rlrock 0 Posted November 2, 2015 I need some help please. The screw broke off when I was installing a grip on my EAA Tangfolio Witness Match. I cannot get the rest of the broken screw out and the metal on the Witness seems soft. I think once the screw is removed that I will need the hole rethreaded. How hard is all this to do? Or should I go to a gunsmith. Thanks. Rich Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted November 2, 2015 Can you use a screw extractor? If the screw is soft the treads could be fine Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tattooo 220 Posted November 2, 2015 +1 on screw extractor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhunted 887 Posted November 2, 2015 Is that a 1911? If so, heat up the grip stud and get a decent pair of pliers and remove whole stud. It has prob got lock tite on threads which is why you have to heat up. Cheap and easy to replace. They have screws an studs at Brownells. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted November 2, 2015 Is that a 1911? If so, heat up the grip stud and get a decent pair of pliers and remove whole stud. It has prob got lock tite on threads which is why you have to heat up. Cheap and easy to replace. They have screws an studs at Brownells.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Just be careful. You screw up the threads on the frame and you're in a bigger jam. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tattooo 220 Posted November 2, 2015 That would be a huge pain in the rear Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhunted 887 Posted November 2, 2015 If the frame is not plastic, usually the studs are softer than frame. Haven't messed up one yet. Just be careful. You screw up the threads on the frame and you're in a bigger jam. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vlad G 345 Posted November 2, 2015 How did it break, by which I mean is it broken enough that you can get the grips off? Did the entire screw head come off? If you can get the grip off, you should be able to VERY gently cut a slot into the remaining bit of the screw and try to remove it. You could also try to drill it out very carefully with a drill bit smaller then the diameter of the screw, which should weaken it enough to get it out. You could try JB welding a nubbin on it that you could grab with plier. Is the screw extending past the frame on the other side and can you grab onto that? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rlrock 0 Posted November 2, 2015 I have tried cutting a slot in the exposed part of the screw that is sticking out. I applied WD40 and have let it sit there for a day. I think the screw threaded in wrong and that's how it snapped. I have to buy a screw extractor from Home Depot and see if that works. I might need to get hex screws to replace the factory ones and see if I can rethread the gun that way. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vlad G 345 Posted November 2, 2015 worst case scenario, there should be a lot of frame around that screw so drilling the whole thing out, slightly expanding the hole and rethreading it should be workable option, although it will leave with non-standard grip screws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestPX 172 Posted November 2, 2015 I have tried cutting a slot in the exposed part of the screw that is sticking out. I applied WD40 and have let it sit there for a day. I think the screw threaded in wrong and that's how it snapped. I have to buy a screw extractor from Home Depot and see if that works. I might need to get hex screws to replace the factory ones and see if I can rethread the gun that way. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk You would be better served by Kroil or similar penetrating oil. Also, if there's enough of the screw to grab on to, a pair of vise grips might be helpful. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vlad G 345 Posted November 2, 2015 Also, some heat applied to the frame might come in handy. If there is a lot of thread locker there the heat may break it down a bit plus possibly expand the hole. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PK90 3,573 Posted November 2, 2015 Buy a new gun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vlad G 345 Posted November 2, 2015 Buy a new gun. Lets play a game of "Spot the gun dealer!". Hey, I just won! This should also be your answer for "my gun locked back empty, how do I get more ammo in it?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites