Lubricating the threaded surfaces of either the frame or the grip screw reduces friction and therefore defeats the primary means of holding the grip screw in position. While the head of the screw should be lubricated to protect it from rust and corrosion, the threaded portion of it should be kept dry, as should the threads in the frame that mates with the grip screw. One of the most-prevalent causes of grip screws loosening is over-lubrication of the screw and/or the threaded portion of the frame that accepts the screw. Friction between the grip itself and the underside of the screw’s head also plays a role in stabilizing the screw, as well as keeping the grips firmly in place so they don’t shift during shooting. Typically they are held in place by friction between the threads of the screw and the threads in the frame. There are lots of factors to consider when addressing loosening grip screws in a semi-automatic pistol. Grip screws can be pesky little so-and-sos to keep in place sometimes. Is there a guideline or method of securing the screws other than constantly tightening them to keep them in place? I don’t want to glue them in as I’m afraid I’ll never be able to get them out again. I try to keep them snug, but don’t want to over-tighten for fear of stripping the screw or damaging the frame. On occasion, when I’m shooting a lot, I will lose one before I realize it has come loose and fallen out, never to be seen again. Every time I clean the guns I shoot most often, I find one or more of the grip screws have loosened under recoil and need to be tightened.

It seems that I am forever shooting my grip screws loose on my semi-automatic pistols.

Walther gsp and osp grip