1911 grip screw bushing

Hi Folks,

Is there a preferred way to separate the grip screw bushing from the grip panel and screw when the bushing comes out with the screw?

Thanks, Tom

my bad... i thought you meant o ring.

My preferred method is to clean the frame and bushing with acetone and re-install with Loctite.  Then you should be able to break the screw loose after the Loctite sets.  When installing the grip screws, I try to use only the tips of my fingers to keep from over-tightening.  I also like to use o-rings if the wood has been crushed too much to be held firm by finger tight screws.

Boxturtle wrote:Hi Folks,

Is there a preferred way to separate the grip screw bushing from the grip panel and screw when the bushing comes out with the screw?

Thanks, Tom

I just screw the whole mess back in. Cinch it up tight (Don't twist it off!). Then with a proper fitting driver pressing down hard, I rap the handle sharply with a mallet while quickly turning the driver counterclockwise. This usually releases the screw.

I like Ed's loctite idea too.

there is a tool that you can use to stake the grip screw escutcheon in place, however you can make due with the lock tite/thread locker method,
 putting a very small amount of grease on the threads of the screw helps to, (a very very small amount)

I've done like Ed says. I used a small drop of red loctite and they never came loose again.

I'm lazy, take the bad part and throw it in the trash.. bushing and screws are cheap.. put it in the vice and remove the screw if you want.. I work on enough 1911s I keep a large supply of bushings around..  

If you have many 1911s you end up replacing bushing at some point

But first you need to get it off your grip!

Vice or vice grips works 

+1 on what jglenn21 said

I've used the loctite method as well.  You don't have to use the red, blue will work too.

the locktite and a quick snap of the screwdriver will work sometimes.. sometimes

You should always oil your grip screws when you put your grips back on so that they don't stick to the bushing.
Jon

james r chapman wrote:But first you need to get it off your grip!

Not really. I've screwed the whole works back in with the loctite. Screw comes out the next time.

rreid wrote:

james r chapman wrote:But first you need to get it off your grip!

Not really. I've screwed the whole works back in with the loctite. Screw comes out the next time.

I meant you couldn't just pull it out without unthreading it.

So, this is what I do. I use a tiny drop of blue locktite on the bushing and put an even smaller amount of anti-seize on the screw. You can use oil as Jon recommended as well. I've never had an issue ever since. Use about half the blue locktite that you think you need. Actually, when you put a tiny amount on the bushing, you can usually rub the other bushing on it and have plenty for both. 

Joel

Is the bushing threads stripped, they are usually softer steel so you won't strip the frame threads. I'd use some Kroil between bushing and screw and use pliers to hold bushing and unscrew it. Clean the frame and bushing with a good solvent try screw to see if threads are bad. If threads are good apply a little loctite to bushing and screw it back in frame, if not get new bushings from Brownells. Works for me.
 Stan