Grip screw issues

[kerncat]

I have a .40 model 75B and recently bought a set of Hogue grips (soft rubber one) and when I got the thing installed it turns out the screws are too long when tightened to let the magazine go in...I can back the screws out a bit and the mag will fit but don't think I want to do that..I e mailed Hogue twice and hae gotten no reply...is there a shorter grip screw to use or should I just use a washer on the screw to move it out a bit...sure don't want to leave the screws loose...Guess it is a situation others have dealt with.
thanks

[SASDesertRat]

You don't have to go medieval when tightening the screws.  Even with factory grip screws it's possible to over tighten and have the tip rub against magazines.  A drop of blue loctite will keep the screws from coming loose without having to torque the screws all the way.

Be very careful with the Hogue grip screws.  My buddy snapped the head off of one.  It was a PIA to remove the stem.

[kerncat]

Thanks for the feedback..I didn't even know Hogue had screws as none were in the package when I got the grip...I'll bet a twisted off one in that frame would really be a mess....I'll try the blue locktite and see how that holds up...I hadn't really gone full torque on the screws...they interfered when tightened to what I felt comfortable with as far as them not coming loose...don't know why my mind went right past the blue locktite....an aside...made a mistake one time long ago and used some red locktite on small screws...that's a nono.
thanks again

[eric0424]

I can't speak for the 40cal. but on the 75B in 9mm the grip screws can't actually touch the magazine, they're behind the magazine break.  However if that is the problem then yes, you can use the washers that were on the original grip screws or any other washer that will fit.

If the screws are not the problem, you may need to remove some of the hard plastic backing plate on the inside of the grips.  I think I had to do this with mine.  If you have to, bolt one side of the grip down leaving other side loose to see what may be causing the problem when inserting the magazine.

If you use too much or the wrong type of thread locker you can apply heat to the screw and it should come out when the locking compound turns back to a  liquid.

[SASDesertRat]

You're correct, Eric.  I was thinking of a 1911.  Great advice on inspecting the grips for excess plastic and molding flash.

Red LocTite does wonders for sights but it's a nightmare on grip screws.

[kerncat]

I can't speak for the 40cal. but on the 75B in 9mm the grip screws can't actually touch the magazine, they're behind the magazine break.  However if that is the problem then yes, you can use the washers that were on the original grip screws or any other washer that will fit.

If the screws are not the problem, you may need to remove some of the hard plastic backing plate on the inside of the grips.  I think I had to do this with mine.  If you have to, bolt one side of the grip down leaving other side loose to see what may be causing the problem when inserting the magazine.

If you use too much or the wrong type of thread locker you can apply heat to the screw and it should come out when the locking compound turns back to a  liquid.

Ok guys....you did it again...and thanks...Yes the screws do fall behind the mag break so that wasn't the problem...I have a similar grip on my 9mm 75BD that worked just fine so pulled the grip off it and put it on the .40...no problem at all... put it back on the 9mm and again installed the new grip on the .40...I fully installed one side..looked it over and sure enough there was a small amount of the grip material that seemed to be very slightly in the way...trimmed it just a touch on both sides and put the grip in place, screwed it  down and voila....all is well....many thanks for settng me on the right path here.

[eric0424]

Looking at the Hogue grips on my stainless 75B it appears I had the same issue when I first bought them for the pistol in 06.   I just can't remember actually doing it, but there has been a little filing and/or sanding on the inside.

The red Loctite holds great, but you're right, if it gets on these small fine pitch screws it's a nightmare.  I  keep a small butane torch and a high wattage soldering iron handy for breaking the hold on some of the smaller screws.

[Vandel]

The red Loctite holds great, but you're right, if it gets on these small fine pitch screws it's a nightmare.  I  keep a small butane torch and a high wattage soldering iron handy for breaking the hold on some of the smaller screws.

I fly R/C helicopters, lots and lots of small screws and bolts each needing loctite. You don't need to go through the extreme of a torch, especially working around wood grips. Your wife?s hair dryer will work fine. Heat up not just the screw but the frame around the screw also. That is if you did not go hog wild with the loctite, you only need it on one thread. Basically use a Q-tip with loctite on it and swirl the end of the bolt or screw around the Q-tip so loctite is only on the first thread. It will spread out it?s self when you tighten it down.

[Cesar]

Use blue loctite for screws.

[Floyd D. Barber]

Use blue loctite for screws.

Don't use 222(purple) if plastic is involved.