Screw Head Failure

[tracker]

I hope that I won't flunk automatic editing with this topic but today
at the range the left grip top screw sheared off where the grip meets
the frame. This occurred sometime while firing 14 rounds of WWB and
13 of Critical Defense. Apparently, only the head is missing because the
sheared screw post is still visible in the frame. The grips have never
been removed in 3 years and have been checked periodically for tight-
ness. Does anyone recall hearing of such a problem?

I have not yet removed the grip to see if the remaining screw piece can
be rotated out of the frame.

[kjtrains]

Whoa!  That's not good to hear!  Could it be the Critical Defense is too powerful a load for the R9, like the +P?  Don't know, just thinking.  

[tracker]

No, I don't think so because there was no felt difference in the WWB
and the CD. Also, I don't know when the failure occurred and only
noticed it after the range session. It definitely happened during this
visit because I am always checking this little beauty. The CD is
standard pressure.

[ccoorreeyy]

Never heard of that happening.  Sorry to hear.  Hope it comes out easy enough if not maybe a little heat on whats left of the screw will do it.

[tracker]

That is a good thought, Corey. If it isn't removed easily I will seek
assistance from the source.

[sdlsaginaw]

That's pretty scary.  Did this happen with the stock G10 grips?

[tracker]

No, they are stock carbon fiber grips. This S/N is 7xx and the gun
has had no more than 250 rounds through it since I bought it. It just
looks like structural failure to me.

[ACP]

Agree that this matter is both interesting and scary. I haven't shot the R9 with S/N R8XX yet, which has CF grips.

With ammo at such a premium I have been content to carry it with the 147 grain Golden Sabres without having shot it yet.

I would be interested in factory's response if this matter is unresolved via simpler course of action.

[Richard S]

Tracker:

I agree with you that it sounds like a structural failure of the screw. You and I both have early-issue R9s, and your grip screws are probably the originals.  As I recall, sometime in late 2006, Rohrbaugh began using grip screws made from a harder grade of steel than that used in the original issues.  The primary reason for the change, I believe, was to reduce the possibility of stripping out the 1/16" Allen hex socket of the screws. In any event, the structural failure of that screw on your R9 could be due to a microscopic flaw in the steel, perhaps amplified by the effects of galvanic corrosion over time between the steel screw and the aluminum frame.  

Removing the broken screw shaft shouldn't be too much of a problem with the right tools. It's a delicate operation, though, and unless I were able to "tease" it out by hand, I would personally want the factory or a talented gunsmith to perform the operation so as not to damage the threading in the frame. In any event, you will probably want a set of the newer screws.

Good luck, and please keep us informed.

[DanR9SF]

Those grip screws are very tiny - this seems as if it would be a great application for a Helicoil insert.  I'm surprised the factory doesn't use 'em right from the start seeing as they're such tiny screws.  A steel screw in an aluminum frame is not a good idea, and then the constant tightening only adds to the stress on that little screw.  Eventually it's going to break.   Adding a little dab of anti-seize compound to the thread would be a good idea.  I've had steel screws seize in aluminum - and trying to get them out is not pretty.  You end up drilling out the broken screw and then installing a helicoil insert which is a permanent fix.  

http://www.emhart.com/products/helicoil.asp

EDIT: Thread locker (or nail polish) will hold the screw tight but it usually doesn't slow the dissimilar metal corrosion (white powder) which will eventually destroy the steel screw and damage the aluminum frame.   The frame is anodized and those little threaded holes have some protection because they're anodized.  Rohrbaugh says use a thread locker.  I'd like to see a helicoil screwed tightly and permanently into the aluminum frame, and then some thread locking compound on the steel screw before it's screwed into the helicoil.   That would hold it firmly.  You could do all the grip screws this way in under an hour.  Very small threaded holes in aluminum are usually not permanent (at least in my experience).

[yankee2500]

That is going to promote the screws working loose, everyone says add Loctite or nail polish to the screw thread to keep them tight, and anti seize would prevent that from
 working. :-/
John

[tracker]

Thanks for all the comments. Normally, I would handle this type of
thing directly with the factory and not air it on the forum but I thought
it significant enough that all should be aware.
After removing the left grip panel I could see that the failed screw was
sticking out of the frame about 2/16 02 3/16 " and is uneven. The white
powdery appearance where it met the frame indicates that galvanic
corrosion probably occurred.
From past experience and recognition of lack of patience and skill in this
area I have decided to send it back to the factory for resolution. Even
though I had extra screws on hand I had never changed out these origi-
nal screws. The lesson learned here is to replace the screws once in
awhile.

[ACP]

Thank you tracker for airing this matter out in the forum. We have some technically minded forum members and this matter is an object lesson for us all.

[tracker]

For reference, I purchased this gun 4 years ago in February 2005.
It was new at the time.

[Bill_in_TX]

For reference, I purchased this gun 4 years ago in February 2005.
It was new at the time.

Just for my reference, what kind of climate do you live in?

I'm in Houston and have perpetual problems with a lot of firearm corrosion issues.   Anticipating the possible issue with screws, I went ahead and ordered three extra sets when I first ordered the pistol.  Mine is only about 1 1/2 yrs old, so I haven't even looked at the screws.  However, if you live in Arizona, I'll probably change my at the next cleaning   .