Kimber stripped grips threads...

13287 Views 20 Replies 5 Participants Last post by bleak23, Jan 3, 2013

bleak23

Discussion Starter · Dec 26, 2012

<---Custom CDP II: when I changed the grips, both bushings on the left side came out with the screws. When replacing, I stripped the top hole and shredded the bottom hole. The grips are mostly held in place by the bottom screw/bushing, but if I take it off, there's no way it'll screw back on (so no pics). I called Kimber and they said they would have to "return it to factory condition" which probably means they would replace the frame. I cannot afford that.

So is there any way to fix? I looked at JB Weld but don't think it would work because there's no way to tighten the screw without breaking the epoxy, I'm guessing.

There is also BROWNELLS - 1911 AUTO OVERSIZED STOCK BUSHINGS & TAP, but I don't have the tools or the skills to do it properly. Should I just bring it to the gunsmith and see if he can do the oversize bushings?

Is it me or is this just cheap manufacturing? Do Colt 1911's have this problem? You would think that a gun as expensive as a Kimber... etc.

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

danf_fl

· #2 · Dec 26, 2012

It happens to the best.
The oversize bushings and tap are easy to work.

Basically, you are "chasing" the threads with the tap. The key is to be perpendicular to the frame. If you still feel unsure of doing it, most auto mechanics can assist. Then use loc-tite on the bushings (but not inside). After the bushings are setup (normally 24 hours is more than enough time), put the grips back on. A little oil on the screw threads may assist in avoiding this situation in the future.

I have used a large screw driver to put the bushing back in, but you have to be careful that the bushing does not get buggered up.

jgoertz

· #3 · Dec 26, 2012

Same thing happen to me. Local GS charged me $45 to chase threads, install oversize bushings and lock tite them in. Worked well.

danf_fl

· #4 · Dec 26, 2012

jgoertz said:
Same thing happen to me. Local GS charged me $45 to chase threads, install oversize bushings and lock tite them in. Worked well.

Did that include cost of parts or were they extra?

jakewpns

· #5 · Dec 26, 2012

jgoertz said:
Same thing happen to me. Local GS charged me $45 to chase threads, install oversize bushings and lock tite them in. Worked well.

45 just for that? We charge 45 per hour of labor, but something like that probably wouldve been 15 plus parts, and free if you purchased the firearm from us.

jgoertz

· #6 · Dec 26, 2012

I thought it was pretty reasonable. $45/hr for a skilled gunsmith (1 hr. min.) is not excessive in my opinion.

jgoertz

· #7 · Dec 26, 2012

Oh! No charge for parts .

jgoertz

· #8 · Dec 26, 2012

Addendum : I fully believe a skilled tradesman should be able to make a fair living. Billable hours are not necessarily all the working hours put in.

70cuda383

· #9 · Dec 26, 2012

anyone can strip out threads, and everyone has done it at least once, on something.

it has nothing to do with the quality of the firearm, and rests entirely on the skill of the monkey with the screw driving changing the grips. If you bought this weapon brand new and you're the only one who's ever changed grips, please take no offense to the term "monkey" if you bought it used, then blame it on the first owner! haha.

I've stripped out threads before especially working on auto projects in the garage. "oops, dangit! oh well, I guess they make helicoils for that!"

the fix is easy. if you don't trust yourself to do it, then stop by your local gun store, either they can do it for you, or will tell you who they sent their gunsmith work to.

jgoertz

· #10 · Dec 26, 2012

Tarzan chastises me often. I plead guilty. In point of fact though, I have worked on many aircraft and cars. You said yourself that you have used helicoils so don't punish me too harshly.

)

jakewpns

· #11 · Dec 27, 2012

jgoertz said:
Oh! No charge for parts .

Then in that case very reasonable. Did they loctite the bushings?

jgoertz

· #12 · Dec 27, 2012

Yup! And new extended grip screws both sides because the new grips were laser grips and were thicker than the originals.

jakewpns

· #13 · Dec 27, 2012

Nice. Hope you enjoy the new grips

bleak23

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 27, 2012

danf_fl said:
Did that include cost of parts or were they extra?

I will call tomorrow. Hope he has the parts/tap.

70cuda383 said:
anyone can strip out threads, and everyone has done it at least once, on something.

it has nothing to do with the quality of the firearm, and rests entirely on the skill of the monkey with the screw driving changing the grips. If you bought this weapon brand new and you're the only one who's ever changed grips, please take no offense to the term "monkey" if you bought it used, then blame it on the first owner! haha.

I've stripped out threads before especially working on auto projects in the garage. "oops, dangit! oh well, I guess they make helicoils for that!"

the fix is easy. if you don't trust yourself to do it, then stop by your local gun store, either they can do it for you, or will tell you who they sent their gunsmith work to.

Yeah, it *was* new when I bought it. I *am* the monkey/walrus.

bleak23

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 27, 2012

The gunsmith I had in mind would do it w/parts for around $60 (40 minutes @ $80 per hour). I'm looking for other gunsmiths but, surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be many in the Dallas area at the moment.

Should I send it out? Any recs?

jgoertz

· #16 · Dec 27, 2012

Tad on the expensive side. Up to you. Knowing what I know now, I'd order the parts from Brownells and tackle it myself.

jakewpns

· #17 · Dec 27, 2012

bleak23 said:
The gunsmith I had in mind would do it w/parts for around $60 (40 minutes @ $80 per hour). I'm looking for other gunsmiths but, surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be many in the Dallas area at the moment.

Should I send it out? Any recs?

We do gunsmithing in Corpus Christi. Just a short 10 hour drive.

danf_fl

· #18 · Dec 27, 2012

Watch the extended length screws that they do not interfere with the mag ejection.

Or just send the gun to me and I will put it through its paces (and maybe return it after 10 years).

bleak23

Discussion Starter · #19 · Dec 28, 2012

jgoertz said:
Tad on the expensive side. Up to you. Knowing what I know now, I'd order the parts from Brownells and tackle it myself.

Would I *need* tools (other than the tap) to do it? From what I understand, the biggest obstacle is tapping the new holes at the perfect angles (90°). I guess I would need a T-Handle Tap Wrench and make a 1"x1" wooden guide for the tap.

bleak23

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 29, 2012

OK, I'll take that as a tacit "you're on the right track."

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

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