I have a Springfield 1911 with stainless ambi safety which I love, but never carry.

I am a lefty, and I carry IWB at 7 o'clock. When I carry the 1911, I often find that the safety has gotten brushed off. Getting out of the car is when I notice it the most, but it will also happen if I lean up against something just right.

Is there any reason I can't take the safety off and put it on a grinding wheel and knock the thumb pad? I figure if I flatten the safety lever down, there won't be as much chance of something catching it and disengaging it. I figure with a grinding wheel, files, and polishing cloths, I can make it look nice.

Or is this a stupid idea?

It's about a $60 part to replace if you screw it up. I can't tell from your description what you're thinking about doing, but it may be worth a shot if it would improve your weapon's functionality.

For what it's worth, I'm also a southpaw and carry a 1911 with an ambi safety. I do so OWB at the 9 o'clock position; I don't think the safety has gotten brushed off more than two or three times. Your carry method and position may have something to do with it occurring.

Ive had that happen to me in the past. My current 1911s ambi safety has been replaced with a single side one.

A lot harder for you being a lefty though but I have noticed my aiwb holster from jmcustom will actually activate the safety if the gun is holstered with the safety off.

Try looking for a new holster.

03RN is correct - a good holster usually prevents the safety from getting inadvertently activated

You could grind it down.   Just cool it often while grinding.

Is your safety plunger assembly giving you enough engagement on the safety lever to hold it properly?

Interesting fact. The plunger spring in alot of guns is weak.
Try replacing the plunger spring with a Wolff.

The only problem I see with grinding the pad off is removing the safety to take the gun apart, it's already a bitch to take off with the little nub.  I'd look into getting a better holster.

A stronger plunger spring and a good holster = Solves the problem.

Only my professional has an ambidextrous safety, and the only reason I don't remove it is because I want to keep the gun as stock as possible.

Definitely looking into a new holster. I have been carrying on a Gen 1 AlienGear (with the leather backer) for years, and I really like it for my usual carry guns, but it isn't providing any protection for the safety.

Thanks