What tool for installing night sights should I get?

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Zeabed

Zeabed

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The tritium has faded in the night sights of three of my Gen 3 Glocks. They were all installed at gun shows years ago and this time I'm thinking of installing the new ones myself.

There's a large number these tools available in the market and I'd appreciate any information/recommendation on a good one among the many choices out there.
 
You didn't mention the brand of firearm. I say this because there are some like M&P and springfield armory XD series that are very difficult to remove. A brass punch and hammer alone will not cut it.

I've done enough replacements and have used multiple tools to include a brass punch and hammer.

Recommend this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VBB1LRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_fab_RPwGFbCSCN1MV

This one will do both front and rear sights, is very durable, and for the price it can't be bear

Along with some loosening oil or break free type of solvent. I use Kana Kroil.

Lastly I would recommend watching a YouTube video in the process. There's one that uses the too I lasted above. It makes it easier if you've never used it before.

Good luck.

CH
 
Pretty sure he said Glock in the first sentence.
Ive replaced sights on Sig, CZ, S&W(3rd gen and M&P) and FN using nothing but a vise and aluminum punches sold by Dawson precision.
Dawson precision has several videos on replacing sights.
 
Crazy Horse said:
You didn't mention the brand of firearm. I say this because there are some like M&P and springfield armory XD series that are very difficult to remove. A brass punch and hammer alone will not cut it.

I've done enough replacements and have used multiple tools to include a brass punch and hammer.

Recommend this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VBB1LRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_fab_RPwGFbCSCN1MV

This one will do both front and rear sights, is very durable, and for the price it can't be bear

Along with some loosening oil or break free type of solvent. I use Kana Kroil.

Lastly I would recommend watching a YouTube video in the process. There's one that uses the too I lasted above. It makes it easier if you've never used it before.

Good luck.

CH
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
sevt_chevelle said:
Pretty sure he said Glock in the first sentence.
Ive replaced sights on Sig, CZ, S&W(3rd gen and M&P) and FN using nothing but a vise and aluminum punches sold by Dawson precision.
Dawson precision has several videos on replacing sights.
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
Crazy Horse said:
You didn't mention the brand of firearm. I say this because there are some like M&P and springfield armory XD series that are very difficult to remove. A brass punch and hammer alone will not cut it.

I've done enough replacements and have used multiple tools to include a brass punch and hammer.

Recommend this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VBB1LRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_fab_RPwGFbCSCN1MV

This one will do both front and rear sights, is very durable, and for the price it can't be bear

Along with some loosening oil or break free type of solvent. I use Kana Kroil.

Lastly I would recommend watching a YouTube video in the process. There's one that uses the too I lasted above. It makes it easier if you've never used it before.

Good luck.

CH
Click to expand...

I mentioned in my original post that they're all Glocks (this time around). G19, G30 and G36.
 
I use a MGW sight tool for my Glocks rear sight, and just one of the cheap front sight tools.

The pushers work best if you run the base of the sight across some fine emery on a flat surface a couple of swipes prior to inserting them in the dovetail.

I just keep both tools in my range box. Even with Loctite, the front sight still comes loose and needs snugged back down on occasion. It pays to keep an eye on them if youre shooting the gun a lot.

If you have a number of guns, the tool is worth the money. With the MGW tool, you can also make fine adjustments for zero with the tool on the gun and without taking the gun down.

ETA: On other thing to consider, dont throw the old sights out. I paid for the sight tool for my SIG's by selling the old sights on eBay. On average, I was getting about $40-45 a set for the dead sights. I have a number of the old Glock sights on the workbench, just havent got around to putting them up yet. Seems some want them, even if they are dead.
 
AK103K said:
I use a MGW sight tool for my Glocks rear sight, and just one of the cheap front sight tools.

The pushers work best if you run the base of the sight across some fine emery on a flat surface a couple of swipes prior to inserting them in the dovetail.

I just keep both tools in my range box. Even with Loctite, the front sight still comes loose and needs snugged back down on occasion. It pays to keep an eye on them if youre shooting the gun a lot.

If you have a number of guns, the tool is worth the money. With the MGW tool, you can also make fine adjustments for zero with the tool on the gun and without taking the gun down.

ETA: On other thing to consider, dont throw the old sights out. I paid for the sight tool for my SIG's by selling the old sights on eBay. On average, I was getting about $40-45 a set for the dead sights. I have a number of the old Glock sights on the workbench, just havent got around to putting them up yet. Seems some want them, even if they are dead.
Click to expand...

All good and useful tips for now and later. Thanks!
 
Ernie Bass said:
I lost a great Gun Smith that did my work on many guns for $20.00. Would do them on the spot. So just yesterday ordered this tool to put a new sight on one of my Kahr's. Ebay has them for $49.00 to include shipping. Amazon they are $79.00.

