1911 grip screws

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Yleefox
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1911 grip screws

Post by Yleefox » Sat Dec 26, 2015 11:07 pm

The grip screws on my 1911 frequently loosen and I'm considering placing a small drop of blue loctite on the threads to stop this from happening. Does anyone know of any reason why I should not do this or is there a better solution to fix this annoying situation?

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blue68f100
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Re: 1911 grip screws

Post by blue68f100 » Sun Dec 27, 2015 8:56 am

I had the same problem with an Al frame 1911. A gunsmith friend of mine said to clean it real good that use the Loctite. But he recommended the Red High strength version. He said with the soft Al it will wallow the hole out if it keeps coming loose. Better to secure it and be done with it. So I did and it's been over 6 yrs now and it hasn't come loose yet.

If you use the red just remember it will take heat to remove.
David

SS MKIII 6 7/8" Fluted Hunter. Mueller Quick Shot, Bushnell 2x Scope, Hogue Rubber Grips
Custom Built 1911

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Re: 1911 grip screws

Post by Python » Sun Dec 27, 2015 6:45 pm

Stop right there, do not grab the Loktite just yet;

Are we talking grip panel screws ?
Are we talking grip screw bushings ?

Loktite on the grip screw bushings that screw into the frame would be fine.
I would not use Loktite to secure the grip panel screws.
You may need heat to remove them and in the process destroy your wood or plastic or rubber grips around the screw hole area.

JMHO
Clarence
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Bullseye
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Re: 1911 grip screws

Post by Bullseye » Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:10 am

I use the 'Red' medium strength locktite to secure the bushings tightly into the frame. I have used 'blue' regular strength locktite for those grip screws that want to repeatedly loosen inside the bushings to keep the pistol's grips firm. The key is to let the sealant fully cure and not let any of the it migrate from the intended use point and accidentally glue other things together. I have also used 'Red' locktite in the past to secure 1911 style grip scope mounts to the frame for a rigid hold. A simple twist of the mount breaks it loose from the frame if the user ever wants to remove it later. This use of sealant eliminates the scope mount from stringing vertically if it loosens up its hold using the grip screws.

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blue68f100
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Re: 1911 grip screws

Post by blue68f100 » Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:28 am

I was referring to the bushing to the frame. For the grip panel screws use a small o-ring to keep it from loosing up. I forget which size it is but it's very small and thin (cross section) that compresses. If you want to use Loctite on these screws use the Purple which is low strength.
David

SS MKIII 6 7/8" Fluted Hunter. Mueller Quick Shot, Bushnell 2x Scope, Hogue Rubber Grips
Custom Built 1911

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Re: 1911 grip screws

Post by Python » Mon Dec 28, 2015 7:36 pm

For what it is worth, I was tryng to keep Yleefox from putting red Loktite on his grip screws.
Red on the bushings is good or just go with blue.
I like blue cause it can be removed and do use it under scope mounts.
I use red when I know that I will never need to remove it.
A dab of super glue also works and can be removed also.
To be honest, never had a grip screw come loose.

Clarence
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Yleefox
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Re: 1911 grip screws

Post by Yleefox » Mon Dec 28, 2015 7:41 pm

Thanks to all for the replies. I am going to use a small amount of blue on the grip panel screws.

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