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Posted: 11/8/2009 5:40:00 PM EDT
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Howdy,
In preparing to install a new receiver extension and CTR stock, I removed the factory stock and extension. I discovered that the takedown detent spring is buggered up on one end. It appears that when installed, the last 3-4 coils didn't go into the hole and were mashed off to one side. Of course this is one of the parts that I have not yet stocked up on so I am wondering if the spring can be salvaged by clipping off the damaged area. Will removing 3-4 coils render the spring/detent ineffective. I know it's an inexpensive part but I don't need to order much right now and the shipping would be much more than the parts. Thanks for any input that you might offer. |
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I've done another slew of stock swaps lately. Even when done most carefully, this inevitably happens, especially on collapsible stocks as the end plate goes around.
Go get a 4-40 tap and some set screws (check the EE), clip the spring, thread the hole, and plug it. You'll never have an issue with lost or damaged springs again. That said, I've been able to clip a few coils (2-3) in the past with no ill effects, but I was prepared with the tap and plug this time. |
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4 bucks at the local hardware store for the tap and 5 screws Yeah, I know, but who knows where I'll actually find them. Maybe I should call my buddy that owns a tool and machine shop.  Ace Hdware Oh and no more than 2 revolutions of tap before you back it out and clean it and re-oil. As you don't want to snap that little tap off in the hole. |
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... you don't want to snap that little tap off in the hole. You got that right! I'll be proceeding with extreme caution. Let's see... go slow... lots of oil... back tap out frequently... be patient. Got it! I think I'll visit Ace to see if they have the goods. Thanks! |
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I just modded a lower yesterday (my second) and I followed the advice above pretty closely for a job well done. My tap felt like it was "springing" on the last bit of the second turn each time, in spite of the "plenty of oil" I'd applied. Slow and steady was definitely the phrase of the day! With a #4-40 tap, you only need 5 full turns to get the 1/8" of threaded depth you need, but that's after you get the tap started. That means it's still going to be a matter of "turn a couple of times, back out, clean, check the setscrew's depth, repeat as needed."
Different lowers will feel different, too. My first lower was easier to tap than the one yesterday, though it was done with the same tap. I have no idea why. I got my tap at Lowes (it came with the pilot drill), but since the Ace Hardware population around here is scarce, I bought my setscrews and Allen wrenches from Smallparts.com. Let's just say that I have "a few spares." 
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So, I've been looking at taps and screws at grainger.com (I have a sister-in-law that works at our local store - discount time!). Do more flutes make it easier to tap the hole? Will this one be sufficient? Are these screws okay?
Jesus, every time I want to do something simple, I find out how little I know. 
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Quoted:
So, I've been looking at taps and screws at grainger.com (I have a sister-in-law that works at our local store - discount time!). Do more flutes make it easier to tap the hole? Will this one be sufficient? Are these screws okay? Fine and fine. More flutes give less space for chips. And you are tapping aluminum, so any HSS tap will do. |
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