Nylon hammer for ILS removal

[GKC]

I've never attempted any "smithing" but I am going to try to remove the ILS on my new 686 +. I've ordered the plug, and I've watched the video...my question is about the hammer used to loosen the side plate. I don't have a nylon faced hammer...but I do have a rubber mallet. Will that work, or is it too soft? Any other options, such as padding a small ball peen hammer? I've looked at them on Midway, and those with a nylon face didn't get very good reviews...any other sources or suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[kennyb]

shooboy one of our forum members sells a dandy gunsmith hammer that comes with several types of heads.....as far as removing the sideplate...i simply remove the screws as well as the guns grips...take the handle end of a screwdriver and sharply rap the grip frame several times...it will jar loose....whatever you do....dont pry the sideplate off

 

[GKC]

shooboy one of our forum members sells a dandy gunsmith hammer that comes with several types of heads.....as far as removing the sideplate...i simply remove the screws as well as the guns grips...take the handle end of a screwdriver and sharply rap the grip frame several times...it will jar loose....whatever you do....dont pry the sideplate off

OK, thanks for the info!

 

[jepp2]

take the handle end of a screwdriver and sharply rap the grip frame several times.

A screwdriver handle will certainly do it. But I would rather use something else. Don't use the rubber mallet. You want something that puts the vibration in the frame.

A wood hammer handle or dowel rod works just fine. Some are tight, some pop right off. Do it over a padded surface so it doesn't drop on the floor. I hold the frame loosely in my hand, and let my hand retain it.

 

[chief38]

GKC,
a Shooboy hammer (or equivalent ) is a must have gun smithing tool, but if in a pinch, yes a plastic or nylon screwdriver handle works just fine. A few raps on the grip part of the frame will pop off the side plate in short order.

 

[KAC]

When I attended the S&W Armorer's Course in 1980 the Instructors showed us how they removed the sideplate. Held the left side of the frame with the right hand, grip frame to the front, left hand under the frame and rapped the grip frame on the rubber bench pad. Sideplate and hammer block falls into the left hand. I do this occasionally, but prefer to use the hammer handle or screwdriver handle.

KAC

 

[m1gunner]

This is one of those procedures that sounds more difficult than it is. If someone were to demonstrate it to you, it would take all the mystery and apprehension out of the operation.

Really, a full sized Craftsman screwdriver handle is my weapon of choice. And, I have probably 20 different hammers I can choose from, including rubber, fiber, nylon, aluminum, brass, and (of course) steel.

 

[GKC]

This is one of those procedures that sounds more difficult than it is. If someone were to demonstrate it to you, it would take all the mystery and apprehension out of the operation.

I'm sure that is probably true, for normal people...but most of my efforts go strangely awry...I am the kind of person who puts the "in" in "inept." I am definitely not "ept" when it comes to things like this.

Be that as it may, I am going to attempt this...I also bought a 649 - 5 today, which also has the ILS. So, I have two revolvers now in need of the ILS being removed. Hopefully they will still revolve and fire when I am done.