Brand new Henry, I marred my lever screw.

[Retlawman]

Hi

I cleaned my BB .357 Carbine for the first time before I take her to the range. My first lever action. I was having trouble getting the bolt to place properly, so I screwed and unscrewed the lever 5×! Finally got it in properly, but the lever screw is marred pretty bad. Anyone know if Henry will send me a new one or two? I'm a bit OCD!

Thanks

[GFK]

First, ensure gunsmith screwdriver is used. Second, I rubbed off some finish on screw for the trigger group. I called Henry to buy another. But, was sent one free instead. So, give Henry a call.

[JEBar]

beautiful rifle .... give Henry customer service a call, I'm pretty sure you won't be disapointed .... be sure to follow the link below to where you can add it to our community's total

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 63#p199163

[Travlin]

Check into getting yourself a good set of gun screwdrivers and you will be better prepared for the next take apart cleaning.

[Retlawman]

Check into getting yourself a good set of gun screwdrivers and you will be better prepared for the next take apart cleaning.

Can I get recommendations?

Thx

[GunnyGene]

Check into getting yourself a good set of gun screwdrivers and you will be better prepared for the next take apart cleaning.

Can I get recommendations?

Thx

There's a ton of tools available from Brownells, and probably you local gunshop has a few also. You can spend a ton of money on this stuff, but unless you are a real deal gunsmith you can get by pretty cheap. I have a DAC GunMaster set that I paid about $10 for probably 15 years ago. As you can see in the pic, I typically keep a few other things in it besides what it comes with. Allen wrenches, etc. I would recommend a screwdriver type torque wrench that takes different bits also, and a set of brass punches and a non-marring lightweight hammer. A set of calipers is also handy occasionally. Since I have a variety of firearms, I probably have more tools than the avg bear, but I'm kind of a tool nut anyway.



DAC:

https://www.dactec.com/collections/tools-and-accesories

Some other non-gun stuff that comes in handy: Q-Tips, wooden craft sticks, dental picks, small needle nose pliers, wood dowels of various sizes, a bench vise (specific for firearms, soft jaws), Renaissance wax, and the list goes on. Visit the craft shops - they carry a lot of stuff that can be useful. Have fun.

[Steve51]

Contact Henry customer service. I bet they will send you one free of charge. I needed some new o-rings for my inner magazine tubes and they did not charge me anything.

[GFK]

This is on Henry's site:
https://henrypride.com/collections/acce ... 8142713484

But, this is the first screwdriver I bought. Then, I have added on as time went on.
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tool ... od400.aspx

Yet, a set like this may come in handy, if you have handguns:
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tool ... x?psize=96

[dave77]

Not top of the line but decent and has a good selection of flat head bits which is what you want to avoid marring the screw head. You want a bit that is the right width and also the right thickness that also goes to the bottom of the slot.
https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Professi ... 126&sr=1-2

[markiver54]

Henry will gladly send you a replacement free of charge. That's what is so special about HRA!

[jstanfield103]

I replace all my lever screws with this style. Much easier for the quick take down.

[Retlawman]

Nice, where can I get a screw like that? Thx

[GunnyGene]

Nice, where can I get a screw like that? Thx

Ahh. the accessorizing begins. You might as well put aside a few dollars for better sights/scope, a nice butt cuff w/cartridge loops, and a matching leather sling and lever wrap. $400-$600 ought to do it . I prefer Diamond D for leather stuff, but there are many others.

ETA: Forgot to mention a SA Revolver and Cowboy rig. And a rifle scabbard for the horse you'll want also.

[Hatchdog]

This is a great torque wrench for working on firearms. Available at Amazon but I see them in most of the larger gun shops.

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Accurizi ... 408&sr=8-5

As others have mentioned, leave your regular screwdrivers in the garage and use only gunsmith type screwdrivers on your firearms. The picture above by dave77 showing the flat screwdriver completely filling the slot on the screw is the idea of a gunsmith type screwdriver.

[Retlawman]

Update: CS got back to me and said a new screw was on its way! Now that was fast!

[Shakey Jake]

Not top of the line but decent and has a good selection of flat head bits which is what you want to avoid marring the screw head. You want a bit that is the right width and also the right thickness that also goes to the bottom of the slot.
https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Professi ... 126&sr=1-2

I also have the Wheeler set. They're really nice for the price!
Jake

[markiver54]

I agree with the Wheeler recommendation. The torque driver is good to have, especially when mounting scope bases and rings.

[GunnyGene]

Update: CS got back to me and said a new screw was on its way! Now that was fast!

They probably keep a supply of the various screws on the CS desk. You ain't the first to mangle a screw.

[Retlawman]

I just ordered the Wheeler set. Thanks for the recommendation!

[BrokenolMarine]

A couple other suggestions, if you already know maybe they will help someone else.

Work on a flat surface, with a non slip surface below the firearm. If nothing else, pick up a tool drawer mat and use that, but the gunsmith's mats aren't that expensive and you'll thank yourself in the long run. They keep the gun from slipping, keep screws and or parts from rolling away, and keep you from marring the off side of the gun when you are pressing down on it.

By working on the flat surface and not trying to remove the screws while holding the firearm in your lap, you have WAY more control. Since you have control, and are now using proper screwdrivers, GO SLOW. Apply Slow steady pressure so you aren't surprised when the screw releases. I restart screws by hand, or use a nylon screwdriver so it the screw jumps out or tips the screwdriver doesn't slip and scratch the finish.

Dillon has a handy non-marring tool for prying.. and nudging things in place. I use it a lot on the 1911s and to tuck things into the shotguns and rifles.
https://www.dillonprecision.com/10-8-pe ... 25920.html

I have built my tools up over the years, a few at a time, but they all are necessary. Brass punches are a must for knocking out pins. A small brass / nylon hammer for setting them. No rush, you can build it all up as you go.

The most important thing... Don't rush,
and if you don't know, ask questions, watch videos... but don't guess, and don't force things, either taking them apart or putting them back.