grip bushing removal bit

[Cap]

I'm about to make an order at Brownnels.

I want a grip bushing removal tool.
The only one i found was in this kit



http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/catsearch.aspx?k=grip%20bushing%20tool&ps=10&si=True

It's the 1911 ARMORER'S TOOL KIT.
Number 5 is the bushing bit and can be ordered seperately

first question, is that bit a standard size that fits in all standard screw bit drivers?
(I have plenty of them)

second question, is that the tool I need to remove and replace standard and thin grip bushings effectively?
(assuming my bushings are screwed in and not staked)
Which I "think" by looking at them, they're screwed in

any and all tool suggestions and/or guidance appreciated

Thanks


..L.T.A.

[hutch1510]

i replace bushing all the time, hit quick with a heat gun, and just a slotted bit from the hardware store that fits, works great... i could not see needing a special tool for this, i probably did 5 sets of bushings in the past year......either way heats your friend with bushings...with new bushings i use red loc-tite

[Hawkmoon]

The bushing driver makes it almost impossible to slip and mangle the slot in the bushing ... something that's very easy to do using a screwdriver. I won't do bushings without it.

[Cap]

Thanks Hutch.

It's not that I'm opposed to useing tools intended for other jobs
Like the time I got caliper bolts out with a allen wrench cause I couldn't find my #45 torx head socket :nono:

But $10 bukz won't break me to have the proper tool.

I can always use a screwdriver when I can't find the bit I bought
(like my #45 torx :D :D :D )


..L.T.A.

[John]

I wouldn't imagine removing or replacing bushings without that bit. I am not sure though if there is one bit for standard and one bit for slim size bushings. Check with Brownells.

[Jolly Rogers]

Yep there are 2 bits. And they are available without the kit. #080-434-045 standard. #080-134-001 for slim bushings. ;)
Joe

[Hill]

I have that bit.

Most of the time I use a particular large flatblade screwdriver, so large it's blade extends way out the slot in the bushing.

That's if I'm to reuse the bushings. If they're not going to be needed then I grab them with my 4" curved jaw visegrip and just swing them out as easy as can be, staked or not.

[hutch1510]

should be noted i never once mentioned screwdriver in any of my posts. i simply said a slotted bit, of which i have several with no taper as well as are extra wide so as no movement in the bushing channel.....

[Cap]

Yep there are 2 bits. And they are available without the kit. #080-434-045 standard. #080-134-001 for slim bushings. ;)
Joe

THANK YOU, JOE!

Thanks Hutch & Hill as well everyone else that replied

mOOcho aprEE-shEE-ate-o


..L.T.A.

[Hill]

Cap,

If you're still at work on the RIA pistol as before, this may apply: I've looked and don't see any evidence that the bushings were ever staked after their initial installation by RIA.
That is to say that I see nothing that looks like the Colt standard staking marks around the inner threaded part of any of the four bushings in my RIA, as viewed through the openings of the magazine well and grip/frame.

The bushings are made of relatively soft material so even if they were staked it would be unlikely that unscrewing them would bring consequent damage to the frame, either steel or other alloy, or to the threads in the frame which retain them.

How 'bout them apples, eh?

[Cap]

Thanks Hill

i was "reasonably" sure they're weren't staked in.
cause I didn't see anything that looked like peened metel on the inside.

i appreciate your input

..l.T.A.

[David Rose]

Cap, I don't think anyone ever addressed whether it would fit your handle. Brownell's bit fits 98% of the drivers. However, there is one (at least) that is a size larger. I have a couple of those acquired in junk boxes. They are both many years old, so you are likely OK.

David

[DanR]

That bit makes putting in and taking out the bushings a very simple job. I love mine and like 1911Tuner, I always use it. Better safe than sorry.