RESOLVED: Grip Screw Stripped - Need Advice

[gnumadic]

Hi, I just recently bought an SP-01 compact (all steel railed Compact 75). I picked up some Pachmayr G10 grips and also torx head grip screws from HB Industries. When I took off the factory rubber grips I discovered that one of the screws had been put in cross-threaded or something at the factory.



The other side of the frame is fine. I can hand tighten the HB Industries screw all the way in with no problems.



But on the side that had the stripped screw threads I can only get it this far without feeling heavy resistance.



I am unsure about what to do. Clearly, the threads in the frame are compromised, but is it bad enough that I should send it in to CZ for warranty work? I am disappointed at the prospect of being without the weapon for several weeks. However, the last thing I want to do is make the problem worse by forcing the screw. I know the first one held, but half of that could have been factory grease! I don't even know if the threads can be cleaned up or if the frame need to be replaced. What do you recommend?

[rhart]

Re-tap the hole.

[gnumadic]

Re-tap the hole.

I don't have any drilling/tapping tools, nor have I ever done that before. Is it worth the expense of the equipment and risk of making it worse, particularly since it's pretty clear this was a factory defect? You guys tell me if it's really simple and I'll wish I had done it sooner.

If I took it to a gunsmith would it be cheaper than shipping it back to CZ?

[doc171]

If I remember, there are some posts last year on your problem. The major crux is that the tapped hole is a metric pitch thread, a non-typical one I think. If you can or a forum member can post the thread pitch and diameter, you should be able to retap the hole with minimum problems. Amazon may have what you need and if they don't try McMaster-Carr. When I was MRO buying in my job long ago, they were my last resort for finding anything special. To buy from them is easy, just set up a "Name" account and use a credit card. I have an account that I use a few times a year.

[Tok36]

If you think it is a factory defect contact CZ USA and see what they say. Email them your pictures too, they like pictures.

[gnumadic]

Thanks doc171 and Tok36! I think I will start by calling CZ and seeing what they say. I bought the gun in new condition. The screw came off the factory grips that way, which means it had to be put on that way (i.e., something that happened during assembly).

[Iluvboost]

Menards has taps. You can find the correct one using the good screw. Find a die that will fit so you can get the thread pitch. You should be able to fix it pretty cheap. A tap is like 3 bucks.

[eastman]

Menards has taps. You can find the correct one using the good screw. Find a die that will fit so you can get the thread pitch. You should be able to fix it pretty cheap. A tap is like 3 bucks.

They probably won't have the correct one, though.

You need an M3.5-0.6 tap - which is not a common one in the US. I had to order one (Amazon has them, Grainger and McMaster Carr should have them)

[Iluvboost]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/3-5mm-x-6-Metric-Taper-and-Plug-Tap-M3-5-x-0-6mm-Pitch-/110896047538

[rhart]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/3-5mm-x-6-Metric-Taper-and-Plug-Tap-M3-5-x-0-6mm-Pitch-/110896047538

That's cheaper than what I paid on Amazon for mine. Any CZ fan worthy of his salt should own at least one.

[eastman]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/3-5mm-x-6-Metric-Taper-and-Plug-Tap-M3-5-x-0-6mm-Pitch-/110896047538

Looks good - especially since you get a taper and a plug tap. The ones I bought through Amazon were sold as a pair of taper taps.

[M1A4ME]

Each of us has to decide what we will attempt to fix and what we will pay someone else to fix.

I just ordered a set of these taps, just in case.

I will say, due to 40 years of experience with old/used guns, I always put a drop of oil on the threads of a screw before I put it in the gun (unless it's a screw that's been working loose and requires some Loctite).

A couple years ago I got a used CZ 75 Compact.  The grips screws just did not want to turn out/loose.  They'd start to turn, after a couple turns they'd get tight (scary, thinking you might be about to strip one out).  I'd put a drop of oil in the gap between the screw head and the grip and screw it back in.  Then repeat a couple times of a few hours.  The screws would come out a little further each time and in the end came out with no damage to the threads.  After that, I put a drop of oil on the threads on the grip screws on that gun.

I think the only thing (concerning grip screws) I ever used Loctite on was the grip screw bushings on my 1911's.

Good luck with yours.

[gnumadic]

Thanks everyone. I talked to a buddy at church who works at a machine shop. He said he had the tools to fix it...and worst case a little blue loctite would help. However, I emailed CZ's warranty center, including pictures. I received an RA# and shipping label in less than 24 hours. I'm going to just send it in...although the email said it could take 4-6 weeks. I might have to use that as an excuse to buy another CZ!

[Tok36]

Thank you for the follow up, glad that you are getting it fixed. I agree this is a great time to buy another CZ. 

[thedude]

Thanks everyone. I talked to a buddy at church who works at a machine shop. He said he had the tools to fix it...and worst case a little blue loctite would help. However, I emailed CZ's warranty center, including pictures. I received an RA# and shipping label in less than 24 hours. I'm going to just send it in...although the email said it could take 4-6 weeks. I might have to use that as an excuse to buy another CZ!

I'm sure CZ will make it right for you.