Grip screws buggered

T

tools

New member
I have a Kimber 1911 and have managed to round out the allen head screw (i.e the place where the wrench fits in is rounded so the wrench just spins in trying to remove it). So far I have tried to remove it by (in order):

1. Liberally applying Kroil to the outside and inside (mag well) of the screw.
2. Trying a slightly larger metric allen head wrench.
3. Grinding back the correct sized (3/32") allen head wrench to a fresh surface - i.e. nice hex shape without roundover.
4. Superglue the wrench in place on the screw.
5. Epoxy the wrench to the screw.

None of these attempts has worked -- although perhaps the exopy was not quite dry when I turned it. Anyone have any other techniques to get this screw out? I have never had very good luck with screw extractor-type gizmos.

Do I need to drill this one out?
 
not yet

You could damadge the frame, Try using a dremel tool, ot buddys tool with a rock disque. Grind a slot into the screw and use a flat head to turn it out CAREFULLY! Be carefull not to go too deep and nip the grip :P
 
Old Indian secret! Sacrifice a small blade screw driver the better metal kind file it down to just fit. Tap it down to the bottom and twist it out!

Works for me

I never tried it but DonR101395's idea sounds good too! Find one that you can just tap to the bottom of fit! If you have to hammer it hard, your going to swell up the head or break it off! Then your going to be SOL!
 
Homefires,
My torx screw driver is just a variation of your small screwdriver. I found it sometimes works a littler better because of more grabbing surfaces. :)
 
Another old Indian secret! Don't rush into the fix. If you sleep on it a while your going to figure a better way!:D
 
I fell in love with this cheap set.

I have been using easy outs for 40 years.I recently bought a cheap 100 bit set from Harbor Freight item # 91310 Security Bit Set for $7.99.They are hard but tough.I have used them as easy outs and everything else.The allen wrench and all bits have been as tough as my original "Allen" brand or "Snap on".They have a size to fit all of my foreign and domestic military and civilian guns.I wish I had had them on board the two Polaris submarines I was on and in my tool box for the 40 years that I have been a mechanic.Sometimes you get far more than you paid for.These have already paid for there self with me.

I have over a hundred good professional screwdrivers accumulated over my 40 years working as a Mechanic.I know this as I recently counted,cleaned,lubed and sorted them.With this set I just bought,I now have many bits to get a perfect fit that I did not have plus many different bits.

I AIN'T DEAD AND I AIN'T QUITTING.alfred
 
Try, liberally soaking it in penetrating oil for a day or so. Then, using a metal chisel, place thr sharp corner of the chisel close to the perimeter of the screw and tap gently - very rapidly. This provides a strong vibration to the threads, like an impact tool, and will often release the screw. Move the chisel around to several points on the perimeter of the screw. I have used this technique on aircraft and usually it works. If it doesn't, then I resort to a screw extractor. Incidentally, if you can't find penetrating oil, Oil of Wintergreen, available at pharmacies, works very well.
 
I got it!

Well, I had forgotten (or never been told by one of the gunsmiths) that the grip screws had been red locktite'ed. After I tried all your suggestions (tapping various screwdrivers down in and having no effect), I finally woke up and applied some heat to the screw with a soldering iron, and then the tapped in flathead screwdriver (narrow blade) took it right out.

I probably should have done this first, and then would not have stripped the head out in the first place, but I really didn't think the screw had ever had lock tite on it.
 
Thanks.Now we all know for "Next time".

Thanks.I can not imagine why any one would use the red on something that you have to take loose.I have used all of the older Locktite products for years.If folks would just read the literature and instructions,they would avoid a lot of damage.Locktite recommends the blue for such.

I am happy for you.alfred
 
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