Barrel threads damaged

[IAhunter]

I was given a 243 barrel that the threads are damaged pretty good, just a standard sporter 243 barrel. The barrel nut wont even back out its so bad. Anything I can do or should I add to the junk pile? not looking to invest time or effort into it if someone has been down this road to find its a dead end. Let me know your thoughts.

[seanhagerty]

Try kroil and heat. Soak it with kroil and let it sit for a day or so, then heat it up (not cherry red, just warmer than you want to hold comfortably) then try working it off, back and forth, cleaning the threads as you go.

I am thinking it may not be buggered threads, but blueing salts between the nut and the barrel.

Sean

[cqh1111]

If the kroil and heat do not work, you can dremel the barrel nut off, clean and inspect the threads for damage and use a new barrel nut. I've had a couple that needed to be dremeled off. The problem with them was due to the blueing salts just as seanhagerty suggested.

[IAhunter]

No these are boogered up, i can see the damage. I have had a stuck nut before, these are damaged pretty good. Like someone used it for a hammer..... It was given to me like i said so i have nothing invested. Any ideas?

[Hotolds442]

Triangular file to clean up the threads, or find a gunsmith to recut them.

[Dennis]

Small shanks are easy to find a die for. Just have to find someone in your area that sells them or will let you borrow it.

I have the triangle file, but it takes awhile.

[JWW123]

you can order a die from rex supply should be @ $50.00

[geargrinder]

Cheap thread file with a side that is 20tpi.

[EFBell]

Is it Stainless?

[limige]

Also wire wheel it after filing. Pulls the small burrs off. If its a blued barrel you would have to reblue it afterwards

[IAhunter]

It is stainless, maybe ill attempt to file it. Dont need it or have an action to put it on but its a project i guess.

[foxx]

I had one that was dropped on concrete by the USPS. There were only about 3 threads bad, all on one side. I took a dremel cutting wheel to the one spot and it worked out fine. Took all of 2 minutes at most.

[thomae]

Don't use just any file. Do a google search for Thread Restoring File. It is a special file that will do what you want.

Or you can just order them from Sears.
You can order an entire set from sears (I have the whole set of thread restoring dies, taps and files for SAE and Metric sizes (http://www.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc-sae-metric-thread-restorer-kit/p-00942275000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=00942275000&kispla=00942275000P)) or you can order just the one file which will work on several different thread pitches: http://www.sears.com/kd-tools-sae-external-thread-restorer-file/p-00999045000P?prdNo=4

[EFBell]

It is stainless, maybe ill attempt to file it. Dont need it or have an action to put it on but its a project i guess.

Can you move the nut at all?

[tammons]

If it really looks like they used the thread end for a hammer, I mean if its that bad why risk it. I wouldnt. Tomato Stake.

[geargrinder]

Don't use just any file. Do a google search for Thread Restoring File. It is a special file that will do what you want.

Or you can just order them from Sears.
You can order an entire set from sears (I have the whole set of thread restoring dies, taps and files for SAE and Metric sizes (http://www.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc-sae-metric-thread-restorer-kit/p-00942275000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=00942275000&kispla=00942275000P)) or you can order just the one file which will work on several different thread pitches: http://www.sears.com/kd-tools-sae-external-thread-restorer-file/p-00999045000P?prdNo=4


Good idea. Wish I would have thought of that? :)

[Uncle Jack]

Before you torch anything or start grinding, you might try a 7lb dead blow hammer on the barrel nut wrench. That, starting with a generous application of Kroil as suggested above is what I use.

uj

[IAhunter]

The nut will move, it is not a case of having a stuck nut..... The threads are visibly damaged. I got in touch with my buddy who gave it to me, he informed me he had his action wrench tightened on the recoil lug screw bending it up (guess he didnt notice this). He unscrewed the barrel and it damaged the threads on the way out...... Don't ask me. Thinking the best bet would be a die but for 50 or 60 I can get another barrel if I really needed one. Might just sit around the parts pile for a while. I'll post pics when I have time to show the damage.

[bootsmcguire]

+1 on the thread restoring file. I use them quite often at work (I'm a machinist) when trying to repair parts and projects for customers and they can work wonders.

Since you don't need it right now, save it back with the idea of a rechamber project, and just have your smith pick up the threads and recut them in the lathe after he indicates it in for the rechamber. It's not as hard as people think, I've done it many times to different threaded items including barrels. IIRC you said this was a 243 sporter barrel, would be a great candidate for a hunting rifle in 243AI or 6-06. Just some food for thought.