Screws

KnotRight

KnotRight

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When changing out a handguard on an AR, and I stripped out a screw head. Went to the local smith and he got it out. But he charged $3 a screw. He said next time go down to Maycrest Hardware and buy them there at 65 to 75 cents each. When I left the shop I did get about 20 replace screws from the hardware store but they were all hex heads which is good 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time, I need something like a pan head screw but can not find any. BTW, yes they need to be all black.
Where are you getting extra screws when on straps out?
 
Brownell's

430103672_1.jpg

www.brownells.com

FORSTER GUN SCREW ASSORTMENT | Brownells

Check out the FORSTER available Online at Brownells Today and many more Screwdrivers & Sets products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.
www.brownells.com www.brownells.com

Or Midway...
www.midwayusa.com

Screw assortment - MidwayUSA

Shop MidwayUSA for the best Screw assortment
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com
 
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georgel said:
Brownell's

430103672_1.jpg

www.brownells.com

FORSTER GUN SCREW ASSORTMENT | Brownells

Check out the FORSTER available Online at Brownells Today and many more Screwdrivers & Sets products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.
www.brownells.com www.brownells.com
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George, I bought a set of screws from Brownells that I used on scopes and rings. I will check them out for screws used in AR rails. Thanks
 
My son boogered up some handguard screws on a nice Aero build, that I built. He was in school and wanted to build a rifle.

I said, “Don’t use the lunch money I send you, eat ramen, then build a rife. Just shoot this one."

He boogered up the screws, ate Ramen, and built another rifle anyway.

I’m leaving him the rifle with the boogered up screws when I kick off, so he can figure out how to fix it.
 
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barf said:
I’m sure the handguard manufacturer would send or sell you some replacements. Unless it’s some no name brand.
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This was the rifle I just got my stamp for and wanted to get it put together ASAP (Kid in a candy store). I have called the manufacturers many times, but it is in my nature to have 3+ times what I need on hand just in case I need it (was a Boy Scout, Be Prepared :) ). I did the same thing with gas block roll pins, detents and springs etc, etc.
 
KnotRight said:
This was the rifle I just got my stamp for and wanted to get it put together ASAP (Kid in a candy store). I have called the manufacturers many times, but it is in my nature to have 3+ times what I need on hand just in case I need it (was a Boy Scout, Be Prepared :) ). I did the same thing with gas block roll pins, detents and springs etc, etc.
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100% makes sense.
 
KnotRight said:
Where are you getting extra screws when on straps out?
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As others pointed out, Midway and Brownells, ( and Amazon ) offer firearm screw assortments.

The vast majority of screws, used on firearms, are offered in these assortments.

There are screws with thread ~ pitch combinations used that are in the normal or non-firearm category on firearms.

To buy either in multiples, ( usually at a much better price, for example, instead of .75 cents how about .12 ~ .05 cents each ) and have a much better choice of head style, internal wrenching, pan, slot, etc ,,

"Correctly Identify" the thread you want, inch ~ metric being the majority but there's a few more.
This can be a challenge with some "Odd Ball" applications, not just guns.

Most thread charts only show the most popular thread size ~ pitches in common use so if you don't have a chart that is complete, ( listing all pitches ) it can hinder identifying a fastener in question.

Side note, if you may need a tap to chase a thread, source it at the same time. For blind holes you may want a Bottoming tap and one can be made by grinding off the tip of a Starting tap, NOT Red HOT grinding either.

After IDing the fastener search Ebay for the style & pitch and I've also searched Amazon for fasteners and found it to be a Major PITA because of the way their search engine works.

You can also find "Industrial Supply Houses ~ Businesses" in your area and ask them and then there's Mcmaster-Carr along with a large variety of fastener suppliers on the web.


KnotRight said:
I did the same thing with gas block roll pins, detents and springs etc, etc.
Click to expand...
If you ever need anymore, this is a good source for most of the small stuff.

AR15Xtreme | Xtreme Quality AR15 Internal Parts

AR15Xtreme is a top quality manufacturer of AR-15 rifle parts, located in Los Angeles, CA. Our goal is to offer precision-made high quality parts using the best materials at an affordable price. Established in 2013, AR15Xtreme has quickly become a trusted name in online rifle parts.
ar15xtreme.com ar15xtreme.com

Safe Shooting
 
Like @YeeHaa said, size and thread pitch tends to be not common (generally smaller and finer) and not available in big box stores or even real hardware stores. Not to mention length. I've had to cut and file many a screw that I've improvised. Then factor in metric, head types, etc. The "larger" sizes are a little easier.
 
Several of the local Ace hardware around here have started stocking Gun screws. They are usually in the specialty fastener small parts bins on top of the regular bulk screw bends. They also have the Midwest fastener catalog which has more gun screws they can order. I dont know if every Ace hardware has started carrying them or if it just franchise area.
 
Bought an 1894 Marlin at local pawn shop years ago. The fact that several screws where white, ie non gun screws helped talk shop in half price sale.
First model 1894 in 44 Mag. Also missing ejector.
 
fieldgrade said:
My son boogered up some handguard screws on a nice Aero build, that I built. He was in school and wanted to build a rifle.

I said, “Don’t use the lunch money I send you, eat ramen, then build a rife. Just shoot this one."

He boogered up the screws, ate Ramen, and built another rifle anyway.

I’m leaving him the rifle with the boogered up screws when I kick off, so he can figure out how to fix it.
Click to expand...



Get that boy a proper set of screwdrivers.
 
Schattenreiter said:
Get that boy a proper set of screwdrivers.
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This was a half dozen years ago. He's worked “the bench” at a busy gunshop since then, before moving on to something else. He’s figured it out.

@KnotRight I have the Wheeler tool set. I like their stuff, but the metal is a little bit soft. I twisted off a hex head (tool) early on before I figured out they aren’t indestructible.
 
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Hashknife said:
If McMaster Carr does'nt have it,

DB Roberts Inc. in Raleigh will
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Thanks for sharing that.

I do not care for their web interface, prefer Masters by far.

Off the cuff I looked for 28mm left Hand Thread nut, they only go to 12mm,?

No, was NOT for a firearm.
 
Concerning driver bits and like hand tools, I do not care for Wheeler, for reasons already mentioned, and I've been through enough Milwaukee, DeWalt, American Vermont than I care for.

Anyone using those brands, or others, that's fine, I'm not digging on anyone.

I believe most of those are made using "MIM" Metal, could be wrong but none lasted very long because they either snapped, rounded off, etc.

Years ago I went looking for bits that would just work properly and have been using the Neiko and Lexicon brands and have not broke or wore one out yet. Both brands state the bits are made from S2 alloy steel and IDK if they start with powdered metal, MIM, or not. I do know they work and fit fasteners as would be expected.

I believe both of these brands are made in Taiwan, not in our USA.


Again, not digging on anyone that believes Milwaukee is made here as they sold to a China company years ago.

In my younger years and thru the decades I've used Milwaukee, Back & Decker, Snap-On, Craftsman and now those brands are not what they used to be.


Where Are Milwaukee Tools Made? 2023 Overview​


Founded in 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Milwaukee Tool has since become a foreign-owned company, and it operates as a subsidiary under the foreign brand Techtronic Industries, a company based out of Hong Kong. With that in mind, you may wonder where they make Milwaukee tools today.

https://www.allamericanmade.com/where-are-milwaukee-tools-made/


Safe Shooting
 
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