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Repair stripped threads on 10/22.

Started by 300berg, October 15, 2021, 01:49:32 PM

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300berg


A couple years back I put tech sights on a 10/22.  Over tightened the bolt and stripped the threads on the receiver (one of the two).  I figured darn, but
might as well try blue locktite and see how long it lasts.  Well, they finally wiggled loose again.

I'm thinking two solutions, let me know what you all would advise:

1) Do the same thing again but try red locktite.

2) Fill the hole with JB Weld, drill and tap the hole.  Try process again.

I'm leaning towards #2.  Thoughts?  Things to look out for?


Burnett

Drill and tap holes next size larger and drill sight base for that size screw. This way you don't lose your pilot hole; old holes are the pilot holes.
FYI, it might be two sizes larger so you completely remove old threads. I don't remember.

Gus

Yep, drill out the old hole and re-tap new threads-easy enough. Just make sure the new screw is the same length as the original. You may also have to enlarge the hole on the rear sight to accommodate the larger diameter screw.

Gus
"Mental notes aren't worth the paper they're written on" - Mark Twain
"Pick up a rifle and you change instantly from a subject to a citizen" - Jeff Cooper

Rifleman: 03/2019: Ruger Sporter 10/22 and Tech Sights
RF Known Distance Rifleman: 09/2021 Ruger Sporter 10/22 scoped
CF Known Distance Rifleman: 09/21 Bergara HMR .308 Win
Distinguished Rifleman: 06/2022 Ruger Sporter 10/22 scoped
Morgan's Shingle: 02/2024 Rock River AR15 5.56
Standing Morgan's Shingle: 08/2024 Ruger AR15 5.56
Distinguished Pistoleer: 11/2024 Colt Gold Cup .45 Auto

JMynes

Quote from: Burnett on October 15, 2021, 02:04:07 PM
Drill and tap holes next size larger and drill sight base for that size screw. This way you don't lose your pilot hole; old holes are the pilot holes.
FYI, it might be two sizes larger so you completely remove old threads. I don't remember.

I did this to a used 10/22 I bought roughly 30 years ago. Changing scopes, rings, bases, etc. I discovered the rear holes were stripped and the screws were just place holders. The front screws were doing all the work.
Factory receiver screws are 6-48. I called a tool company, they had an 8-40 tap, and I already had some screws. My wife was in the area, I called and asked her to pick up the tap for me. The guy at the counter said, "Yeah, he said he needed two" (I never said that). So she came home with two taps that I need for tapping two holes and may never use them again in my lifetime.
Anyway, the right way to do this repair is drill and tap to the next size up. It worked for me.

FiremanBob

Idea #1 is a non-starter. Gus and JMyles have given the right answer.

Loctite doesn't make up for missing threads. All it does is absorb vibration so that the screw can't work loose.

When screwing into the aluminum receiver, do not exceed 15 inch-pounds of torque.
Author of "The 10/22 Companion: How to Operate, Troubleshoot, Maintain and Improve Your Ruger 10/22"

"Remember constantly that a nation cannot long remain strong when each man in it is individually weak, and that neither social forms nor political schemes have yet been found that can make a people energetic by composing it of pusillanimous and soft citizens." - de Tocqueville