Removing tight fitting wood grips

[stonecutter2]

I've got a nice pair of Ahrend's grips for my S&W 19-4, and they fit so well that if I take the grip screw off, I can't separate the grips to get them off the revolver. When I put them on the revolver, they kind of snapped into place very firmly.

Does anyone have any handy tips for doing this without damaging the grips or the revolver?

I can't quite get between the grips to split them off of the revolver.

I want to get the grips off to make sure I oil that part of the revolver well so rust won't develop under the wood grips.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide!

 

[Cop Bob]

Remove the screw. Use a rubber handled screwdriver, or wrap the handle in duct tape.
Hold the screwdriver by the shaft, and use the handle portion to LIGHTLY tap the grips... the opposite side should pop off with just a few light taps...

 

[stonecutter2]

Thank you so much! I'll try this tonight

 

[Mizar]

Loosen the screw a couple of turns and then tap it's head lightly (short and light strokes) with the screwdriver's handle. Be careful or you can knock out the nut from the grip. Another option is to take a rubber hammer and tap on the back strap or the butt where the two grip panels join. Again - light, multiple taps or you risk to crack your grips.

Boris

 

[Standing Wolf]

Hold the screwdriver by the shaft, and use the handle portion...

That's a good way to ding the checkering and/or plain wood. The task is what rubber mallets are made for.

 

[Bearhands]

High recent humidity may be having a "swelling effect....Lower the humidity? Place it near an A/C duct?

 

[rcmodel]

Save the beating and pounding.

I have never seen a set of grips yet I couldn't started get off by just loosening the screw partway and pushing the off side grip off with the screwdriver in the slot.

Once you get a crack showing between the grip & the frame, pull it the rest of the way off with your fingernail.

rc

 

[Gondo]

I agree that one of the best ways is to back the screw out a little, maybe a couple or three turns, and tap the screw head with a flat non-marring object. I use a wooden hammer. Once you remove the grip that comes loose, you can push the other one off through the grip frame.
Peace,
Gordon

 

[9mmepiphany]

That's what I do too...just loosen the screw on tap on the head, it will push the off side grip panel off

 

[madcratebuilder]

Loosen the grip screw and tap lightly. A Xacto knife blade under the grip panel being careful not to dent or compress the wood. I made a 1" wide wedge from hardwood for the many tight grip panels I have.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I also use the screw to press the opposing grip out of place.

Perhaps a light coating of silicone spray on the frame where the grips are formed around the frame may make removal easier next time. You could use soap, however, that might have a tendency to hold moisture and cause rust.

Use the silicone spray sparingly, you don't want to somehow stain the grips should they absorb some of the silicone spray.