This won't work with Challis bushings but will work for standard slotted bushings.

BROWNELLS MAGNA-TIP® 1911 AUTO BUSHING DRIVER™ BITS | Brownells

 

The Challis tools will last forever and will work perfectly every time.
Worth it imo.

 

The Challis tools will last forever and will work perfectly every time. Worth it imo.

Agreed. They're all I use anymore.

 

I just used a flat screwdriver on mine to swap bushings for slim grips. I suppose whether or not you need the tool depends entirely on how stuck in there they are.

 

I just purchased the standard version to pull full size bushings, no need for both since I stick with slims.

 

If in doubt use an E-Z out.

 

Remove grips, put the screws back, and twist em out with channel locks. Ruins the old bushings but that's $5 instead of $60. The frame should be much stronger than the bushings so you won't hurt the frame.

 

I'm in with Challis for the $30 standard bushing removal tool and $150 of torque drivers for the Challis bushings and Torx head screws for their O-ring system. This is to avoid stripping aluminum frame pistols. Already on Challis oversized bushings for one grip panel, so no easy way out if those replacement/oversize bushings strip.

Asking for a combo tool probably won't work, the tool is basically a socket with a flathead screwdriver in the top end. A tool of proper depth to fit standard grip bushings isn't going to engage the slot in low/slim height bushings. The socket will be too tall and keep the flathead screwdriver bit hovering above the slot in a slim bushing.

 

Asking for a combo tool probably won't work, the tool is basically a socket with a flathead screwdriver in the top end.

Brownells actually offers this tool for regular and slim slotted bushings.

The OP doesn't necessarily need a Challis extractor to remove the old, standard size bushings that are currently on his pistol. What the Challis extractor does is make getting the old bushings out a risk free event. I've used this tool to easily remove staked and rusted bushings from a WWII 1911 that had seen better days.

However, in terms of saving money the Brownells bit will work. In fact, those bushings can be removed with a screwdriver if need be as long as he's willing to run the risk of buggering up the slots if the bushings are in really tight.

If he replaces the old bushings with Challis bushings, he can install them using a 7/32" socket. Don't get me wrong. I have a couple of Challis extractors and nut drivers and they are great but as long as the OP is careful and doesn't get heavy handed, he can use a 7/32" socket with no ill effects. I tested the very first set of Challis bushings I got by using a set of their O-rings and using only my fingers to torque down the bushings. Neither the bushings or the G10 grips loosened up at all in 200 rounds. Putting a socket on the bushing then finger tightening should add enough torque to make for a very secure, long lasting hold.

If the OP is going to replace the old bushings with slim, slotted bushings, I'd recommend using the correct Challis extractor so he won't bugger up the slots. I recommend he read the FAQ page at the Challis website as well as communicating with them directly to determine which of their extractors will fit his new, slim bushings.

 

I switched to Challis bushings on all my 1911’s six or seven years ago. Along the way I have purchased quite a few of Brian’s tools and have been extremely happy with all the purchases. I have an aluminum framed 1911 ordered and will be adding a couple new tools from Challis for that.

If Challis sells it, it is quality and worthwhile to own.

 

Thinking of changing to slim grips on my 1911s. Challis sells one for $30 standard bushing, and one for $30 for slim bushings.

if you are switching over to slims, you only need to remove the full size slotted bushings. Just buy the full size remover. You Challis slims will be a 7/32" driver, not a slot- so there is no need for the slim remover.

 

Grip bushings and screws are no longer a problem......I just might be a tool whore when it comes to 1911's.

 

I just might be a tool whore when it comes to 1911's.

It started with a barrel bushing tool for me, then slowly have been building up a collection with each new job. Wheeler bench block, mainspring housing pin tool, a couple brass pin punches in various sizes, extractor removal tool, grip bushing torque drivers, etc. etc. Kind of ended up with the contents of Brownell's "critical 1911 tools" but built up over time.

BROWNELLS 1911 CRITICAL TOOLS KIT | Brownells

 

What flechero said in post #11. The Challis grip screw bushing removal tool is an ingenious and elegant solution for removing stubborn grip screw bushings with zero risk of damaging threads in the frame. Worth every penny even if you use it only once.

I recommend ordering Challis hex head grip screw bushings and bushing o-rings. As long as you are at it go ahead order new Challis grip screws and grip screw o-rings. You will not be sorry.

Click on the "About us" tab when you are on the Challis site to learn more about Brian Challis.

 

If part of this project is to replace old grip screw bushings with Challis slim bushings, note that Challis offers the following:

Slim bushings: Min. grip thickness 0.180"

Extra Slim bushings: Min. grip thickness 0.156"

Morral of the story, not all slim grips are created equal, even from the same manufacturer.

 

Thanks Gentlemen, I will take all your input under advisement.