What tools do I need to disassemble a 1911?

You’ll need basic tools like punches, screwdrivers, a hammer, and a bench vise. These tools are essential for safely removing various 1911 parts.

Is this disassembly guide suitable for other 1911 models?

Yes. While this guide is for the Series 70, most disassembly steps apply to Series 80 and other standard 1911 models.

How do I know if a part is misaligned during disassembly?

If something doesn’t fit or move smoothly, stop and double-check the alignment. Forcing a part can cause damage and lead to malfunctions.

1911 STEP BY STEP FRAME DISASSEMBLY FOR THE EVERYDAY PERSON // 70 series 1911 disassembly

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July 21, 2018

By Jason Schaller

In this video

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By Jason Schaller Former FFL holder and Gunsmith with over 10 years of professional experience Chief Instructor @ Freedom Crew University Creator of The Rogue Banshee Podcast Host – For The Love of Guns and The Undependant Podcast

Mastering the 1911: A Step-by-Step Guide to Frame Disassembly

Disassembling a 1911 is as much about understanding the firearm as it is about taking the gun apart. There’s an undeniable thrill in taking this classic firearm and breaking it down to its essential parts. Whether you’re a seasoned gun owner or new to firearms, this step-by-step guide will help you with confidence.

TL;DR: Disassembling Your 1911 Frame

1. Essential Tools: Grab a flathead screwdriver, hammer, calibration weight, and 1/16” & 3/32” punches. No tool left behind—trust me, you’ll need these.
Key Steps:
- Grips: Remove them carefully.
- Thumb Safety: Tap it out gently.
- Plungers & Spring: Take out the slide stop plunger and safety plunger.
- Grip Safety: Disconnect and remove it.
- Mainspring Housing: Uninstall with care.
- Sear Spring: Remove it safely.
- Hammer, Sear, and Disconnector: Carefully pull out these components.
- Magazine Catch & Trigger: Finish with the last few components.
Helpful Resources: For more details, check out the Tools Used in the 1911 Series 70 Videos and the 1911 Series 70 Breakdown and Rebuild Playlist.

Essential Tools and Safety First

Before jumping in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. The right tools can make or break your disassembly process. Trust me, you don’t want to realize halfway through that you’re missing a punch or, worse, you’ve installed something wrong.

Tools You’ll Need:

Screwdriver: A flathead one to tighten up those screws.
Hammer: To drive pins in without causing damage.
Calibration Weight: Helps compress those springs during assembly.
1/16” & 3/32” Punches: For the smaller, detailed work.

Not sure which tools to grab? Check out the full tools guide on the Tools Used in the 1911 Series 70 Videos for a breakdown of what’s used.

Step-by-Step Frame Disassembly

Alright, time to get your hands dirty. Follow these steps and you’ll have your 1911 disassembled and ready for maintenance.

Step 1: Removing the Grips

Start with the grips. These can be a bit tricky, so take care not to damage them.

Loosen Grip Screws: Use your screwdriver to carefully loosen the screws and remove the grips.

Step 2: Removing the Thumb Safety

This step is a bit delicate, but nothing you can’t handle.

Tap the Safety Out: Gently tap the safety to remove it. Make sure you don’t scratch the frame.

Step 3: Removing the Safety Plunger and Slide Stop Plunger and Spring

Removing the plungers and spring requires patience.

Remove the Safety and Slide Stop Plunger: Push them out carefully with a punch.

Step 4: Removing the Grip Safety

The grip safety is an important part of the system, so take care during removal.

Disconnect and Remove the Grip Safety: Pull it out carefully.

Step 5: Removing the Mainspring Housing

The mainspring housing provides the power for the firearm. You’ll want to handle this with care.

Compress and Remove: Use your calibration weight to compress the mainspring before removing it.

Step 6: Removing the Sear Spring

The sear spring plays a vital role in firing, so don’t rush this step.

Remove the Sear Spring: Use the punch to remove the spring.

Step 7: Removing the Hammer, Sear, and Disconnector

These are the most important components to remove carefully.

Pull the Hammer, Sear, and Disconnector: Gently pull them out one at a time.

