top of page

Is this frame a lost cause or can it be salvaged? A look at frame repairs.

This builder made a mistake of cutting down the slide buffer stops. Is this frame trash or can it be fixed?

The post isn’t an issue. It will still run. Go to the shop get the diamond straights - then the yellow diamond kit & the green polishers. Lay the channel area upside down in a tray of water overnight before you go with the diamond and greens - help you get rid of all that fraying.


Channel needs more work... Red marked area, diamond straights on those walls - diamond ball bits along the bottom - then green polish that entire area. Become a Channel Master


So, I tried using the fret cutters to clip a bit from the channel, like in one of MGB’s videos. Resulting plastic tabs deformed a bit, away from the cut.

Straighten that right out my friend. Put the front locking block in and then finish the job. You are bending where the raised posts go above the frame. That will not affect the function - matter of fact - countless freedom protectors accidentally cut the top portions of then off and it still runs without issue brother 👊


A member shares his experience: On my last build I attempted to use my fret cutters on the channel and it flexed that post so much it cracked it. I tried to repair but it broke off. I have probably 500-ish rounds with no issues at all.

The raised posts are a duplicate of Glock - on a Glock they act as and interior guide on the inside of the slide to align it to the Glock rails. On a P80 they aren’t as necessary because P80 combines the locking block with a set of front rails that are 3 times the size of Glock rails. You’ll be fine my friend - I’ve seen it literally 100 times without issues 👍

Slide is catching not racking smooth, what could be the problem?

Get a First Time Quality Channel: Go Pro or become a Channel Master

The recoil spring maybe catching on the channel. Put your block in and use it as a guide. A member shows his for an example.

Guide-rod channel. Too rough (unpolished), too narrow (under-cut)or too shallow (undercut). Make sure your channel is CLEAN. That spring needs a lot of room to move, or it will drag that slide's action to a stop. Be sure the cut-out brings the 'posts' even with the inside of the locking-block, and level to the rear section of the channel. Smooth finish is essential. This was probably the most common problem, and easiest to fix.



Watched the videos. Perfect Pins & Pin Jedi Master

But, Not First Time Quality Pin Holes. Is this repairable?

Short answer- Yes

1) A member writes: My tried and true method for fixing holes. Tape both sides of the hole but only putting a drill bit sized hole on the outside preventing excess JB weld getting on the frame. The inside tape prevents JB weld getting on the inside of the frame. Wait a few days and re-drill. I buy the highest strength weld, works like a charm.

2) Another recommends: I would say some JB weld and some of the finer dust made from the Polymer Tabs. I literally just had a similar issue when drilling out my trigger for a poly AR lower. JB weld and some dust made a great patch. Then just drill. It may not be beautiful... The black poly did show a slight discoloration grey after JB weld patch. But it worked out great. You don't have anything to lose besides a cosmetic blemish after you repair. I know we all came here for MGBs first time quality. But I'm a realist, and I know I'll make small errors as I go. Which is fine because that's how we learn and get better.


More on Frame repair...

Cut Frame ? Not a Problem my Friends.


Put it back together soldering with the tabs, baking soda & super glue.


Yes that's right..... here it is.


Super Glue & Baking Soda method

The repaired area is immediately ready to be sanded, polished or drilled.

A strong repair for pin holes or gouges with no prep work or waiting required. This cocktail adheres to nearly anything.

Place baking soda on work surface, add paint to match frame color.

Mix together, add more B.Soda as needed to make a stiff paste. Let dry, then crumble into a fine dust.



Repair a hole that is not First Time Quality

Install backing on the hole, so repair will not be proud or need very little smoothing, inside of frame. Most any tape will work fine. Ensure it is firmly pressed on. Add a very small amount of colored B.soda to hole. Add a drop of super glue. Tamp it in gently against the tape. Add more glue totally filling hole. Add B. soda to glue, over flow into a small pile above the hole. Tamp then brush off the excess. The area is now ready for First Time Quality sanding & polishing. Pop the frame back in the jig, drill your pin hole again.


