Grip Screws Backing out of my 1911 at the Range

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Challenger2010

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On both my Colt 9mm comp and my Springfield 45 cal 1911's, the grip screws are loosening after firing at the gun range and I'm having to re-tighten them.

This is a recent problem and I'd like to correct it before I start having issues along the lines of stripped grip bushings, etc etc.

To those 1911 owners here, what do you use to ensure that the grip screws don't loosen and back out of the frame?????

I checked out youtube videos and one poster suggests using small rubber o-rings over the screws before putting it into the hole in the grip and tightening it down to the frame.

I think the size suggested is DANCO #60 O-rings which they say are sold at Home Depot.

I was very tempted to using Loctite-blue to keep the screws down, but everyone on youtube is saying DON'T DO IT!!!!!

Please advise.

Thanks
 
Blue thread locker is non permanent. Removes without heat. If you're not planning on changing out the grips all the time, it should be fine... Why wouldn't you use it?
 
Challenger2010 said:
Do you have the exact dimensions of the O-rings I need? I did a google search. They say #60's, but some are saying they come in different thicknesses.
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Not off the top of my head. Go with the recommended size; they do compress. You can order them from Freedom Ventures but the shipping would be more than the value of the o-rings.
 
I'd use blue loctite if it was all that I had on hand. There is also an anti vibration product like loctite but it is really only for fasteners that loosen do to vibration. It is good for 4 or 5 in and outs and then you reapply it. I use this stuff.
 
Scotty454 said:
Blue thread locker is non permanent. Removes without heat. If you're not planning on changing out the grips all the time, it should be fine... Why wouldn't you use it?
Click to expand...

My concern with the loctite is that if I need to loosen the screws to remove the grips for whatever reason, if I put to much on, it may cause the grip-screw bushing housed in the frame under the grips to come off also in one piece. If this happens, I would have to use plyers to take them apart. I may be able to save the screws but would need a new selt of bushings.
 
Never heard of purple locktite. Will have to look.

Otherwise I use the blue stuff, usually a generic brand, and just put a tiny dab on. I want to bung-up the threads just a little, as opposed to gluing them in place with the stuff.

It doesn't take much.

I tried the O-rings, and how they work depends on how much countersink is in the holes on your grips. The screws stand proud on one of mine if I use the rings.

I almost never remove grips. I'd only do it if I was going to completely strip the frame and blow it all out with brake cleaner, followed up by a dunk in Eds Red.

That's not even an annual job, so other than taking the stock ones off to parts bin, they may never come off again
 
Another vote for blue locktite (DO NOT USE RED!!)...you're over thinking this OP.
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