. Use the impact tool with a few light taps. The vibration helps to break up the rust and the threads should loosen right up. Before he got the impact tool, my tool maker father used the proper fitting screw driver and tapped the end of the screw driver as he turned to loosen many a stuck fastener.
 
I’ve used a torch to slightly reshape a bayonet. But man it totally mutilated the color. Not ideal for this old gun, but better than breaking it. I’m guessing to just keep trying as I gradually make it hotter and hotter ?
Heat guns can be had cheap at Harbor Freight.
You'll find plenty of other uses for it too once you have one.
 
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