Screw Loosens, Then Tightens

[LongWalker]

I've seen one miquilet lock (purportedly from Armenia) that had the hammer held by a screw that went into a sleeve nut inserted from the inside (like a Chicago screw). Remote possibility, but might be worth exploring. We got it apart to repair by slotting the inside of the sleeve nut then using opposing screwdrivers.

But I'd bet on a conventional threaded fastener, with stripped threads. If you can get the spring tension relieved, try pushing on the inside of the fastener while turning the screw from the outside. When that doesn't work, you'll have to get a little more forceful and destroy the screw one way or another if you want it removed.

 

[necchi]

I've seen one miquilet lock (purportedly from Armenia) that had the hammer held by a screw that went into a sleeve nut inserted from the inside (like a Chicago screw). Remote possibility, but might be worth exploring. We got it apart to repair by slotting the inside of the sleeve nut then using opposing screwdrivers.

But I'd bet on a conventional threaded fastener, with stripped threads. If you can get the spring tension relieved, try pushing on the inside of the fastener while turning the screw from the outside. When that doesn't work, you'll have to get a little more forceful and destroy the screw one way or another if you want it removed.

That's exactly what I was thinking. The back side of that screw need's to be held under significant presser as the face is turned.
At minimum, a two person coordinated task.,, with a thrown in a proper heavy vice technique.

 

[Walks with wheels.]

Probably the easiest way, if not suggested before, would be to soak both sides of the screw with penetrating oil for a few days, then get the someone to apply pressure on the back of the screw while you back it out from the front. One way to defeat a partially stripped screw or nut. Most likely you'll have to freshen all the the threads when done.

 

[user 34300]

What is the goal? The chances of the average guy who has to ask, of taking it apart and getting it back together without damage is low. Sure Rudyard could do it. But most of us could not. So, it ends up broken, in a bag and ultimately discarded. I look at things like things like this and my first and foremost consideration is to do no harm. There not much of chance to make a quality working lock of it. So, I would leave it alone.

If I wanted a Miquelet lock for a project, I'd make one from scratch. This old lock would possibly make a good pattern to copy.

 

[64Springer]

I really hate seeing functional B17 Bombers in the air, fully restored 1873 Winchester rifles and pristine 60's era muscle cars on the road.

Every time I see these blasted things, I wish someone had left them in a state of decrepitude.

Resurrection. Who needs it.

 

[Spillikins]

Resurrection. Who needs it.

Lazarus.

 

[user 34300]

I really hate seeing functional B17 Bombers in the air, fully restored 1873 Winchester rifles and pristine 60's era muscle cars on the road.

Every time I see these blasted things, I wish someone had left them in a state of decrepitude.

Resurrection. Who needs it.

Restoration is rebuilding from scratch with the exact processes and finishes that were originally used. Dough Turnbull does that. HE also marks his work to prevent mistaking it for a real original. A person would be foolish to fully restore a high condition Winchester. Refinishing at home is not restoration. Thankfully most of the best collectable guns are in private collections and highly valued for what they are.

Cars? Restomod is destruction. Real restoration is a different process. Most of the people who "restore" things are not restoring but making changes that appeal to the inexperienced. Restoration is recreating the original , using original manufacture processes. Thing is once the original finishes and work is disturbed, it is gone forever. An old car with a modern engine is a Frankenstein. IF you want a car to drive get a modern car.... Or, accept it for what is was designed to be. Making a frankenstien is not making a valuable vehicle. I hear lots of shade tree car guy who think that the $70K they spend on their 1955 jalopy makes it worth something. I love watching them fishing for big money for their project cars. I also love watching guy get big money for high condition unmodified collector cars.

Airplanes are different in that they naturally decompose. They have a limited useful life. Metal fatigues and corrodes. Wood and fabric rots. Replacement parts are often not available. Old parts eventually break, hopefully not killing anyone. At some point there is no choice but to scrap or display them. Based on the rash of B17 total losses lately, it may be a good idea to stop flying them.

This old lock is not a treasure. I do think it is very cool and worth preserving. IN any case, It will be no major loss to future generations. IF the entertainment value of tweaking on it makes the OP happy, have fun. Just don't expect to get a usable lock or somehow increase the value. Expect to break parts and have a bigger mess.

 

[Rudyard]

Well though Ime credited with some skill & knowing a bit about these locks . I have 6 or so . I wouldn't give up on this lock .Its fixable & worth fixing imho (Thats the first time I ever wrote that abbreviation ) Cyten is my kind of traveler and into these to us generally today uncommon arms . I take a sort of global stance when it comes to gunmakers whatever date , region, or language . We are /wher working & presumably thinking along the same lines with the same problems ..Perhaps thats a flight of fancy but any old gun I work on I think of who he was that made it .and mayhap some future maker might think the same of my work . Read enough poetry you get poetical ?.
Regards Rudyard