[lonyaeger]

Can't get the damned grip bushing unfrozen from the frame. Any hints on how to unlock the Loc-tite?

[toolman]

Originally Posted by lonyaeger

Can't get the damned grip bushing unfrozen from the frame. Any hints on how to unlock the Loc-tite?

Try localized heat. A soldering gun or pencil-type torch should work ok.

[spittinfire]

What color lock tite is it? purple or blue shouldn't require anything but will loosen with heat. Red, any #, will loosen with some heat but they need to be rather warm. If it's green...well....get a torch, a press and pray it will come apart.

[lonyaeger]

Can't tell what color it is, unfortunately. I have a soldering iron, but not any kind of a torch, so I'll try that. Thanks guys.

[lonyaeger]

Originally Posted by spittinfire

What color lock tite is it? purple or blue shouldn't require anything but will loosen with heat. Red, any #, will loosen with some heat but they need to be rather warm. If it's green...well....get a torch, a press and pray it will come apart.

Why would Nighthawk use red, which sounds pretty permanent, on something as simple as a grip bushing? Hope they didn't, I'm just wanting to change my panels from regular-size to slim and have to change out the bushings to allow for the slims.

[spittinfire]

Originally Posted by lonyaeger

Why would Nighthawk use red, which sounds pretty permanent, on something as simple as a grip bushing? Hope they didn't, I'm just wanting to change my panels from regular-size to slim and have to change out the bushings to allow for the slims.

I'm not familiar with nighthawks grip bushings but if they're like the inserts that Kimber uses and judging by a quick google search they are, there is no reason they should use anything other then purple. Purple is a small screw, servicable lock tite. Blue is the same but can be used on larger bolts. Light heat from a heat gun, even a hair dryer should be enough to make them let go.

Yes, red is intended to be permanent for use on any size bolt, think drivetrain of cars/trucks. Green is used to press cylinder sleeves in engines.

[lonyaeger]

Tried the soldering iron, the highest heat I could deliver to such a tight area, and I could budge the bushings just a little bit. This is unbelievable, and now the bushings are mangled. I guess my only option is to send the frame to Nighthawk now, huh?

If I'm sending just the frame, do I have to go through the whole FFL routine?

[Dillinger]

Originally Posted by lonyaeger

If I'm sending just the frame, do I have to go through the whole FFL routine?

No. It's to the manufacturer for repairs. You aren't changing ownership.

I sent my complete Kimber to Robar for coating and they sent it directly back. It was already mine, there was no transfer of owner.

JD

[canebrake]

JD, does NH stake the bushings?

Heres what you need;

1. Vice grips, set light first and if that spins go heavy and break the bushing into pices. Clean up the mess and check the threads.
2. If threads are questionable (higher probality if staked), run a tap to clean them up. DO NOT use the new bushings to clean the threads! They will become zen with the receiver.
3. Do yourself a favor and get what us 1911 owners use to frequently change out bushings; the bushing driver and a small tube of blue thread-loc.

This tool is a MUST for slim/thin bushings! Don't forget to use slim/thin screws or you will contact the mag!

I got my bushing driver from Alan Smith @ SMITH & ALEXANDER, INC (800)722-1911

[lonyaeger]

Originally Posted by canebrake

JD, does NH stake the bushings?

Heres what you need;

1. Vice grips, set light first and if that spins go heavy and break the bushing into pices. Clean up the mess and check the threads.
2. If threads are questionable (higher probality if staked), run a tap to clean them up. DO NOT use the new bushings to clean the threads! They will become zen with the receiver.
3. Do yourself a favor and get what us 1911 owners use to frequently change out bushings; the bushing driver and a small tube of blue thread-loc.

Attachment 6887

This tool is a MUST for slim/thin bushings! Don't forget to use slim/thin screws or you will contact the mag!

I got my bushing driver from Alan Smith @ SMITH & ALEXANDER, INC (800)722-1911

Well, I got all but one of them out (of course, the first one I worked on) using the vice-grips. I was surprised to see that the loc-tite was red. I guess that explains some of it.

They were crappy vice-grips, so I think I'll get a new pair tomorrow with sharper teeth and I bet I'll get the last one. And you better believe I'll get one of those tools....thanks for that....my right hand is like hamburger.

And I have the slim bushings and screws ready to go from Brownell's.