Grip loosening on Springfield 1911

[neil0311]

Have only shot 300 rounds through my DYL Mil Spec 1911. Love the gun, but the grips seem to be loosening a little.

What do folks recommend? Should I remove them and put blue Loctite on the screws and retighten? Or just tighten up as is without removing?

I use a torque wrench/driver, so what is the recommended torque level to tighten to?

 

[KillerFord1977]

I would put a very small bead of thread lock on them

 

[neil0311]

I would put a very small bead of thread lock on them

Any recommendations on how many lbs/ft of torque to tighten?

 

[Recusant]

Sometimes you can use an o ring with good results. There's plenty of on-line discussion about this subject. Most of the large gun supply places (Brownells & Midway) sell these

Grip Screw O-Ring (4 Count)

1911 Firearms Manufacturer in Huntsville, Arkansas

www.guncrafterindustries.com

 

[cico7]

@neil0311 do you have the paperwork from torque wrench? Mine had ranges for screw types
see is you can find an manual online foryour wrench or check with DYL (?) customer service.
Gun companies love to help.

@Recusant thanks for the link always looking for vetted suppliers

 

[KillerFord1977]

Any recommendations on how many lbs/ft of torque to tighten?

I would not over think that one. Small screw like that with thread lock and tighten down to snug and you’ll be fine.

 

[Annihilator]

Sometimes you can use an o ring with good results. There's plenty of on-line discussion about this subject. Most of the large gun supply places (Brownells & Midway) sell these

Grip Screw O-Ring (4 Count)

1911 Firearms Manufacturer in Huntsville, Arkansas

www.guncrafterindustries.com

These work great, my Sig 1911 came with them installed from the factory, no issues of panels coming loose.

 

[cico7]

Maybe this can help.

 

[luggcampion]

I would not use blue loctite as it is too strong and would likely need to be heated to remove. Some like 222 would be a better choice. https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1...e9136c88eb269cf6923dba&utm_term=1101100736028

 

[BobM]

I would not use blue loctite as it is too strong and would likely need to be heated to remove. Some like 222 would be a better choice. https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1764445105?pid=445105&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=Gunsmithing+-+Tools,+Jigs+&+Fixtures&utm_content=445105&cm_mmc=pf_ci_bing-_-Gunsmithing+-+Tools,+Jigs+&+Fixtures-_-Loctite-_-445105&msclkid=29ab47ffece9136c88eb269cf6923dba&utm_term=1101100736028

Good idea!

 

[Heavy Industries]

I use Vibra-Tite. It is re-usable, in other words you can loosen the screws and re-torque them without cleaning and redressing the screw, up to 4 times. No heating etc.

VC-3 for screws and Hot Lock for brakes etc.
I find it best to order the small single use packs, The small bottle of VC-3 above has to go ground with a haz-mat fee and while it will prolly do a 1000 guns it has a shelf life.

With that being said i would always try o-rings 1st.
Ten "INCH" lbs, 12 max. depending on what grips are made of.

I use this for torquing on guns. Its small, much easier to control then a fat wrench, especially if you are working with a slotted screw. This one goes up to 25 in lbs. I have em up to 65 inch lbs.

A good kit is a must, not the pre put together "gunsmith" kits either. Ever notice how you dont ever use half the bits in the kit?
I pieced this one together over the years and its served me well.

Thats all I got.

 

[Annihilator]

I use Vibra-Tite. It is re-usable, in other words you can loosen the screws and re-torque them without cleaning and redressing the screw, up to 4 times. No heating etc.
View attachment 21227

VC-3 for screws and Hot Lock for brakes etc.
I find it best to order the small single use packs, The small bottle of VC-3 above has to go ground with a haz-mat fee and while it will prolly do a 1000 guns it has a shelf life.

With that being said i would always try o-rings 1st.
Ten "INCH" lbs, 12 max. depending on what grips are made of.

I use this for torquing on guns. Its small, much easier to control then a fat wrench, especially if you are working with a slotted screw. This one goes up to 25 in lbs. I have em up to 65 inch lbs.
View attachment 21228

A good kit is a must, not the pre put together "gunsmith" kits either. Ever notice how you dont ever use half the bits in the kit?
I pieced this one together over the years and its served me well.
View attachment 21229

Thats all I got.

Nice kit you have assembled.

 

[BobM]

I use Vibra-Tite. It is re-usable, in other words you can loosen the screws and re-torque them without cleaning and redressing the screw, up to 4 times. No heating etc.
View attachment 21227

VC-3 for screws and Hot Lock for brakes etc.
I find it best to order the small single use packs, The small bottle of VC-3 above has to go ground with a haz-mat fee and while it will prolly do a 1000 guns it has a shelf life.

With that being said i would always try o-rings 1st.
Ten "INCH" lbs, 12 max. depending on what grips are made of.

I use this for torquing on guns. Its small, much easier to control then a fat wrench, especially if you are working with a slotted screw. This one goes up to 25 in lbs. I have em up to 65 inch lbs.
View attachment 21228

A good kit is a must, not the pre put together "gunsmith" kits either. Ever notice how you dont ever use half the bits in the kit?
I pieced this one together over the years and its served me well.
View attachment 21229

Thats all I got.

Thanks HI, Good info and tips.
Agree on O rings, least possible damage or issues. Understandable on tools. Right tool on hand makes life much easier. Hadn't heard of either of those thread lockers before. Good to know.

 

[C. Sumpin]

Have only shot 300 rounds through my DYL Mil Spec 1911. Love the gun, but the grips seem to be loosening a little.

What do folks recommend? Should I remove them and put blue Loctite on the screws and retighten? Or just tighten up as is without removing?

I use a torque wrench/driver, so what is the recommended torque level to tighten to?

I have an arc welder you may borrow......................

 

[neil0311]

I have an arc welder you may borrow......................

Thanks. Don’t think it’s that critical but will keep it in mind.

 

[Old_Me]

I would put a very small bead of thread lock on them

that's all i ever did to my Remington.


Blue Loctite

 

[BobM]

Thanks. Don’t think it’s that critical but will keep it in mind.

Am thinking multi ton hydraulic press's are likely a little off base too?

 

[HansGruber]

I’d use O-rings long before I put goop on it.

Because I use o-rings on all my 1911s’ grips..

 

[Old_Me]

I’d use O-rings long before I put goop on it.

Because I use o-rings on all my 1911s’ grips..

i had bought a few dozen from Brownell's, several months ago.

i have yet to use just one...

 

[KillerFord1977]

I’d use O-rings long before I put goop on it.

Because I use o-rings on all my 1911s’ grips..

Never really thought of that. Makes sense. I do it for Home Improvement projects, might as well for firearms

Learn something new everyday .