Present Arms has developed a bushing wrench for the 1911 pistol designed specifically so that the recoil spring and plug does not shoot across the room (or into somebody’s eye) when you remove the bushing. This is a very simple idea, but it seems to work well. It is demonstrated in the video below …
The tool is made from polymer so it will not scratch the pistol. Present Arms sell it on their website for $12.95.