Stuck plunger tube

[Maddcracka]

So, I (ever so slightly) crushed my plunger tube on the first install and now the slide stop detent only barely sticks out of the tube. I've got a replacement and the tools to fix it with one problem...The crushed tube is not about to budge. I guess that's a good sign that the thing was probably never going to come loose, but that is little consolation. I've tried the suggested method (wire through the tube held by vise grips) and the thing's not moving. Attached a small slide hammer to the wire and still nothing. I was thinking about using my dremel from the back side to cut away as much of the tube legs as I can, ala the same procedure for the "pre tube installation bevel". Anyone have better suggestions?

Any help would be appreciated...thanks,

M. Cracka

[wichaka]

I remove the swage part of the plunger tube legs, it aint gonns come if you don't.

Inless it aint got much to start with.

[.45nut]

So, I (ever so slightly) crushed my plunger tube on the first install and now the slide stop detent only barely sticks out of the tube. I've got a replacement and the tools to fix it with one problem...The crushed tube is not about to budge. I guess that's a good sign that the thing was probably never going to come loose, but that is little consolation. I've tried the suggested method (wire through the tube held by vise grips) and the thing's not moving. Attached a small slide hammer to the wire and still nothing. I was thinking about using my dremel from the back side to cut away as much of the tube legs as I can, ala the same procedure for the "pre tube installation bevel". Anyone have better suggestions?

Any help would be appreciated...thanks,

M. Cracka

If the tube isn't badly damaged they make a Plunger tube reamer that you might want to try, available at Brownells.com
If you used Loctite in the application, try applying some heat to loosen it up via a soldering iron.
Regarding your suggestion: I used that application to remove a staked front sight, worked fine. Must admit, never tried it on a plunger tube, mine just fell off :D
FWIW,
Regards,

Opps, sorry Wichaka, I was busy typin when you were a postin :o

[Maddcracka]

Plunger tube reamer that you might want to try, available at Brownells.com


I'd rather not buy anymore tools, if possible. Too late anyway, the old tube is far too damaged from trying to remove it.

There is a tiny amount of red loctite on the legs, but just a pin point...I don't think enough to hold it back.

I'll try removing some material from the tube legs from the inside when I get home.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

M. Cracka

[wichaka]

Remove the material from the tube legs, don't touch the frame.

[Maddcracka]

Well, got the old one out. It took more force than I've ever exerted on anything in my life. No joke.

So, I line everything perfectly for the new install. For crush protection, I've got a 7/64 drill bit for the small side, perfect fit, and a piece of heavy duty wire in the big side, perfect. One turn of the gunrunners staking tool on the leg closest to the slide stop side and the drill bit had to be knocked out. One turn on the other end and the wire slips out easily. The spring and detent will not fit. Nice. :confused:

I've got a file that is a hair away from fitting down the large end and can probably get the spring and detent to go in, but I have a feeling that I'll be in the same spot...with the small detent barely sticking out on the slide stop because it can't seat all the way.

Perhaps the reamer is the way to go...or another staking tool.

M. Cracka