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February 16, 2016
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For the edification of those who are looking for the size of the three hex-head allen wrenches needed for the; Grip screw, Sideplate screws and Front Sight screw ... here you go !
Front Sight Retention Screw (.050") - One of the few sets that have a wrench this small is the Bondhus Ball-Hex "L" wrench set.
Sideplate Screws (5/64")
Grip Screw (factory 5/32" and 9/64 for aftermarket) - see LB's explanation below.
lbruce said
The grip screw is a common point of confusion. A normal 8-32 1 1/2 hex head screw from any mill supply or hardware store will take a 9/64 hex wrench. DW grip screws (8-32 1 1/2 or 1 1/4 service grip) are a proprietary item with a larger head using a 5/32 hex wrench. This is the very reason I deliver Phillips head screws with grips just to make things simple. The revolver doesn't care which head is on the screw as long as the thread pitch and length is correct. For the OCD guys, DW sells the original stuff.
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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Sight = 3/64"
Cover = 5/64"
Grip = 5/32"
SIZE DOES MATTER
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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If you rear adj. sight has allen and not slotted, it is also 5/64"
SIZE DOES MATTER
February 16, 2016
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DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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SIZE DOES MATTER
February 16, 2016
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The wrench for the Grip Screw is 5/32".
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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Sorry 3 out of 4 of mine are 5/32 and the one I grabbed to check is 9/64 ??
Go figure 
That grip came from toltec 
SIZE DOES MATTER
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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I corrected previous post, 3 out 4 must be ok
SIZE DOES MATTER
February 16, 2016
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pete said
Sorry 3 out of 4 of mine are 5/32 and the one I grabbed to check is 9/64 ??
Non-factory then .. I'd be careful and double check the thread size before attempting to screw into a frame. Are the shoulders of the screw head smooth?
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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The frame also I got from toltec, I think the screw was in the monogrip it came with. 1st time out, I had taken grip off to clean and tightened normally. Had no single action, had to loosen screw a half turn. It had no washer and when I put wood grip on I found one and life's good. Threads felt fine. I keep a full set of allens in my tote bag, so no biggy for now.
SIZE DOES MATTER
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November 17, 2008
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The grip screw is a common point of confusion. A normal 8-32 1 1/2 hex head screw from any mill supply or hardware store will take a 9/64 hex wrench. DW grip screws (8-32 1 1/2 or 1 1/4 service grip) are a proprietary item with a larger head using a 5/32 hex wrench. This is the very reason I deliver Phillips head screws with grips just to make things simple. The revolver doesn't care which head is on the screw as long as the thread pitch and length is correct. For the OCD guys, DW sells the original stuff.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
February 16, 2016
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UPDATE: I checked a couple of my hex sets and none of them went small enough. I went out to the shop and got my trusty Bondhus Ball-Hex "L" wrench set from the roller-cab. The smallest one was labelled .050 and it fit the front sight screw perfectly. Note that 3/64 = 0.046875
February 16, 2016
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lbruce said
The grip screw is a common point of confusion. A normal 8-32 1 1/2 hex head screw from any mill supply or hardware store will take a 9/64 hex wrench. DW grip screws (8-32 1 1/2 or 1 1/4 service grip) are a proprietary item with a larger head using a 5/32 hex wrench. This is the very reason I deliver Phillips head screws with grips just to make things simple. The revolver doesn't care which head is on the screw as long as the thread pitch and length is correct. For the OCD guys, DW sells the original stuff.
Awesome information, thanks LB. 
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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The set I have in a plastic holder is so old you can't read sizes anymore. I measured w/calipers for you. If I recall the smallest IS .050". You are correct on conversion
SIZE DOES MATTER
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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Funny story. When I got S&W bg38 I could not find allen to fit laser adj. screws. Smaller than .050". Machinist friend, no good, Snap On, nothing. After resizing one on sharpening stone, I found the one that came with gun in bag w/cable lock.
SIZE DOES MATTER
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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FWIW my .050" wrench measured out at .047"
SIZE DOES MATTER
February 16, 2016
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I could have used the factory tool from my Pistol Pac, but it has never been used and I didn't want to start now, so I'll just keep it as a museum piece.
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February 1, 2016
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Stinger said
I could have used the factory tool from my Pistol Pac, but it has never been used and I didn't want to start now, so I'll just keep it as a museum piece.
I've heard they can be brittle and break also. So I would not use it either ! If it's the plastic style.
SIZE DOES MATTER
February 16, 2016
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pete said
FWIW my .050" wrench measured out at .047"
Sounds like somebody's micrometer needs a calibration ....
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
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Stinger said
Sounds like somebody's micrometer needs a calibration ....
It'a dial caliper, and I just checked it, it was about .001" off, sorry again.
I've got 5 sets of allens, not counting the bit driver kit. And it's smallest is 1/16"
SIZE DOES MATTER
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