<HTML><HTML> In a message dated 1/21/04 5:28:46 AM, Alpha88x@aol.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE CITE STYLE="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; = MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px" TYPE="CITE">Anyways, if you shoul= d strip the thread, I have heard of having to wrap teflon tape around the sc= rew before replacing it again. </BLOCKQUOTE> Thanks, I may need that tip.  I've finished the job for now.  I = did strip about 5 screws along the way.  Reeeely nursing the screw is = absolutely necessary, and I found that aligning the flange PERFECTLY is very= important.  If the flange hole is just slightly off center from the h= ole in the aluminum action rail it will send the screw on an errant path.&nb= sp; THEN, nursing the screw (I like that phrase!) is still the next step.&n= bsp; But you can nurse all day, and if your flange is just a bit off, your = SOL. In view of the above, I found it necessary to remove the wippen before attem= pting to install the hammer butt.  Leaving the wippen in place, it's a= lmost impossible to steer that screw into place with the jack in the way. <B= R> Anyway, that was my approach.  Thanks to all for the tips.  Tom Sivak</HTML>