Need help with grips

[Bushwack44]

I was about to change the wood grips on my Springfield 1911 to VZ when I came across this problem.

Seen below in purple, this round "thing-a-m'bob" (I'll call it a round holder) that should stay in the frame that keeps the screw in place (holding the grip) came out; staying with the grip and I can't separate the screw from the holder. I tried putting some silicone lubricant on it to separate the two without success (pliers on one end and star bit on the other). I can't get any leverage to try and separate the two. Using pliers, if I hold on any tighter I'll either damage the 'holder' or prevent the screw from coming out due to the pressure of the pliers.

Currently, I re-fastened the grip to the frame (so I know I didn't damage it as it secures itself in to the frame).

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Newport]

The "thing-a-m-bob" is a threaded insert. Here are different approaches:

Approach No. 1: Use a screw extractor although it will destroy the screw (minor consequence, I assume at this point) such as Lowes SKU 612573. Not sure which size, but just drill a small pilot hole into the head the screw and slowly screw in the extractor and it will come right out. These work really great on these types of problems. Just make sure the pilot hole is dead center in the screw head.

Approach No. 2: Install fine threaded nut of the correct size onto the insert threads real tight (may a little hot glue) and then try to remove the screw. After the screw is out, place a screw driver in the slots of the insert (look at other insert on bottom of frame) to hold it steady while backing off the nut.

Trust this helps.

[QXSOUP]

It is called a grip screw bushing. They SHOULD be staked in but most companies don't do that any more. If you want to get your screw out (and thus the grip off) put a dab of grease inside the hole for the bushings. tighten down the screw again into the frame and make sure it isn't cross threaded. when its tight, give it a 1/4 turn the opposite way HARD and the screw will come right out.

[1911ShooterPhil]

That's a 1911 grip bushing and grip screw. You can find both for inexpensive on MidwayUSA or Brownells. The problem which you have encountered is why I recommend Allen head grip screws and polymer grips. Sometimes wood grips swell over time during usage. Polymer/Micarta/Lamintated Wood grips won't do that. And Allen head grip screws offer more leverage. Those are all an easy fix, dude.

1911 Government Screws:

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grip-screws/1911-auto-allen-head-grip-screws-prod925.aspx

1911 Government Bushings:

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/frame-parts/frame-hardware/frame-bushings/1911-auto-stock-bushings-prod618.aspx

1911 Government Polymer Grips:

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grips/1911-grip-panels-prod59840.aspx

These are better:

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/grip-parts/grips/custom-grips-prod64992.aspx

They are Westinghouse Micarta.

If you really want to stick to wood grips, then get a pair of laminated wood grips. They won't swell over time.

You can change out the bushings with a flathead screwdriver. It's an easy process.

Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil

[Kowan]

Remove the grip again. Make sure the threads are clean on both the frame and bushing, (rubbing/denatured alcohol).
Apply blue loctite and reinstall the grip. Let it set up overnight.
You should be able to remove the screw leaving the bushing attached to the frame now.

[Bushwack44]

Tim the tool man Taylor I am not. But wouldn't grease do just the opposite - keep the bushing loose within its hole?

It is called a grip screw bushing. They SHOULD be staked in but most companies don't do that any more. If you want to get your screw out (and thus the grip off) put a dab of grease inside the hole for the bushings. tighten down the screw again into the frame and make sure it isn't cross threaded. when its tight, give it a 1/4 turn the opposite way HARD and the screw will come right out.

[Bushwack44]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Later in the week I will try the Locktite approach and see how that works.

[QXSOUP]

Tim the tool man Taylor I am not. But wouldn't grease do just the opposite - keep the bushing loose within its hole?

Nope, it provides just enough resistance to get the screw out of the bushing.

I've had to do it to a couple of 1911's. After I get the screw out I locktite the bushing in.

[billofrights]

Tim the tool man Taylor I am not. But wouldn't grease do just the opposite - keep the bushing loose within its hole?

I think he meant to say put the grease in the screw hole OF the bushing, rather than in the hole on the frame the bushing screws into.

[whipkiller]

I think he meant to say put the grease in the screw hole OF the bushing, rather than in the hole on the frame the bushing screws into.

Wouldn't that be hard to do if you can't get the screw out?

[QXSOUP]

Put the grease in the frame hole. Trust me it works.

[Bushwack44]

Will a thick silicone work (which I have) or must it be grease (and what kind of grease)?

And am I to understand that after a few hours (or overnight), the grease will act like Locktite and keep the bushing in place while I unscrew the...screw?

Put the grease in the frame hole. Trust me it works.

[QXSOUP]

I'm sure the silicone will work. ALl you need is something that'll overcome the force of you backing the screw out.
I don't know about leaving the grease in there. I'm sure it won't hurt anything. I just use the grease to get the grip screw loose then locktite the bushing in.

I used my normal gun grease-TW25B.

[Bushwack44]

If I use grease and place the grip (with the bushing) back into the frame and let it sit overnight, what could I use to negate the force of keeping the bushing in and getting the screw out? There's no room (inside the frame?) to help hold the bushing in place while I take out the screw.

Either I'm missing a step or...I'm screwed.

I'll try Kowan's Locktite suggestion and post a follow-up if successful (or not). I appreicate everyone's suggestions.

I'm sure the silicone will work. ALl you need is something that'll overcome the force of you backing the screw out.
I don't know about leaving the grease in there. I'm sure it won't hurt anything. I just use the grease to get the grip screw loose then locktite the bushing in.

I used my normal gun grease-TW25B.

[QXSOUP]

you can take the screw out once you get the bushing screwed back in. Just a quick hard turn with a screwdriver and the grip screw will come right out.