Tech-Sights Screws

[fepowered]

The screws seem to have a very shallow slot.  Has anyone found and/or tried an alternative 6-48 screw such as the Forster screws or something that takes a torx or hex head??

[SamD]

Never had any problem with mine.
make sure the rifle is held steady , like n a vise, when tightening adn use perfectly fitting screwdriver.

[fepowered]

The initial installation is not the problem.  I use a tight fitting square type screwdriver bit.  The slot is very shallow.  Once it is tight and you go to remove and then reinstall the sight multiple times, the slot does not hold up.  If you never remove the sight, it is likely not an issue.  I have switched between optics for long range 100 yds+ and back to Tech-Sights for the 25M stuff.    There is really no reason to have such a shallow slot screw or to use a straight slot head at all. 

[jimbtv]

Maybe this as an example?

http://www.mcmaster.com/#96452a144/=2gnthy

6-48? You really think so? Not 6-32? (I haven't checked)

Torx screws into aluminum - danger Will Robinson! 

[gunville]

Jimbtv is right about the aluminum receiver.  Better to rely on loctite than torque.

When I got back from my first appleseed I went to clean my 10/22 and found the rear sight had loosened.  I used some blue, but I had the TS off to play with a scope - there was enough residual blue on the threads that I didn't bother reapplying.  A couple of thousand rounds later they are still tight.

[fepowered]

6-48? You really think so? Not 6-32? (I haven't checked)

Torx screws into aluminum - danger Will Robinson! 

6-48...   6-48 is a standard scope mount screw size.  Just take a peek at your Tech-Sights instructions and the spare parts list.....

Yes......  Torx into Aluminum just like many quality scope mounts are..... <
It isn't about more torque, it is about the fastener being durable enough to be removed and installed repeatedly....

  Better to rely on loctite than torque.

EVERY fastener has a torque value for optimum holding.  Loctite is not a substitute for proper torque, but rather a method of maintaining that torque over time while the fastener is subject to stresses including heating/cooling. 

[AFTERMATH]

The slots on mine actually bent the screw-driver tip....
Perhaps, they've switched the screws???

[fepowered]

I am ordering a new set of Tech-Sights and extra screws for a new LTR build tomorrow. We will see what they send.  I am also going to order a set of the Forster screws from Midway tomorrow to see if the slots are deeper. 

The slots on mine actually bent the screw-driver tip....
Perhaps, they've switched the screws???

My first thought is that you used a screwdriver with a very thin blade though.  I use a driver set intended for firearms.  The straight slots are squared off thick to tightly fit the slot instead of tapered to a thin blade.

[jimbtv]

Thanks for the update. Although I come from an extensive mechanical background I don't have much gunsmithing under my belt. I'm looking forward to learning the in's and out's of the trade.

[Nickle]

Now, you would think switching those sights back and forth with a scope mount is going to wear the receiver threads out over time.

I've seen somebody that simply cut the back portion off of a Ruger scope mount and installed the rest on the rifle, right in front of the Tech Sights.

You'll probably need high rings and a cheek pad after, but, you should be able to mount a scope without pulling the rear sight.

[fepowered]

Now, you would think switching those sights back and forth with a scope mount is going to wear the receiver threads out over time.
I've seen somebody that simply cut the back portion off of a Ruger scope mount and installed the rest on the rifle, right in front of the Tech Sights.
You'll probably need high rings and a cheek pad after, but, you should be able to mount a scope without pulling the rear sight.

I think that even better than cutting an aluminum 1 piece mount, I picked up a set of Warne brand steel 2 piece 10/22 mounts with the intention of trying a Holosight with the Tech-Sights in place.  I also have picked up another complete rifle recently.  Long term, I will have dedicated Iron sight rifles and dedicated scope equipped rifles.   It it works out, I will have the option of swapping the Holosight on and off 1 or more Tech-Sight equipped rifles without disturbing them.   
I have never run across mounting screws with such shallow slots. 
Even if I am only installing the Tech-Sights with no short term intention of swapping them out, I would like to find better screws.  At some point in time I am going to remove them for cleaning or other reasons.