"W7TI" wrote in message
...
No need to toss a "stripped" Allen wrench. Just grind off the stripped
part and it's good as new. Go slow while grinding so you don't overheat
it or you'll ruin the temper. Dunk it in water every few seconds.

While I haven't tried this on Bristol wrenches, it would probably fix
them too.

As a side note, often when it seems that the wrench is stripped, what
really happens is the set screw develops a crack which widens it out and
makes it appear like the wrench is stripped. When this happens, you're
in deep doo-doo. You might also be able to use one of those
reverse-threaded screw extractors if you can find one small enough. If
not, drill the set screw out very carefully, and if you're lucky, no
harm will be done to the threads in the knob. If the drill does gouge
out the threads, you may be able to re-thread it for the next larger
size set screw.

Also, a metric or Torx wrench might get enough bite in the damaged socket
head screw. If you do go for the drill, try to find a bit with a left hand
twist. If it locks in the set screw, it might well spin it out.

Frank Dresser


The best approach for old military equipment though, is to apply
penetrating oil and let it sit for a day or so. The more valuable the
equipment, the more days you should let it sit. With any luck, the set
screw will come right out. And use REAL penetrating oil, not just WD-40
or something similar.

--
73, Bill W7TI