1911 thumb safety, how to reduce pin size ?

[BigSlick]

Hi guys,

I just picked up an extended thumb safety, made by one of the higher end 1911 parts mfrs.

The top part of the pin is tapered slightly and needs to be slightly smaller (and untapered) to fit the frame. It appears to be tapered about .003 from tip to the bottom. The tip fits perfectly - about half way, then the taper is larger than the hole in the frame.

How do I turn the pin down or remove just enough for it to fit properly ? I have bought these before and they slipped right in.

I have the Kuhnhausen books and the pin is within tolerance - the low end at the tip, the high end at the base.

I thought about chucking it up in a drill press and using a fine grit paper to slowly reduce it, but I'm not sure that's the proper way to do this.

Can someone tell me the best approach to this ?

Thanks for the feedback

BigSlick

 

[1911Tuner]

Pin Woe

Howdy BigSlick,

You can do it in a drill press. Better to use a small, flat file though...One in a set of needle files. Be careful to keep your fingers clear of the spinning pad.
Go ahead and ask me how I know... Wear eye protection and set the press on a low speed...about 200 rpms or so.

Light pressure on the file. It won't take much. Mike it often.

 

[Jammer Six]

Gee, Tuner, how do you know?

 

[1911Tuner]

Ask me How I Know

Jammer...How did I know you was gonna be the one ta ask...

 

[Jim K]

Hi, Tuner,

Maybe I am dense this week, but how would you put a 1911 safety in a drill press to turn down the pin without getting the file caught and having it whip around on you? I would think some careful hand filing and use of emery paper would do the job without getting a file driven through your hand.

(Maybe thinking of a slide stop?)


Jim

 

[gamachinist]

I was wondering the same thing Jim,
I suppose first you have to ask someone to
"Hold my beer"

 

[1911Tuner]

Safety

Oh Lord...I WAS thinkin' slidestop. *sigh*

Dang steroids. 3 more days...3 more days...