Peening a yoke screw

[Littlebear15]

What is the best method for peening the yoke screw on a Fox? I know the objective is to keep the yoke screw from backing out over time but it seems like a technique you don't want to over do. Is it ever possible to reuse the original screw after remova? It's been an interesting shotgun action to take down. I tend to like to do things the original way it was done, but I wonder if some of the Locktite formulas were available back then if they wouldn't have been used.
thanks for your answers in advance.

[Silvers]

There's no need to totally mushroom the end of the shank thread as some do, A small punch mark or two will do to resist torque and keep the screw thread from coming loose. Just be sure to use an anvil of sorts to support the head of the yoke screw while doing the punch indent(s). That's when three hands are needed.

I suppose red Loctite could be used but I personally like to keep things traditional on an honest Fox. And it's not like you're going to be removing the yoke screw even every century or so.

frank

[Littlebear15]

Point well taken. Thank you.

[Stan Hillis]

Joining the AHFCA would be most helpful to you as you learn to work on your own Fox guns. The wealth of information that has been shared in the members only forums is priceless. For example, Frank did a pictorial instruction on replacing the yoke, showing the proper way to drill and attach it, with a closeup pic of what the end of the yoke screw should look like after peening.

Please consider joining if you are not a member. If you are a member already you can access that pictorial instruction essay on the Members Only forum.

Best wishes, SRH

[Mike of the Mountain]

I concur with what Stan said. Much information to be gleaned here by being a member.

[Brian Dudley]

Yes, the way that the factory did it is very excessive. I usually go in with a small file and file down the excess amount of material until it is flush with the yoke. Then the screw will back out with minimal effort. But it is time consuming. Or the end of the screw can be center punched and drilled into enough to remove the excess metal achieving the same end. But that can be difficult sometimes if the metal is matched up unevenly.

I usually end up just putting a new screw in when replacing them. and thread locker is a great modern alternative.

[Littlebear15]

Thanks to all of you for your responses. It didn't take long to figure out becoming a member would be a good thing. So yes, I joined a few weeks ago and am happy to be one of you. No disrespect to my love of L C Smith's or my fellow Smith members there!

[Stan Hillis]

Welcome!

SRH