a honing tool slot protecting bushing is disclosed for gripping an abrasive element while mechanically isolating the abrasive element from the remainder of the honing tool . the slot liner is in the form of a bushing having four interconnected wall portions extending generally parallel to one another and including either a lip arrangement or a threaded fastener arrangement for holding the bushing fixedly within the body of the honing tool . the abrasive element is supported by the bushing and retained therein due to the frictional forces between the abrasive element and the bushing .