Epoxy method

The repaired area has various working times before it's ready for First Time Quality sanding, polish or drilling. A fairly strong repair for pin holes or gouges in your frame if properly prepared. Prep work required: Roughing up then cleaning the area with alcohol or acetone is strongly recommended. Epoxy needs an anchor tooth to grab onto for holding power. Again, install tape backing inside to keep inside of frame smooth(ish).


Tips:

  • Over fill the hole to allow for shrinkage.

  • Putty state defined: after working time has elapsed and before cure time has expired. Epoxy should feel and be moldable like hard putty.

  • While epoxy is still in a putty state, use a razor knife to cut the repair flush with frame, inside & out,

  • Use acetone to shape, smooth and clean the repaired area while in a putty state.

  • Liquid 2 part liquid epoxy is stronger than moldable stick epoxy.

  • Moldable stick epoxies can be used to modify the frame and grip. Custom mold to your hand before coating the frame with your choice of product (Links ▶️ cerakote, duracote, dipping, silicon carbide)

Few product ideas. PC, JB weld, Gorilla and others are competitive brands. They all do about the same thing. Its like buying a slide some like H.A.D., P80 Builder, MDX, Glock OEM, etc...everyone has a fav.

Some epoxy may be colored to match item


Repair a gouge or a pin hole that isn't First Time Quality

Grab one of those tabs you saved and turn it into dust

One small tab worth of dust




Tossed the tabs, use scrap from drilling

Put all the pin hole drilling scraps on a can bottom, heat it up till it melts, use a stick or knife to scrape& clump into a ball. Grind into dust with diamond bit.

 

5 Minute Epoxy

Clear Epoxy takes on the color of your tabs

 

15 Minute Epoxy

JB weld plastic bonder comes in tan, black & clear

 

Moldable & paste type Epoxy

Colors: black, white, grey. Adding tab dust not recommended

 

Ol' stand by JB Weld Epoxy

Comes in black or dark grey. Technique without tape backing

 

Frame fix

Grey tabs are used as I had only 1 small FDE. I like that it shows the repair. If brown tabs were used the outside of the frame would look much cleaner. Super glue/ baking soda was used to smooth the plastic in the channel matches the frame nicely.




We'll help you Build your Freedom.

👇 Join the MGB 80% Community 👇 https://www.marinegunbuilder.com/forum




Recent Posts

See All

Commentaires


Freedom Crew University Logo Mobile dramatic cool.jpg

There is nothing more American than building your own piece of Freedom. While we live in tumultuous times with "guaranteed" freedoms being stripped away, there is one thing that cannot be taken from you - knowledge. Our courses are all instructor led with small class sizes to ensure you are receiving an exceptional education on firearm platforms.

Self-Paced Classes
No Tuition Fee
Student Discounts
Educational Library
Instructor Live Streams
Subscribe for Exclusive Access & Student Deals!

Thanks for subscribing!

© 2024 by Freedom Crew University. All Rights Reserved.

  • Instagram
  • YouTube

At the FCU gunsmith school, we offer comprehensive training in the art and science of gunsmithing. Our gunsmith classes cover a wide range of topics, from basic firearm repair to advanced custom gunsmithing techniques. Students who enroll in our program can expect to receive hands-on training in firearm maintenance and repair, as well as in-depth instruction in the use of specialized tools and equipment. Our gunsmith training program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful gunsmiths. Whether you're interested in starting your own business or working for a firearms manufacturer or repair shop, our gunsmith apprenticeship program will give you the foundation you need to succeed in this exciting field. One of the key components of our gunsmith school is our gunsmith certification program. Graduates of our program will receive a certificate of completion, which is recognized by employers and customers as evidence of their knowledge and skill as a gunsmith. In addition to traditional gunsmithing techniques, our firearm repair training program also covers cutting-edge technologies and methods used in custom gunsmithing. From engraving and custom finishes, to building custom rifles and pistols, our gunsmithing course will give you the skills and knowledge needed to create one-of-a-kind firearms. Our gunsmith program is designed to be flexible and accessible to students of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to start a new career or an experienced gun enthusiast looking to take your skills to the next level, our gunsmith school has something to offer.

