JeffC
Member
In short, is this a tool that a DIY'er could get good results with? I'm pondering changing the sights on a 1911 and a local armorer wants just a tad more in labor than I can buy the tool myself.
Kings sight staking tool
- Thread starter JeffC
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stans
Member
If you are talking about the arsenal style staking tool, yes, but it takes practice. If you are only going to stake on one sight, just let a good gunsmith do it for you. If you plan on staking three or more sights, then a staking tool makes life easier. The arsenal style is not the easiest to use. I have found it wants to slip off the tenon when you try to hit the impact surface with a hammer or mallet. The Millet is probably the nicesest, but it is also very expensive. I figured I would never stake enough sights to make the Millet worth the money, but the King's arsenal style has paid for itself.
usp_fan
Member
I just borrowed one from my local shop and used it on my Springfeild Milspec. It worked good and came with good instructions. (plus you can't beat the price)
Make sure you support your slide and sight well, and prep the slide to accept the deformed tenon. Use strong hammer blows, and have a dremel on hand to help with clean up inside the slide when you are done.
It isn't too hard, just a little scarry when it's your gun and the first time.
--usp_fan
Make sure you support your slide and sight well, and prep the slide to accept the deformed tenon. Use strong hammer blows, and have a dremel on hand to help with clean up inside the slide when you are done.
It isn't too hard, just a little scarry when it's your gun and the first time.
--usp_fan
Clemson
Member
I bought one from Brownells and was successful first time out.
Clemson
Clemson
JeffC
Member
Thanks for the tips....
I looked in the Brownells catalogue today and saw the Brownells brand, it looks more user friendly and not much more, a couple bucks... Is this tool more favorable?
I'm thinking of doing one pistol right now but may do another in the future...
I looked in the Brownells catalogue today and saw the Brownells brand, it looks more user friendly and not much more, a couple bucks... Is this tool more favorable?
I'm thinking of doing one pistol right now but may do another in the future...
gamachinist
Member
The handle on the Brownells tool makes it a lot easier to use,imho.
Clemson
Member
I actually got the Kings tool. I do like the looks of the Brownells tool, but I have not used one.
I think the more important part of the tooling is a machinist's vise to hold the slide in while you peen the sight tenon. It does not need to be an expensive vise -- a small one will do fine -- but you do need a vise to hold everything square. The machinists vise allows me to rest the top of the new sight on the "floor" of the vise, hold the sides of the slide vertical with light pressure, and use the punch and a ball pein hammer with my other two hands.
Clemson
I think the more important part of the tooling is a machinist's vise to hold the slide in while you peen the sight tenon. It does not need to be an expensive vise -- a small one will do fine -- but you do need a vise to hold everything square. The machinists vise allows me to rest the top of the new sight on the "floor" of the vise, hold the sides of the slide vertical with light pressure, and use the punch and a ball pein hammer with my other two hands.
Clemson
The King's tool worked well for me the first time. I did it myself simply because the "time" involved to get in done at the gunsmith.
It's worth a try if you go slow and you are "handy". You are putting your slide in a vise and banging on it with a hammer, tool and the dreaded dremel.
But, it's not hard.
It's worth a try if you go slow and you are "handy". You are putting your slide in a vise and banging on it with a hammer, tool and the dreaded dremel.
But, it's not hard.
JeffC
Member
Thanks for the input.... I'll think it over on which I get.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Stake it!
I got one that I made that works like a charm. Three punches...one wide for the initial spread of the tenon...One for staking it...and third one that matches the slide radius for smoothin' out the burrs left from the middle punch. Minimal need for dressing it down afterward...usually just a little smoothing with a round (medium) India stone and lapping with an old bushing.
Neat...
I got one that I made that works like a charm. Three punches...one wide for the initial spread of the tenon...One for staking it...and third one that matches the slide radius for smoothin' out the burrs left from the middle punch. Minimal need for dressing it down afterward...usually just a little smoothing with a round (medium) India stone and lapping with an old bushing.
Neat...
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