Need a grip screw

[coondogger]

I bought a pair of grips for my Ruger Super Blackhawk on Ebay. Don't ask how but I screwed up the grip screw while putting them on the gun. Now I need a replacement grip screw and the seller doesn't seem to be getting back to me despite a couple of e-mails. How do I go about matching that screw?

 

[drband]

Brownells.com
Or call Ruger customer service (might just send you one).

 

[coondogger]

Ruger won't because it's not a Ruger part; it's an aftermarket part. And Brownells doesn't seem to have anything but standard Ruger grip screws.

It's basically a fillister slot head screw, possibly
6-32 or maybe 8, by about 1 3/4 inch. I wonder if it's available online or even at a good hardware store?

 

[rcmodel]

Probably is available at any hardware store, if it's a standard SAE thread.

Take the grips to a hardware store and find a slotted screw long enough that will screw into the female thread on the grip.

Doesn't matter if the head fits in the other side.

Then chuck it in a drill and spin it while filing or sanding down the head until it will fit.

Then install and cut to length.

Touch up with cold blue and Bee Happy!

rc

 

[Jim K]

www.gungrip.com has some grip screws they sell separately.

Jim

 

[coondogger]

None of these places online have it. I tried local hardware stores. They can't even figure out the threads on it. Ruger can't help because it's not a Ruger part. And the guy I bought the grips from is ignoring my emails. Essentially I paid him 75 dollars for some grips that are now worthless to me.

 

[beag_nut]

Well, then it's time to do some reverse-engineering. Grab or borrow a set of calipers and measure the outside diameter of the original (to the grips) screw. Then, with a magnifying glass, place a ruler next to the threads and count the threads over a distance of one inch, or half-inch, or some other precise distance. The threads which cover one inch is your pitch. The outside diameter will tell you (or us) the screw size. Tell us both, and we can try to find a screw for you which might be overlength, but it can be cut to length. By "us", I mean anyone who reads your post and knows screw threads.

 

[coondogger]

Done. It's a 6-32 x 1 1/4". We have a Fastenal in the next town over. Now that I know what I need, I can see if they have one. Barring that I can order something from Brownells. Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

Any local hardware store or hobby shop should have those in stock.

Fastenal will be more then pleased to sell you a box of 100, or 1,000.

They don't sell single fasteners.

rc

 

[BBBBill]

Sometimes the counter guys at Fastenal/Fastener Service/etc will take pity on a fellow and sell or give a single screw. At least they've done so for me a couple times.

 

[rcmodel]

You must have a better bunch then I do running the store!!

But like I said, a 6-32 x 1 1/4" can be bought at almost any hobby shop or hardware store.
(Maybe in packs of 5)

rc

 

[beag_nut]

I tried local hardware stores. They can't even figure out the threads on it. .

Perhaps those local hardware stores deserve to lose you as a customer, if they can't identify a #6-32 screw.

 

[gamestalker]

Did you maybe pull the etchen screw through the opposite grip by over tightening, thus enlarging the hole?

Is so, you can buy another from Brownells, and then take the time to properly fill the original hole with JB weld or maybe Eposy might work, then re drill it. Don't let the filler get where it will be visible, and make sure you do something to the hole to create good adherence. I would drill the hole so it has a conical shape, larger on the outer side, so the etchen won't just pull straight through. And don't over tighten next time, if that's what happened.

I used the above procedure for a factory swivel on a couple of rifle stocks. Both wood and synthetic stocks, both have held up just fine with lots of field use too.

GS

 

[coondogger]

Good news. The guy I bought the grips from contacted me. He said the screw is actually a 5-40 NS. He's sending another screw but advices taking a tap and cleaning up the threads from the escutcheon. He also sent a link on e-bay where I can get a tap of that size.
I think that's a better idea than trying to remove an escutcheon which can be tricky.