Thread: Removing a stuck buttstock

I've got an MLE butt which has a seized bolt (the big one which screws into the back of the socket). The barrel is written off so I've been putting the barrel in the vise to get a good grip but I've already shattered a couple of tools trying to turn the bolt. Currently have it upright and dripping a few drops of CRC penetr8 onto the end of the bolt periodically to try to loosen it. Any advice? I don't want to apply too much heat as I'm scared of burning the buttstock.

Thermal shock.

Put it in the freezer over night after you have cut the barrel down enough to fit it in the biggest Pot you have.

Then drop it in the boiling water straight from the freezer,try and remove the stock bolt when the work is still hot.

The bolt may have rusted and expanded into the wood,that and the threads might have chemically welded themselves with rust.

Originally Posted by norsk

The bolt may have rusted and expanded into the wood,that and the threads might have chemically welded themselves with rust.

I think the length of just the butt and receiver is too long to fit in any of my pots, reckon freezing and then hitting the receiver end of the screw with a little blowtorch would work?

You could put the but in a bucket of water so it doesnt burn

Originally Posted by tommygun

I think the length of just the butt and receiver is too long to fit in any of my pots, reckon freezing and then hitting the receiver end of the screw with a little blowtorch would work?

Wouldnt hurt to try,but freezing the whole lot,shrinks everything.

good luck, would an ultra sonic bath damage the wood?

Originally Posted by Arthur McBride

Make sure you have removed the bit of leather that covers the bolt head. Soak it in penetrating oil overnight down the cleaning gear hole. And not just a few drops. Dunk a lot in there.

Then take the forestock off, and get a spanner and turn the square screw from the wrist end, where it pertrudes out in the front of the socket.

Not enough is protruding to grab onto.

Get the welder out


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Give it a week standing vertically with CRC down the stock bolt hole, then apply the gas torch directly onto the exposed end of the bolt for about 20-30 seconds. It might take a couple of complete cycles to free it. Normally it is rust between the bolt and the stock that is the problem.

best penetrating oil i have ever found. 50%kero 50% auto transmission fluid.

Want to borrow my 303 armourers brace and bit? Correct tool for the job.

Originally Posted by Kimber 7mm-08

Want to borrow my 303 armourers brace and bit? Correct tool for the job.

That's kind of you, I'll have another go with the tools I have but I'll keep that in mind cheers

Success! Had to stick it in a vice, wrap a wet towel around the stock while one of us hit the receiver with a blowtorch and another worked the bolt loose with a rattle gun. Bit of a mission