Action screws

[Chris St. MH]

I've just read a book on gunsmithing by a gunsmith who actually replaces hex-head screws with slot heads wherever he finds them. The problem with hex heads are as follows:

1) Poor quality steel in bolt head
2) Poor dimensional tolerances in bolt head
3) Poor dimensional tolerances in hex key
4) Wrong allen key used in hole

Any of the above could lead to the edges being taken off the hex hole meaning the screw has to be drilled out. Drilling out is a very precise job requiring a special jig to get the precise alignment. It was enough to put me off hex heads anyway.

[palace]

Nice one... the company is J&P Custom products http://www.jnpgunsprings.com/ have a look at Rimfire Central there is a long thread relating ; for me this company addresses all the problems that Chris St. MH lists though I have the products that he untried dismissess out of hand.

[baz]

Only buy good quality allen screws, not those made of chewing gum metal

Decent versions cost a lot more but are high tensile, and when used with a good quality allen key (again not El cheapo rubbish) will be far less likely to cause any damage

Screws are fine as long as people use either a proper "Turnscrew" or at least good quality hollow ground bits, again avoid the huge sets available for a few quid and buy the best available such as by Snap-on, they will last forever anyway

[palace]

Only buy good quality allen screws, not those made of chewing gum metal

Decent versions cost a lot more but are high tensile, and when used with a good quality allen key (again not El cheapo rubbish) will be far less likely to cause any damage

Screws are fine as long as people use either a proper "Turnscrew" or at least good quality hollow ground bits, again avoid the huge sets available for a few quid and buy the best available such as by Snap-on, they will last forever anyway

I agree with the above , I use an inch pound torque wrench ie lever type as opposed to a torque driver allen/hex heads are easier to torque accuratly I would have difficulty avoiding scratches with a turnscrew let alone screwdriver bit...

[arjimlad]

I had a set from the chap who does the trigger jobs - Eric Brooks - and they seem fine.

[Bunny Reaper]

I've got Eric's screws on my brno and my cz hmr.

They're much easier to remove with a good quality allen key rather than trying the old screws with an inappropriate screw driver.

Keep the old ones in case you decide to buy some lovely snap on drivers.

[baz]

I used a set from Eric, then matched them form engineers supplies, good quality and with a decent allen key or bit you wont get any problems

[palace]

I belive the Brooks screws are made by Derek Niles however I went for the P&J Custom Products ones as Eric Brooks deliveries are at best inconsistent...
At 60 inch lbs stronger.