What size O-rings for 1911 grips?

[daysleeprx]

One of the grip screws on one of my 1911s likes to work itself loose during firing. I've heard of using rubber O-rings to tighten up the fit of the screws into the frame. What size do you all recommend? Thanks!

 

[bubba_zenetti]

no particular size. whatever fits around the screw that is pretty thin. about a 4mm id x .5 mm od would work fine i guess.

i prefer to use green locktite on gun screws that need to stay put. a small dab goes a long way.

 

[XavierBreath]

No way would I LockTite on grip screws! Bushings yes, screws no. (I know red and blue LockTite, green may be different. Educate me if I'm off base. I'd still be wary though, just me....)

I just took a grip screw to the hardware store and tried on O-rings until I found the ones I wanted. With stag, horn, and ivory grips, the cushion provided by the O-ring can prevent damage as well as prevent screws from backing out.

 

[gamachinist]

Green Loctite is aka #609 Stud and Bearing Mount Locktite.(Or something like that,I can't read the label on the bottle anymore).

It is "permanent". It can be released with high heat,much more than you want to put on a gun frame as it will remove the finish (and kiss the grips goodbye too,they'll either melt or char).

I use it on valve seats in cylinder heads (always) and when I have a valve guide or cylinder sleeve that doesn't have enough press fit to make me happy.

#609 (green) really has no place in gun work,other than to fix a slightly loose sight band or the like imho.
Blue Loctite is fine for some aplications,it was the only way I could keep the rear frame screws tight on my Ruger Blackhawks.

 

[bubba_zenetti]

gamachinist:
green locktite is not 609. you are confusing that with locktite retaining compound which is a totaly different animal. yes that stuff is pretty strong but it is not thread locker.

green locktite is #222 not 609. taken from loctite's web site:

222MS Low Strength Threadlocker (this is the green colored stuff folks)

Ideal for fastener diameters of 1/4" (6 mm) and smaller. Controlled lubricity for accurate clamp loads. Parts can be separated using hand tools.

Typical Applications
Set screws, adjustment screws, calibration screws, meters, gauges.

i use it on the very small trigger adjustemnt screws on all of my match grade target pistols. most of the screws are 2mm in diameter. it is strong enough to lock them in place and easy enough to break free with ordinary tools with very little effort.

i also use it to lock the screws on my scope rails for my magnum handguns.

fyi blue locktite should not be used on anything that is a phillips or slot type screw it is too strong. you will wind up stripping the screw. red locktite has no place on a firearm unless it is a howitzer cannon.

 

[J Harrison]

I use a 3mm x 1mm oring under the grip screws that comes from McMaster-Carr, but can be found most anywhere.

 

[Bwana John]

Green Loctite is the weakest, should come loose with hand strength.

Blue Loctite need tools to be taken apart.

Red Loctite needs heat to come apart.


I would use blue for the bushings, and green for the screws.

 

[Robert Hairless]

Number 60 "O" rings, available at both Lowe's and Home Depot for about $1.75 for a small package. Look in the hardware section for the big bank of trays that have special parts in them.

 

[Robert Hairless]

Number 60 "O" rings, available at both Lowe's and Home Depot for about $1.75 for a small package. Look in the hardware section for the big bank of trays that have special parts in them.

You could also use acquarium tubing sold at pet stores in small coils. Slice off as many as you want with a razor blade or sharp utility knife. Unfortunately they will discolor in time. The "O" rings are better.