Worked beautifully. (2013-03-14)
I have two Girsan 1911s that were manufactured with smaller than standard grip bushings. I used this tool to tap standard size bushing holes, allowing me to install standard size bushings and screws, and replace the original grips with upgraded grips. This may work with other 1911s manufactured with smaller than standard grip bushings. To accomplish this operation: unload and disassemble pistol, removing the slide and the unscrewing the grips and existing bushings from the frame. Be careful, use proper tools, and check some video instruction first...bushings are delicate. Very important:it is essential to check the size of the non-standard bushing hole against the size of a standard bushing-there must be enough difference in size so that tap will cut clean threads in the new, larger-size hole. If there isn't enough difference in size, you will merely destroy the existing threads, and have as your only options welding, or taping for over-sized bushings. Once you are sure there is enough material to accept a clean cut from the standard size tap, proceed as follows: Secure the grip frame of the pistol to the table of a drill press using clean wood blocks to protect the frame from marring against metal surfaces. The grip frame MUST be level. Place the tap in the chuck of the drill press. Using the drill press rather than tapping with a tap handle insures that the tap will enter the grip at the proper 90-degree angle with no wobble. This is very important as the metal of the grip frame is only .01 inch thick, and there will only be five or six threads cut to hold the bushing. DO NOT turn on the power on the drill press, it's best to unplug it for safety. The press is only used to square the tap. With the pistol frame secured and the tap in the chuck, center the tap over the existing too-small bushing hole. The tap should be lubricated: machine or motor oil will do the trick. Use the drill press handle to lower the tap into the existing hole, and turn the drill press chuck BY HAND using the back end of the chuck key,or other tool, inserted into one of the chuck key holes as a handle. After each full turn of the chuck, back off one quarter turn, and then proceed forward again. This will clear the threads of metal shavings. Continue through the material applying gentle consistent pressure with the drill press handle and turning the chuck only by hand pressure. When you have tapped through the grip frame, gently back the tap out of the hole by hand. Clean all metal shavings from the mag well, and from the surfaces of the pistol and your work surface to avoid scratches, and proceed to tap the remaining three grip bushing holes by the same proceedure. Be very careful, as the metal is not thick in this part of the pistol, and allows for no mistakes. Once the holes are cut and metal shavings are cleaned away, gently and carefully screw standard bushings in place, adding blue-NOT red-locktite to the treads. Reassemble and function check the pistol. Pay special attention that the new bushings do not protrude into the mag well and there is no impedence of magazine insertion. This tool, properly used, cut beautiful, perfect treads in my two pistols. I was able to screw standard size bushings into the newly cut holes by hand and they fit perfectly. The upgraded grips look fantastic on the pistols. I highly recommend this product.