Unbreakable Grip Screws?!

[BringerOfStorms]

So guys and gals I am having trouble.

I have one 1911 (I know, GASP!), and several sets of grips. I change em like I change my socks... and I have sheared off four types of grip screws (Hogue, Ed Brown, generic Brownells, and the stock Nighthawk ones).

Anyone have a line on tougher screws that will put up with pretty constant changing, and snugging (I don't think that I ever crank down that hard on em).

Little help would be great, or just some friendly consolation about having to invest in a gross of grip screws.

Thanks all,
~BoS

[Black_Talon]

You're talking about the hex-head grip screws, right?

They have a nasty habit of breaking off and I have stopped using them for that reason. Some of them have the "hex" cut too deep so it ends right at the juncture of the head and the threads. Since the diameter of the hex is about the same size as the outer diameter of the threaded section, it makes the screw really weak at that point. A bit too much torque on the 'ol allen wrench and "SNAP". :(

[BringerOfStorms]

Huh, never really thought of that. So if I go to the slotted type I might have better luck not shearing em off...

Hmmm...

Thanks Talon, anyone else please feel free to advise.

~BoS

[John]

How on earth do you do that? :confused: I mean in all my life with the 1911s I've never broke a screw, how do you manage to do that????

[BringerOfStorms]

How on earth do you do that? :confused: I mean in all my life with the 1911s I've never broke a screw, how do you manage to do that????

Just lucky I guess. I dunno. I really don't crank down on them, just enough to snug em up. I have noticed that when I use the small allen wrench, instead of the multi wrench type, and I torque with the small end, instead of the long end, I have a better chance of not shearing the heads off...

I am freakishly strong due to some Gamma radiation exposure a couple years ago, but... :D

~BoS

[Dave Berryhill]

You're talking about the hex-head grip screws, right?

They have a nasty habit of breaking off and I have stopped using them for that reason. Some of them have the "hex" cut too deep so it ends right at the juncture of the head and the threads. Since the diameter of the hex is about the same size as the outer diameter of the threaded section, it makes the screw really weak at that point. A bit too much torque on the 'ol allen wrench and "SNAP". :(

Exactly! I've broken lots of them and try to avoid using hex grip screws for that reason. Take a look at the top of the screw on one that you've broken the head off. You'll see that there is only a thin ring of metal that joins the head to the screw shank.

You can booger-up the slot on a regular grip screw quite a bit before breaking the head off.

[Joni Lynn]

I've only broken one and I think it was my fault but the hex head ones might be more prone to breaking than slotted ones. I bought a large package of slotted grip screws from Brownell's a while back. I'm stocked up for now.

[BringerOfStorms]

Exactly! I've broken lots of them and try to avoid using hex grip screws for that reason. Take a look at the top of the screw on one that you've broken the head off. You'll see that there is only a thin ring of metal that joins the head to the screw shank.

You can booger-up the slot on a regular grip screw quite a bit before breaking the head off.

Glad that it was not just me Dave! I was feeling a little freakish! :)
~BoS

[Hawkmoon]

I am freakishly strong due to some Gamma radiation exposure a couple years ago, but...
Try to do the grip screws when you're not angry and your skin isn't green ...

[lanceriley]

i usually remove my grips every 500-800 rounds and disassemble the frame. I've never destroyted my hex grip screws. got mine from dawson precision.

[BringerOfStorms]

Try to do the grip screws when you're not angry and your skin isn't green ...

Good advice Hawk! ~BoS

[BringerOfStorms]

i usually remove my grips every 500-800 rounds and disassemble the frame. I've never destroyted my hex grip screws. got mine from dawson precision.

I will have to look into them. I like the look of the hexes, but if I keep snapping them off, I may have to go with the slotted screws.

Thanks
~BoS

[Dave Berryhill]

...I bought a large package of slotted grip screws from Brownell's a while back. I'm stocked up for now.
Joni's got the right idea. I look at grip screws as consumables. Buy them in quantity and when the ones on your pistol get chewed-up, toss 'em and put on a new set.

I'm always surprised at how attached some people get to a set of screws.

[Scott B]

I, too, have broken a grip screw. The question I have is how do I remove it from the frame, now that its broken?? :(
Scott

[DanR]

Scott B, if you can take the grip panels off, attempt to remove the bushings with either a bushing remover or needle nose pliers. I have done it both ways, just take your time.

[Ziplock]

Scott B., I break off the hex heads on my grips all the time. I use a small drill bit and just "screw" the shaft through the bushing into the magazine area. Works well for me, does not mess up the threads on the bushing and just takes a few seconds. I tend to "horse" stuff, if tight is good I always go for a little tighter... I need to learn just to snug them and stop. I did learn to have a very healthy supply of bushings and screws on hand at all times.

[BringerOfStorms]

Here is what I do Scott.

I take a dental pick (great for gun cleaning) and try and get it to grab onto the little broken edge of the grip screw, and then I pull the screw around unscrewing it slowly from the bushing. This way is not too slow, and is a little less traumatic (and accident prone) than some other methods.

Good luck.
~BoS

[Hawkmoon]

You Incredible Hulk wnnabees might consider putting O-rings under your grip screws, and then not cranking down so hard. I was looking at tiny O-rings at Lowe's over the weekend. I think number 60 should be about right. With O-rings under the heads, moderate pressure should be more than enough to prevent the screws from backing out while shooting.

[BringerOfStorms]

You Incredible Hulk wnnabees might consider putting O-rings under your grip screws, and then not cranking down so hard. I was looking at tiny O-rings at Lowe's over the weekend. I think number 60 should be about right. With O-rings under the heads, moderate pressure should be more than enough to prevent the screws from backing out while shooting.

Good tip. I might have to try that out. Thanks Hawkmoon. ~BoS

[Scott B]

Thanks to all for the help. I should be able to get the broken screw out now. I really like the idea about the O rings, will definitely try that.

Scott B

[Ziplock]

for what it is worth... I have tried o-rings, inner tube rubber that I used a hole punch on and they all keep the grip screw from sitting flush in the grip... so if the slightly raised heads on your screws don't bother you...