Step 8: Removing the Magazine Catch and Trigger

Finally, the magazine catch and trigger should be removed carefully.

Finish with the Magazine Catch: Use the punch to remove the catch, and remove the trigger.

Video Index:

Here’s a breakdown of the video sections to help you follow along step-by-step with the frame disassembly process:

Intro – 0:00
How to remove 1911 grips – 0:02
How to remove a 1911 thumb safety – 1:13
How to remove a 1911 Safety plunger and Slide Stop Plunger and Spring – 2:03
How to remove a 1911 Grip Safety – 3:05
How to remove a 1911 Mainspring Housing – 3:36
How to remove a 1911 Sear Spring – 5:45
How to remove a 1911 Hammer, Sear and Disconnector – 6:08
How to remove a 1911 Magazine Catch and how to remove a 1911 Trigger – 7:34

Wrapping It Up

When I first disassembled my 1911, it was like unlocking a new layer of understanding about the gun. With each part removed, I felt more connected to the history and mechanics of this iconic firearm. Sure, it took time and patience, but it was more than worth it.

As you finish your disassembly, remember that this isn’t just about taking it apart—it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of how everything fits together. Testing and checking as you go will ensure everything functions properly when it’s time to reassemble.

FAQ: 1911 Series 70 Frame Disassembly

Q: What tools do I actually need to disassemble a 1911?

A: You’ll need a flathead screwdriver, hammer, calibration weight, and 1/16” & 3/32” punches. These tools cover everything from removing grips to securing the mainspring housing. No fancy gadgets needed—just the essentials.

Q: Can I use any screwdriver for the 1911?

A: Not quite. You want a flathead screwdriver that fits snugly in the screws. A misfit tool can damage the screws or scratch the frame. Look for Wheeler or Real Avid sets—they’re solid choices.

Q: What’s the trick to removing the grips without damaging them?

A: The key is to be gentle. Don’t rush. Use the screwdriver to carefully loosen the grip screws and remove the grips.

Q: Will this process work for other 1911 models besides the Series 70?

A: Yes! This process applies to most Series 80 and standard 1911 platforms. Just double-check the fit if you’re working on a clone or custom model.

Q: Can I use Harbor Freight tools for this?

A: Some tools from Harbor Freight work fine, like hammers or wrenches, but don’t skimp on punches or screwdrivers. These small tools can easily break or strip parts. Stick with quality tools, especially for precision work.

Q: Do I need all the tools listed in the guide?

A: Not necessarily. You can get by with a few basic tools, but using the right tools for the job will make the process smoother and more reliable.

Q: What happens if something doesn’t seem to fit correctly during disassembly?

A: Stop and double-check. Don’t force any parts. If something feels off, check the alignment. Small misalignments can throw off the entire assembly.

Q: What happens if I don’t get the grip safety right?

A: If the grip safety isn’t installed correctly, it won’t engage when you hold the firearm. This could lead to the trigger being pulled when it shouldn’t. Make sure the grip safety clicks into place and tests smoothly.

Q: How do I know if the thumb safety is working?

A: After installing the thumb safety, test it out by engaging it and pulling the trigger. When engaged, the trigger should not move. If it does, there might be an issue with the safety lock.

Want more tips or resources?

Check out the following:

Tools Used in the 1911 Series 70 Videos: For a complete list of the tools used, including where to get them.
1911 Series 70 Breakdown and Rebuild Playlist: Watch the entire assembly and disassembly process, from start to finish, with detailed explanations for each step.

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Original Content by The Rogue Banshee / My Rogue Solutions LLC.
Credit: Jason Schaller
Email: jschaller@trb.fyi

About the Author: Jason Schaller is a former FFL holder and founder of Eagle Eye Shooters Supply in Helena, MT, where he provided professional gunsmithing services and guided customers on all aspects of firearms ownership. Today, he teaches DIY gunsmithing at The Rogue Banshee and serves as a Chief Instructor at Freedom Crew University. With over a decade of hands-on professional experience with firearms and nearly 30 years in IT, Jason also holds top cybersecurity certifications including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC. When he’s not geeking out, he’s helping others build self-reliance, critical thinking, and firearms proficiency through real-world content.

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