Screws

[Mr.Snerdly]

I don't know if this is the right forum or not but here goes. Where can I buy just a few screws for a scope base mount? The ones on my model 12 are the slot and I just can't get them torqued properly. A screw with a hex head or torx head would be preferable. I don't know what size or length they are for sure either. I have seen them advertised but you have to buy such a big quantity it doesn't make economic sense.

[NicfromAlabama]

I think Brownell's may have them. I looked and MidwayUSA sells a pack of Badger Ordinance Torx head, pack of 12. You may have to shorten them though. eBay should have them too.

[8mm RUM]

​My Ace hardware store has them.

[charlie b]

Just make sure you get the right size. Now days there are #8 and #6 screws out there for scope mounting. 6-48 was the standard for many decades.

[Mr.Snerdly]

​My Ace hardware store has them.

Are they good enough quality? I would think they would have to be grade 8 or maybe there is something even higher than that now. I don't need to be twisting one off and trying to get it out.

[Robinhood]

some base screws have different head requirements like the egw.

[PhilC]

Scope base torque will be inch lbs and not require grade 8 fasteners.

[charlie b]

The ones at the TruValue are in bins marked 'gunsmith screws'.

[Robinhood]

Scope base torque will be inch lbs and not require grade 8 fasteners.


I don't believe they make grade 8 #6 screws...do they?

[celltech]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1008829576

[PhilC]

I don't believe they make grade 8 #6 screws...do they?
I've never seen any...

[geezerhood]

All the black oxide hex and torx screws at my Ace hardware are hardened, quality steel, unlike the galvanized junk they sell. I have had the screw head shear right off like it was made of taffy with their small sized screws if torqued past 5-8 inch lbs in a 6 or 8 size. I would guess the black hex and torx screws are the equivalent of or very close to a grade 8 if there was such a rating used by Hillman for the tiny stuff, based on their strength - Grade 8 means that the steel used to make the screws has a 150,000 lbs per square inch tensile strength.

From the Hillman website RE: Their black hex head screws: "Parts made of high-strength steel"

More on bolt grade specs: https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/materials-and-grades/bolt-grade-chart.aspx


These guys claim their torx head screws exceed Grade 8 strength. https://www.marshallshardware.com/products/productList.aspx?uid=3662-56-387


(https://www.marshallshardware.com/products/productList.aspx?uid=3662-56-387)

[Robinhood]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1008829576


Hey now, these are for rings.

As for all of the metalurgy with for fasteners and tensile strength. What if you cant get it to fit your base? Now a fella needs a small mill with a cutting tool made for the profile of the screw you found at ACE. By a bag of them from the base manufacturer and be done with it.

These screws are typical for EGW bases.
https://www.brownells.co.uk/WebRoot/MediaDefinition/userdocs/skus/l_296000290_5..jpg?sig=485a02525da9ab2e6c3d3eea7c7 3d1928a2b1a277c3c2ac396212bebf3bd1f0d

These are for a Weaver Tactical https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1.RQsacfrK1Rjy1Xdq6yemFXa5/Tactical-Military-Picatinny-11-Slots-Weaver-Rail-Scope-Mount-4-Screws-1-Wrench-Outdoor-Gun-Base.jpg

Personaly I prefer a good fit between the screw and base. I like torxs. I don't mix and match. However. It is your rifle and you and everyone else have the liberty to use the screw you want. I don't use Loctite. I do torque to manufactures specs. I have never had a base get upset or move. I have bedded several, who knows if it needed it.