Grip Bushing Damage

[SweetPotato]

I ordered the thin VZ grip with bushing and screw to replace the standard thickness and when I try to unscrew the bushing out I damage it a bit. It doesn't budge at all. Now what do I do? Help please.

[SkyHawk]

I assume 1911 - steel frame or aluminum frame? Have you tried applying heat to the bushing - using a soldering iron? You may have to file a new set of notches into the bushing and try again after applying heat - they may be stuck with loctite. Be sure and use the right screwdriver for the job...

[SweetPotato]

I assume 1911 - steel frame or aluminum frame? Have you tried applying heat to the bushing - using a soldering iron? You may have to file a new set of notches into the bushing and try again after applying heat - they may be stuck with loctite. Be sure and use the right screwdriver for the job...

It it SA 9 mm. Don't really know if it is steel or aluminum (never care for the type ) Heat will help release the loctite? The notches' damages aren't too bad but I stop since the bushing didn't budge when the notches started to bended.

[Chapped Hide]

Insert an Allen key or a small punch, some use a firing pin too, into the threaded bushing hole and use some needle nose vice grips. Also, a wood burner or soldering gun is good for heating up the bushings. If those fail, look for the Challis bushing removal tool.

[mtenenhaus]

big fan of the challis tool.
you might also be interested in this article:

http://americanhandgunner.com/buggered-up-bushings/

[RR.44]

Seriously? When I had that same problem with the Red Loctite and the gun was SS I just took a bic cigarette lighter and applied direct heat to the bushing and it came right out, there was a hint of soot that just wiped right off.

Rich

[5ZS]

Since the bushing is buggered up, an alternative method is to use a spiral screw extractor. Cheaply available at any local hardware store.

If I may recommend on installation, please use the correct tool, and that would be a bushing driver. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...s-prod493.aspx

Don't forget to get some #60 O rings while you are shopping (unless VZ have included some).

[ARDude]

Some 1911's have staked on bushings. Just heat wont take them off if they are staked.

[Citizen_B]

I tried once to take staked bushings out... Never again. I got one out, buggered the other and took to smith.

[Chapped Hide]

Some 1911's have staked on bushings. Just heat wont take them off if they are staked.

OP says above that the gun is an SA 9mm, Loaded I'm assuming. SA does not stake their bushings.

[ARDude]

I have a SA Mil spec with staked bushings. Bought it brand new mid '80's. Maybe newer models are have Loctite?

[XDJYo]

My SA Loaded 1911's bushings were not staked. Loctite. Apply heat and use a vise-grip. Don't grip the crap out of the bushing. Just enough to get a little bite, then twist and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

[SweetPotato]

Thanks all. I will try the heat method for now. It is SA Loaded Target 9mm, based on the comment above, it shouldn't be stake. How long does the big lighter method usually take?

The other 2 tools will be next if the heating method fail.

[AGFNTB]

big fan of the challis tool.
you might also be interested in this article:
http://americanhandgunner.com/buggered-up-bushings/

The Challis tool and the Challis bushings are awesome for both steel and aluminum. I definitely recommend.

http://www.challisgrips.com/

[SweetPotato]

I was just watching the video on the tool and wonder if it works with damage/bent bushing.