Bent my Torx bit

[tradja]

Today I was very excited to finally bring home a BM690. I tried to unscrew the thumbstud to reverse it to LH, but despite the WD-40, it just wouldn't budge. My $6 Torx screwdriver set from Lowe's started to bend and twist. Are there any Torx bits made from better steel? On a related note, should I even be applying this much force to the thumbstud screw? It *must* come off, it's a screw! But am I risking stripping it?

Thanks.

 

[Bruceter]

I have had good luck with Wiha brand tools. I have had some small hex drivers (.050") that have held up very well.
Your thumbstud might be attached with some type of thread locking compound. I think that touching the end of the stud with a soldering iron for a couple of seconds should release the bond. If you want to re-install the stud with some thread locker, you can find it at most auto parts stores.

Bruceter

 

[stevekt]

Try heating up a piece of metal like a nail or piece of wire over a flame. Touch the hot metal to the thumbstud for a bit to heat it up. This should loosen up the loctite.

 

[tradja]

Thanks guys, a few seconds of soldering iron indeed loosened the thumbstud right up, and allowed me to switch it to lefty.

This place sure is a great resource. Thanks! Now I just need to figure out how to reverse the clip, drill/tap the CF/Ti on the other side, grind down the CF on the other thumbstud ramp, etc...

 

[mr.trooper]

It hapens.

I tore the whole tip of a #10 driver off one time trying to tighten the screws on my Scope rings.

 

[tradja]

It hapens.

I tore the whole tip of a #10 driver off one time trying to tighten the screws on my Scope rings.

Eek. Were the scope screws ok?