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Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 10:29 pm
by UpTheIrons
So I sat down to swap my factory Kimber Custom II grips for the Hogue wraparound grip with finger grooves.
Grip screws 1, 2, and 3 came out without a hitch, BUT... number 4 came out with the grip screw bushing attached. I can't push it through the screwhole in the grip panel, because of the grip panel's reinforcement material. I don't know if Locktite will do anything, since I'll have to snug it up to tighten it anyway, and may just make the screw tighter in the stud.
Would a drop or two of WD-40 or some other penetrating oil do the trick, do you think? Any sage words before I do something stoopid and screw it up?
ETA: Correctly defined the grip screw bushing
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 10:44 pm
by Mike1951
I suggest using leather (an old belt) to protect the bushing holding it in a set of Vise Grips. You should then be able to remove the screw.
This happens ocasionally, so I keep spare screws and bushings.
I tried using blue LocTite on the bushings, but they would still come out.
Thereafter, I used red LocTite.
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:06 pm
by smyrna
What Mike1951 said...
Worst case is you bugger the threads and have to replace the bushing. Replacements are inexpensive. Stake it in place or red loctite.
Some folks use tiny rubber o rings under the grip screws to keep from over tightening the grips screws which most likely causes them to stick to the bushing and then the bushing backs out next time your try to remove a grip screw.
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:07 pm
by UpTheIrons
Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, it didn't work - this time. Looks like I've got a stop to make first thing in the morning. opefully, the LGS has some screws and bushings on hand. And some red LocTite, too.
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:08 pm
by bdickens
I would reccomend using a torque limiting screwdriver when installing things like grip screws and scopes. It doesn't take very much torque to secure those things and it is very easy to damage them by overtorqueing.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=718023" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:31 pm
by WarHawk-AVG
Don't use RED locktite unless you want to PERMANENTLY attach that piece...
Blue locktite will work just fine and it does not need a torch and hammer to get loose if you ever decide you need to remove them.
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:41 pm
by UpTheIrons
Thanks for the extra tips.
The LGS here in Seguin has no screws/bushings on hand. Anyone know of a shop in New Braunfels or San Marcos that may have 'em? I don't want to make the drive to Nagel's or McBride's just yet, and I may just order a handful from Midway or Brownells. And get some Blue LocTite.
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:11 pm
by STI Shooter
Just so you know, if you or someone else ( say you sold the gun) might want to put thin grips on the gun and that takes a smaller bushing. If you use red loctite you or the other person will have a devil of a time getting the old bushings out. Just a thought.
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:04 pm
by Mike1951
Blue has never held on my 1911's and I would never want the bushings out for any reason, but I guess the thin grips argument is valid.
I checked Loctite's web site but there are too many products to sift through. I went to Brownells and learned that there is a green threadlocker (1600psi) between the blue (1400psi) and the red (2600psi).
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2551 ... READLOCKER" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also, it appears that Brownells recommendes the red as shown here:
Brownells Gunsmith Tech Corner - February 2004
by Eric Kiesler
Each month we’ll bring you some of the best Questions and Answers our professional Gun Tech’s receive. And, if you have a question you want answered, be sure to email us at
WebBench@brownells.com. This month’s question:
Question: “I want to replace the stock rubber grips on a Colt 1991A (stainless-Series 80) with wood grips. However, when I tried to remove the screws, the screws and bushings both unscrewed on the left and right side. I want to replace all four screws and bushings with your #080-568-004 bushings and #080-831-004 screws. Will these all match up and can I do this myself by using the correct size screwdrivers? Or is it best that I order the parts and have them installed by a gunsmith. Thank You for your help.” Craig H.
Answer: The screws and bushings will fit your pistol. You may want to order a bushing driver bit (#080-434-045, fits magna tip drivers) to install the bushings. Typically on military pistols the bushings are staked from behind to avoid the problem you experienced.
Personally I use red loc-tite instead of staking so I can remove the bushings later if necessary. Also, sometimes the bushings will hang into the frame and need to be dressed down to clear the mag. It's a simple fix; that’s about all there is to it.
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:08 pm
by TLE2
Same thing happened to me. So a trip to the gun store, more bushings and back in business: btw, get a bushing tool (enclosed screwdriver).
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:03 pm
by bdickens
Red loc-tite shouldn't be much of a problem as far as removal on small stuff like grip screws as it is on larger stuff like truck frame bolts.
Re: Oops!! 1911 Grip Screw problem!
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:08 pm
by Rex B
A little heat from a soldering gun or a lighter will loosen red loctite