Freedom Crew University’s online firearm training school offers a wide range of courses to help individuals improve their firearm skills and knowledge. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics of gun handling and safety, or an experienced shooter looking to take your skills to the next level, we have the training you need. Our concealed carry training course is designed to teach individuals the skills and knowledge needed to safely and legally carry a concealed firearm. This course covers the legal aspects of concealed carry, as well as the proper techniques for carrying and deploying a concealed firearm. For those looking to improve their self-defense skills, our self defense training course is the perfect choice. This course covers the principles of self defense, as well as the use of firearms for personal protection. Students will learn about the legal and ethical considerations of self defense, and will have the opportunity to practice their skills in simulated self defense scenarios. Firearm safety is of the utmost importance, and our firearm safety training course is designed to teach individuals how to handle firearms safely. This course covers the basic rules of gun safety, as well as the proper techniques for loading, unloading, and storing firearms. We also offer specialized training courses such as handgun training, rifle training and shotgun training. These courses will help individuals to improve their accuracy and proficiency with specific types of firearms. Our tactical training course is designed for individuals interested in learning advanced firearms tactics, such as close-quarters combat and low-light shooting. We also offer NRA training courses, which are taught by certified instructors and cover a wide range of topics, including personal protection, rifle, shotgun, and handgun training. Our firearm instructor training course is designed for individuals who are interested in becoming certified firearms instructors. We also have CCW training course, which will help individuals to understand the legal aspect and requirements for getting concealed carry permit in their state. Our firearm range training course will provide individuals with the opportunity to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Our defensive shooting training course will teach individuals how to effectively use a firearm in a defensive situation. This course covers the principles of defensive shooting, as well as the proper techniques for responding to a threat. We also have advanced firearm training courses such as advanced handgun, advanced rifle and advanced shotgun training which will help individuals to improve their proficiency and skills with specific types of firearms. In addition to the above, we also offer firearm maintenance training, firearm law training, firearm competition training, firearm hunting training, firearm self defense training, and firearm security training. All our courses are taught by experienced instructors who are dedicated to helping students improve their skills and knowledge.

Our online Glock school offers a wide range of training courses to meet the needs of any shooter. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have something for you. The training courses include Glock armorer training, maintenance training, and repair courses. Our expert instructors will teach you the skills you need to properly maintain and repair your Glock firearms. Our Glock customization training courses will teach you how to personalize your Glock to suit your individual needs and preferences. From simple upgrades like installing new sights, to more complex modifications like trigger work, our customization training will help you get the most out of your firearm.

We also offer Glock self-defense training, concealed carry training, and competition training. Our experienced instructors will teach you the proper techniques for shooting accurately and safely, whether you're using your Glock for self-defense, competition, or hunting. For those looking for advanced training, we offer Glock advanced courses, instructor training, and tactical training. These courses are designed for shooters who want to take their skills to the next level, and teach the tactics and techniques used by professionals in law enforcement and the military. Our Glock CCW training is designed to help you obtain your concealed carry permit and teach you the safe and responsible handling of your firearm while carrying it concealed. Our Glock range training will help you learn how to shoot accurately and safely on the range. Our Glock firearms safety training course covers the basic concepts of firearms safety and covers the safe handling, storage, and transportation of firearms. We also offer Glock gunsmithing classes, Glock armorer certification and troubleshooting training, trigger control training, disassembly and reassembly training, and holster selection and deployment training. Our Glock firearms maintenance training course will teach you how to properly clean and lubricate your Glock to ensure it functions properly and lasts for many years to come. FCU’s online Glock school, we offer a comprehensive selection of training courses that cover all aspects of Glock ownership and use, from basic maintenance and repair to advanced shooting techniques and tactical training. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have something for you.

bottom of page