The Rohrbaugh Forum
Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Gunsmithing or Modifications for your Rohrbaugh => Topic started by: rooster on May 09, 2005, 01:07:15 PM
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I have a problem with one of my grip screws. The left side bottom screw is in so tight that I have broken 1 allen wrench trying to remove it. And now the allen head is rounded out and the wrenches no longer fit. My question is, since it is the left panel do I ever have to remove it for maintenance? I was thinking of drilling through the screw and retapping. I also thought about removing the front screw and then rotating the panel down and maybe the screw will lossen up, but then if the head breaks I am "screwed". Also has anyone detailed striped there pistol yet? If so how?
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I also thought about removing the front screw and then rotating the panel down // rooster
This will not work, there are index pins under there , in addition to the screws.
Only thing I can think of is to use a small cut off wheel in a Dremel, and cut a slot in the screw head..
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I've heard that you can drill into a screw and cause it to shatter (obviously safety glasses are a must), but have never tried it personally. Of course you'll need a new screw to put the grip panel back on, but you'll probably need that no matter how you get the screw out.
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Aesthetics aside with a buggered screw - IMO that left panel need never come off!! On my FAQ site are some pics of a full take down if that helps tho not much use re the screw dilemma.
The most critical thing if drilling out a screw is - precision - start on center and stay on center. This will mean use of a small drill sufficient to not ruin the female thread - and speed and feed will have to be very finely controlled - and with cutting fluid/oil too. The screws are IIRC stainless and hard therefore.
NO hand drill - this is, if attempted, a drill press job. If t'were me - I'd live with it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Meant to add - Allen wrenches MUST be true 1/16" (0.0625") - ''cheapie'' ones that are sloppy will give problems because usually under size and so damage the head.
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Thanks r9s, I just went to your site and after looking at your pictures I agree that there is probably no reason to take the left grip panel off. so for now I am going to leave well enough alone.
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I was able to remove a damaged and frozen Allen-head screw from the right-side grip panel of my R9s by using a small damaged-screw remover mounted in a power drill on slow speed. It was a delicate piece of work, and I was fortunate, and relieved, to have been able to remove the screw without inflicting any damage to the grip panel or the frame.
Good luck.
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I had the same problem, had to drill mine out. You can get replacement screws off of the Rohrbaugh web site, or you can do what I did, went to a local supply store and replaced the grip screws with stainless phillips flathead screws. The size you need is 1/4 inch long screws with 3-48 threads. When the screw size gets smaller, I think it is much easier to remove a phillips head screws than an allen head screws.
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cobb - welcome to the board :)
Glad you succeeded with your drilling - it would not take much error to bugger the threads in the frame! Last year I drew up a screw - best as i could from meaurements - I'll repost that for info tho I did post it a ways back.
Philips heads can be ok, as long as a good quality clean ground driver used. Equally tho, the Allen heads are OK if wrench is proper size - 0.0625" - a true 1/16". Unfortunately many hex wrenches from cheaper sets can easily mic up a thou or more under-size and so quickly marr the screwhead.
(http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/thr/shoot4/r9-gripscrew.gif)