1911 Plunger staking tool(s) question.

[Detritus]

As I posted last month I need to replace the Plunger tube on my 1911. and since I know that I will always own at least one 1911, and more likely many. i'm contemplating going ahead and buying a staking tool instead of borrowing one.
Right now the only three I can seem to find are the EGW, Strobel, and Brownells, and I'd like the opinions of others regarding any or all three. Especially would like to know if the Brownells one is worth nearly twice as much.

At the current moment I'm leaning toward the Strobel, because is seems more straightforward and controllable than the EGW (I.E. you tighten a screw instead of whacking the tool with a hammer), and as noted it's almost half the price of the, similar in function, Brownells branded tool.

As always any info or advice is welcome TIA

 

[Amp Mangum]

I have the Gun Runners staking tool that works great and the Strobel looks very similar. I'd go with the Strobel.

 

[GymB]

I have the Brownells, have used it twice and about to use it a third time. It works, can’t compare to others because I haven’t used them.

If you’d like to borrow to try before you decide just let me know. Could probably get it out after this week.

 

[larryh1108]

I've used the one where you tighten the screw.
Very straight forward and easy to use.
Did a great job as well.

 

[MacEntyre]

@John Travis might have an opinion... jus' sayin'.

 

[John Travis]

I use the screw type. Be sure that the holes are prepped.

 

[Detritus]

I use the screw type. Be sure that the holes are prepped.

What's your procedure for prepping the holes?
I know in my original post about the tube falling off you said you tend to use the staking tool to swage them (the frame holes), and I'm pretty sure I know what you mean/what to do. But would like to kindly ask for elaboration so that I'm damned sure, before the parts and tool get here.

 

[John Travis]

You can use the tool to swage the holes or you can use a grinder to countersink them. As long as there's a chamfer for the metal to rivet into, you're good.

 

[Detritus]

got the tool and parts in last night...

And the plunger tube i ordered, does not quite fit!! off just enough that i can't get both legs to start into the frame. [emoji2959]

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[larryh1108]

That sucks!
Brand name part?

 

[Detritus]

That sucks!
Brand name part?

Yep, Ed Brown.

if anything is out of spec it's the Filipino made gun.
we're talking, the holes are just barely too far apart. to the point I'm having to resist the temptation to "break the corners" (very lightly chamfer) outside face of one to see if i can get the tube to fit.

have to look at it again after i get off work.

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[Detritus]

Well, after a little coaxing and very careful application of 400 grit sandpaper to the inside faces of the legs, tube is on the gun. but i'll share some before pics (after pics got skipped have to make some later), to show what I was dealing with.


As you can hopefully see, when I said that it just barely wouldn't fit, I meant it. in the end I got both legs to start and it was a firm press fit to the frame, staked the legs, and for a little extra insurance added a little bit of cardboard shim between the tube and the grip panel. Reassembly with the new detents and spring was a little bit of an adventure as well, looks like the old set used shorter detents and a longer but weaker spring. I might even have to break down and get a detent tool or file a "starter groove" in my slide stop.​