View attachment 947960

https://sightpusher.com/product/standard-handgun-sight-tool/

View attachment 947961
Click to expand...
Sylvan sells a similar style set (it's black vs brown) on Amazon. I had one, but it if you're not careful it can scratch the slide. I installed felt pads for protection, but they wouldn't stay. Also, using it for a front sight replacement is more of a chore. It can be done, but you have to go really slow. Once I got the ViSM (VTUFNR), I got rid of the Sylvan.
 
Crazy Horse said:
Sylvan sells a similar style set (it's black vs brown) on Amazon. I had one, but it if you're not careful it can scratch the slide. I installed felt pads for protection, but they wouldn't stay. Also, using it for a front sight replacement is more of a chore. It can be done, but you have to go really slow. Once I got the ViSM (VTUFNR), I got rid of the Sylvan.
Click to expand...

The Vism does look simple. At this point, not sure which way to go. The Fisher will be delivered in a few days. I will play around with it and see. Thanks for the post.
 
Walkalong said:
I bought this one a couple of years ago, works very well. There are a ton of options out there, very confusing.
Click to expand...
Indeed a lot to choose from! That's why I thought it wise to ask you guys, and I was right. Some choosing still to be made but at least I have much better "elements of judgment"! Thanks again.
 
12Bravo20 said:
I cringe at the idea of using a punch to instal tritium night sights. Yes it can be done, but you do take a chance of breaking the vials holding the tritium which is radio active. I would suggest either having a gunsmith instal them or buying a sight tool.
Click to expand...

I had already settled on a sight tool, not a punch for many reasons, including the one that you adduce. Thanks.
 
12Bravo20 said:
I cringe at the idea of using a punch to instal tritium night sights. Yes it can be done, but you do take a chance of breaking the vials holding the tritium which is radio active. I would suggest either having a gunsmith instal them or buying a sight tool.
Click to expand...

It takes a light touch and patience. I have used brass punches with a 6 Oz hammer. On 3 different sets but after watching a guy mess up two sets doing pretty much what I did I have decided to buy a sight tool like the one @Crazy Horse mentioned above.
 
Zeabed said:
The tritium has faded in the night sights of three of my Gen 3 Glocks. They were all installed at gun shows years ago and this time I'm thinking of installing the new ones myself.

There's a large number these tools available in the market and I'd appreciate any information/recommendation on a good one among the many choices out there.
Click to expand...

No sight pusher needed for rear sight. I would put a good penetrating oil on it and let it soak for a few hours before you try to remove the sight. I put the slide in a vice with padded jaws to hold it secure while tapping on the sight. I recommend using a brass punch less chance of messing up the slide if the punch slips off of the sight. Normally no set screws to loosen with the standard Glock sight. Using a hammer and the punch tap the sight from left to right, tap on the bottom of the slight where it is the thickest. A few taps should have it off of the slide. Put the new sight in from the right to the left. Put it in as far as it will go by hand then start tapping it in with the punch. Make sure to center the sight in the slide.

The front sight needs a small tool to remove the hex head screw that holds the sight to the slide. Not sure what size the hex head is could probably google it to find out. You can buy the tool from on line gun parts sights. After you unscrew the screw you can push the sight off of the slide. Clean the hole for the sight and the slide. Put the new sight in the hole in the slide make sure it is straight on the slide. Put a very tiny drop of blue Loctite on the screw and screw it into the sight just snug the screw not Gorilla tight. Sometimes you have to hold your mouth just right to get the small screw started in the sight but you will get it.

That should get you up and running with your new sights. Glocks are one of the easier to change sights on I have changed sights on 2 G19's and a G26 without any problems.
 
buba68 said:
Took that selfie a couple months ago, looks a little better than the old one. LOL
Click to expand...
If so, you must look just like a guy who used to be in the news a lot some years ago and has reappeared more recently.
 
I for one am not the best person to answer this question, but that is not going to stop me :rofl:

I am a firm believee of the idea that the right tool makes the job easier

So i own several sight tools for glock. , sig sauer and 1 general tool

Glock : factory sight tool + factory gpfront sight tool + mgw sight tool ( because this one is also suitable for sights with a straight edge ) + real avid glock tool including front sight tool

=> both front sight tools works flawless and although i like the glock rear sight tool , i prefer the build quality of the mgw as i already had to replace my first factory glock sight tool with a new one

Sig sauer : mgw sight tool p22x => works perfect and recommended

General : wheeler engineering universal sight tool
 
I have the Wheeler Engineering. It has worked well for the handful of sights I've used it on. The only one that I've not had any luck with is using it on the HP. The sights on that one won't budge.
 
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