Grip Bushing removal

[polekat]

I searched and read many threads on problems encountered with grip bushings.

I'm going to install new thin grips on my DW stainless commander and need to get the old ones out, so I can get new thin bushings in. Since this is the first time I'll be doing this...any tips on getting the old bushings out with out damage to the frame threads? I'll check to see if the old bushings are staked or has lock tite on them, but if they are staked, what is the best removal technique? With the stainless frame and if the old bushings are staked, is there much of a chance of stripping the frame holes if I just turn the bushings out with a screw driver?

[Jolly Rogers]

Polecat, the grip bushings in my stainless S.A. Loaded were staked. I too wanted to install thin grips. I only needed to remove 3 because one came out with the grip screw. I did buy both bushing drivers from Brownells. The full size bushing tool worked beautifully but the thin bushing driver didn't seat perfectly and I was dissapointed to mess up a couple of the new thin grip bushings. Not so bad that I won't be able to remove them if I need to but "dang". I used blue locktite on the new bushings. The frame is much more robust than the bushings so the frame gets damaged less frequently than the bushings. But anything can happen, they make oversize bushings and taps too. I have read that you aren't supposed to reuse the bushings either...seems like a good bit of advice.JR

[polekat]

Jolly Rogers, I have ordered several sets of thin screw bushings and screws. I don't mind throwing old bushings a way, but I would prefer to get the old bushings out without hurting the frame. I do not know if it is wise to grind part of the back side of the old bushings off with the dreaded dremel or if using pliers to compress the back side of the bushings prior to trying to turn them out is wise.

I thought I'd see if there might be something special that can be done to improve the odds of getting the bushing out with no damage to the frame threads.

I do appreciate your response............

P.S. No staking for me. Blue locktite it is.

[Cap]

I'm considering thin grips, so I'm following this thread with interest.

I don't know how the bushings are installed in my RIA, nor my Para.
I just assumed they screwed into the frame.
I figured it they were loc-tite in, a wack on a small impact driver would pop 'em loose

Now I see they could possibly be staked in??

if they are staked, will they also be threaded as well?

Thanks

..L.T.A.

[Dave Berryhill]

...if they are staked, will they also be threaded as well?
Yes, they are most likely threaded even if they are staked. Look inside the frame at the rear of the grip bushing. You'll see a star pattern that is stamped into the rear of the bushing if they are staked.

Use a bushing screwdriver bit like the others have mentioned. Put the frame on your bench and keep a lot of downward pressure on the screwdriver while starting to turn it so it doesn't slip out of the slot in the bushing. It might be helpful to have someone else hold the frame so you can use both hands on the screwdriver. If there aren't any stake marks then they are probably glued with loctite. You can put a little heat on the bushing first with a propane torch or the tip of a big soldering iron or give the back of the screwdriver handle a tap with a hammer first.

The next lesson will be how to remove the bushing that you've just strippped.... :D

[cameroni]

Hey Dave,I'm taking notes. This would be helpful to a lot of us.
Having ruined a few bushings(but no frame threads);I am real interested.
TIA,
mike

[JRI]

Yes, they are most likely threaded even if they are staked. Look inside the frame at the rear of the grip bushing. You'll see a star pattern that is stamped into the rear of the bushing if they are staked.

Use a bushing screwdriver bit like the others have mentioned. Put the frame on your bench and keep a lot of downward pressure on the screwdriver while starting to turn it so it doesn't slip out of the slot in the bushing. It might be helpful to have someone else hold the frame so you can use both hands on the screwdriver. If there aren't any stake marks then they are probably glued with loctite. You can put a little heat on the bushing first with a propane torch or the tip of a big soldering iron or give the back of the screwdriver handle a tap with a hammer first.

The next lesson will be how to remove the bushing that you've just strippped.... :D

You were going great right up to that last line :(