Loose Wood Grips

[P220ST]

I got a new Kimber 10mm last week. Spent a few quality days at the range with it. Been having a problem with the grip screws on the gun. No matter how tight I screw them in, within shooting a few mags the grips become loose. I've tried blue lock-tite, but it doesn't work. The screws are now tight against the bushings, but the grips are still loose. I'm at the point of being frustrated by this. Anyone have any ideas or should I just call up Kimber?

Thanks

[freepatriot]

Bushings coming out?

Do you have a bushing tool?

Call Kimber = good idea.

;?

[Kruzr]

If the bushings are loose, use a little blue loctite on the bushing threads and screw them in. If they are tight and it's the recoil that loosens the screws, then take a grip screw to the hardware store and get 4 thin rubber o-rings that fit the diameter of the screw. Use these on each screw and tighten them down.

[P220ST]

I tried the blue loctite on the bushings that were loose. Found out today they were loose again after the range session. The bushings that are tight are where the grips became loose first. Don't want to try the O-ring trick yet, cause I'm sure it won't keep the bushings from backing out. Gotta love that 10mm recoil. I'll be in touch with Kimber tomm.

Thanks for the feedback. :)

[Kruzr]

You do know that loctite won't adhere unless you completely degrease the metal first and let it cure overnight, right? If you didn't try this, use alcohol on the bushings and bushing threads, then loctite. The o-rings only help grip screws from backing out, not the bushings.

[P220ST]

Yep, been using loctite for years on my mountain bikes. I prepped the area correctly and let the loctite cure for 2 days. My next step would've been red loctite, but that stuff scarces me. ;g But I spoke with Kimber today and they want the gun back. The bushing holes don't appear to be stripped but they're concerned about the issue I'm having. Hope to have it fixed correctly by them. Damn, this is going to cost me money, because since it's in the shop, I may as well have them add a few custom parts.

[gwalchmai]

Rusty, the gunsmith at David's Gun Room in Norcross, GA, gave me this tip. If you overtighten the grip screws on wooden grips you can compress the wood, and then they won't get tight no matter how tight you make the screws (and eventually strip the screws or bushing, or both). I got some of the #60 o-rings at Lowes plumbing dept ("You want 'em for WHAT?!?!" ;)) and they seem to shim the screws up fine and provide enough tension to keep them locked in place.

[kraigster414]

Red Loctite on the bushings. Let cure overnight. Purple Loctite on the grip screws or as I've discovered today, thanks to the above poster, Danco #60 O-Rings (product #96774)on the screws. They keep the screws nice and snug and cost pennies. Available at most hardware stores (plumbing dept).

And invest in a good grip bushing wrench and the proper size screwdriver for the grip screws - slot or hex. Money well spent. Brownells, 'gotta love that outfit. They have everything. :)

With red Loctite on the bushings and #60 O-rings on the screws, you should have no problem with the bushings coming lose when periodically taking your grips off. Just don't over tork.

[gwalchmai]

McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/) has 'em. Looks like their part #9452K14 is the right size (1/4" OD and 1/8" ID, 1/16" thick) and they're $2.17 for 100. A search on that part turns up many other selections as well. ;)

[kraigster414]

Originally posted by gwalchmai
McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/) has 'em. Looks like their part #9452K14 is the right size (1/4" OD and 1/8" ID, 1/16" thick) and they're $2.17 for 100. A search on that part turns up many other selections as well. ;)

Are these the same size O-rings as the ones from Danco (#60, product #96774)?

[gwalchmai]

I think so. Everything is the same except maybe for the 1/16" thickness, which shouldn't matter, since they'll be compressed under the screw.

[kraigster414]

Originally posted by gwalchmai
I think so. Everything is the same except maybe for the 1/16" thickness, which shouldn't matter, since they'll be compressed under the screw.

A little less thickness wouldn't be a bad idea - might allow the screws to lie more flush with the grip panels. I have one screw that sticks out just a hair (hardly noticeable) - no big deal.

[P220ST]

I'd like to say thanks for all the great advice everyones given here. I really don't want to send the gun back yet, so I'm planning on trying some red loctite on the loose bushing. After this, I'll use a new set of Ergo grips on the gun. Never was a fan of the stock wood ones. I'll be sure and degrease and clean all parts before applying loctite to the bushings (red) and grip screws (blue). At this point I don't think going this route will hurting anything worse. I'm not sure if I hamfisted the stock wood grips too tight or what caused the problem.

Thanks again.

[kraigster414]

Originally posted by gwalchmai
McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/) has 'em. Looks like their part #9452K14 is the right size (1/4" OD and 1/8" ID, 1/16" thick) and they're $2.17 for 100. A search on that part turns up many other selections as well. ;)

I did a little research: Actually you might be better off with the McMaster black VITON O-rings, same size. Viton holds up to oils and greases better than the standard Buna-N (Nitrile). I just ordered a pack of the Vitrons - $5.50 for 100 vs. $2.17 for 100 for the Nitrile. The part number is 9464K11. Type in: AS568A and scroll down to #6. There are other Vitrons of the same size (and a little more $) but according to the specs of a harder material which I don't think we need.

Keep in mind shipping adds about $4 to the cost. Crazy but still worth it in my book.

[gwalchmai]

Will do, Kraigster. I have to order a bunch of stuff from them for work, so I'll just add it to that order. Thanks.

[kraigster414]

Yep and at these prices, you can afford to experiment.

[kraigster414]

I just got the more better Viton O-rings. Wow, does this company ship fast or what! I just orderred them yesterday over the internet.

I like 'em better than the slightly less expensive Nitrile rubber rings. They (the Viton) are sligtly duller in color (matte black) and are more resistant to oils - synthetic and natural, solvents, and greases. For a few bucks more, go with the Viton would be my recommendation. A pack of 100 will last you and your buddies a lifetime.

[kraigster414]

I just fired 150 rounds of 230 gr Hardball through my 'Smith 1911sc and my Aluma Grip screws never loosened to the point where the grip panels were wobling around . This is with the Viton O-rings underneath the grip screws. Without the Viton O-rings, the grips would have been rattling around like a '75 Dodge Aspen. Even though the screws did need to be re-tightened just a hair, they kept the panels firmly in place and that's good enough for me.

Viton O-rings, yes indeed!