Posted: 6/25/2008 6:32:30 AM EDT
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Does anyone have any experience with the head of a grip screw breaking off? I purchased a used pistol recently. Upon inspecting the grip screws I found them in need of tightening. Although I didn't tighten excessively, the head of one screw broke off. I am unable to grasp the remainder of the screw with pliers and cannot turn it in any other fashion. I'm assuming this is fairly common. Can anybody give me advice or provide links describing how to remove the screw? |
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Thanks, guys. As an aside, these were the hex-head style screws. I have a feeling they may have a higher rate of failure based on the design. When the head broke off, the hex bit I was using poked all the way through. This indicates to me that the screw and the head are connected by a very narrow surface area as compared to slot-head style screws. |
| I had the same thing happen with my Beretta 92FS. The factory hex head screws that Beretta is using are not very strong. I replaced them with Hogue grip screws and have had no problems. I ended up just removing the threaded insert rather than try to drill the broken screw. |
So you're saying the screws do not screw directly into the frame? I'll take a closer look. |
| No, they screw into a threaded insert that screws into the frame. It will likely be much easier to just remove the screw and threaded insert together. If you need a replacement threaded insert, let me know. I think I have a couple spares from when I had the grip screw break on my Beretta. Also, if the other three screws are from Beretta USA, I would personally replace them all with Hogue grip screws just to be safe. Beretta's standard grip screws are fine, but their hex head screws are crap. |
Ah, now I see it; the screws go into a slotted bushing. As luck would have it, the screw head broke just high enough to bisect the slot and just low enough to prevent gripping the screw. Thanks a lot for the info. At least I know I can replace the bushing if I damage it trying to get the screw out. |