Bead sight install tools
Never was able to get a set until now to install beads on shotguns and now glad i have a set. Makes installing beads simple.
Shotgun Sight Installer
Very nice.
This is the one to get!
the best product to use when replacing a bead. The jaws are tight from the manufacture and a small screwdriver is all that's needed to open them up a bit. You get a first class finish with this set of tools.
No fuss, No cuss tool!
When I got these I immediately tried them, and with excellant results. They are quite heavy duty, being steel, but are well made and simple to use. After installing one of each of the common bead sizes I decided they are far superior to the forceps I used to use, requiring little or no touch up. The only drawback is they are heavy, but should outlast me!
Not happy
I would not recommend
Not very pleased with these
In theory, these should be great but here are the problems I came across when using them. First, the black finish comes off and gets all over your skin. The finish is a total mess. 2nd, none of the holders seemed to be the right size for the multiple beads I've tried using them on. The hole in the tool where the bead is supposed to seat was either too large or too small to secure the bead in the tool. (another reviewer said to try and pry the jaws open to insert bead). The tighter tool would not open enough to grab the bead and the looser tool would not tighten enough to hold the bead when inserting. The steel version is so heavy, it almost seems too heavy for such delicate work. Perhaps the aluminum versions would work better? I resorted to using a very small tap wrench whos chuck jaws seem to be much easier to adjust and grab the beads. I have gotten no use from this 3-piece steel set.
Aluminum Sight Installers
I have the steel sight installer set which are in my opinion unimpressive. The aluminum set is a bit easier to use and there is no problem with the finish coming off in your hands as was with the steel set nor is there much prying needed to allow the jaws to work correctly. The aluminum set is ok but not great still better than the steel set in my opinion.
Steel bead sight installers
Perhaps I should have purchased the aluminum set. The steel set is VERY heavy duty. In fact, the largest two collets are so strong that they will not close. I cannot tighten the knurled collar enough to close the collet by hand. The third and smallest size installer has a collet that is fully compressed (closed). I have to remove the collar and attempt to pry the collet jaws apart before I can use it. I'm happy with most of my Brownells brand tools. These are just a pain to use... I'll buy the aluminum set next.
Just falls short
When I received this product I was impressed by the overall quality of the product out of the box. I went to use it and the jaws were very stiff and when I tried to loosen the jaws, they would not budge. I would recommend looking for another product.
Shotgun Bead Installation Vises - Barely useful
These steel vises are too stiff to hold the variety of bead diameters as advertised.
There is too much material at the base of the threads, therefore making the jaws barely flexible enough to clamp onto the radius of the bead.
I had to modify them to make them useful.
