What size Allen wrench for rear sight adjustment?

[Rastoff]

Even if you have a perfect wrench, variances in the hex in the set screws purchased in bulk by the thousands are going to ofset the wrench anyway. At the end of the day, it's a **** shoot. Find something tight (Metric or SAE) and take the dingin' set screw out.

This is correct. The tool is only half the equation. The small allen screws are especially problematic.

I am pretty new here, but I have found your posts to be informative and well though out.

That said: What source would you recommend for 'tools' that are true to size (precision)?

Thanks. The best is difficult to nail down. However, the most consistent I've seen have been Snap-On. There are plenty of tools for less that are fine, but those have been the most consistently good.

The point I was making above was not that the tool has no value, just that I don't expect much from a tool intended to do multiple purposes and to be portable. Those are almost always second best.

Putting together my own portable armorer's kit, I like these:
Dasco 22 6-Piece Pin Punch Kit #22 Not all of them, just the two small ones.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/access...8-wts-shooboy-custom-gunsmithing-hammers.html
A multi-bit screwdriver

And, believe it or not, one of these: (one metric and one SAE)
FOLD-UP WRENCH SETS | Brownells

With these I can fix most issues I've seen with most guns. An armorer's block is also nice, but not as easily portable.

 

[etrvn1326]

It has to be a 1/32 allen wrench. Or .050. Just sucks cause you can't just buy that individual one with a set of big ones you will not need.

 

[epj]

It is a 1/16"' (.0625).

 

[tonesurfer]

Very little need for the set screw at all. Once the screw is out, the journey has just begun.

QFT.

In addition to the 1/16" allen wrench you will also need a small 3-6lb sledge hammer, a brass or aluminum drift punch, masking tape and a vise. The sight is pressed in with hydraulics at the factory and 99% of the time they are a son-of-a-b%@% to move.

Tape up the slide, clamp in vise, use sledge and punch and take your time.

Good luck.

 

[gwpercle]

Prior to the internet and the age of information, we would get out our sets of allen wrenches , both inch and metric sizes and see if one fit. If not you went to the hardware store and got it there or modify one that was too big with a needle file until it was just right...that one was then only used for that sight screw.
I have several modified for just one purpose and used for nothing else.
Gary

 

[Muss Muggins]

QFT.

In addition to the 1/16" allen wrench you will also need a small 3-6lb sledge hammer, a brass or aluminum drift punch, masking tape and a vise. The sight is pressed in with hydraulics at the factory and 99% of the time they are a son-of-a-b%@% to move.

Tape up the slide, clamp in vise, use sledge and punch and take your time.

Good luck.

A 6 lb sledge hammer is a mighty big sledge hammer . . .

 

[epj]

QFT.

In addition to the 1/16" allen wrench you will also need a small 3-6lb sledge hammer, a brass or aluminum drift punch, masking tape and a vise. The sight is pressed in with hydraulics at the factory and 99% of the time they are a son-of-a-b%@% to move.

Tape up the slide, clamp in vise, use sledge and punch and take your time.

Good luck.

Or, you can use a proper sight pusher to do the job correctly. I offer one (JMT) @ $75, or there is the MGW at $125+\- . There are others, but these two I know to work. Some others may or may not. Just food for thought.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

Let's see, this is post #47 concerning a 1/16" allen wrench. Next time I will be more concerned about the fasteners on my pistols. I didn't know it was a problem, I just looked in the tool box, found one that fit and what do you know, the screw came out. Since I have found out they must be precise I measured it, and it was .0625 (1/16"), so I guess I am ok. Manufacturing tolerances being what they are, I'm really lucky.