Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack Review

The Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack Made a Bold First Impression

The Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack isn’t exactly the kind of product that sets your heart racing with excitement, but trust me, if you’re a gunsmith or even a serious hobbyist working on firearms, these unassuming pieces of lead can be absolute lifesavers. Wheeler Engineering, a well-known name in the gunsmithing world, has crafted a simple yet incredibly practical tool that can dramatically improve the barrel work process. I’ve been working on firearms for over a decade, and I’ve seen firsthand how easily barrels can be marred or damaged during removal or installation.

I was constantly struggling with securing oddly shaped barrels or smaller diameter barrels in my vise without causing damage. Traditional vise jaws, even with softer materials like wood or plastic, could still leave marks or even slightly deform the barrel. That’s when I started looking for a solution and came across the Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack.

Upon receiving the package, I was immediately impressed with the simplicity and density of the lead shims. They felt substantial and well-made, promising a reliable grip. Compared to using makeshift solutions like leather or rubber, the Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack seemed like a far more professional and effective tool. The lead’s malleability was immediately apparent, indicating that it would conform well to various barrel shapes.

Honestly, I was more relieved than excited at first. I had high hopes that these shims would finally solve my barrel gripping woes. If these shims performed as expected, they would save me time, prevent damage to valuable barrels, and ultimately provide a more professional finish to my gunsmithing work.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack while removing a stubborn barrel from a Mauser action. This was a particularly challenging task because the barrel was tightly fitted and had some unusual contours. I placed the shims between the barrel and my vise jaws, ensuring a snug fit.

The shims provided an incredibly secure grip, and I was able to apply significant torque without any slippage or noticeable deformation of the barrel. Working in my well-lit workshop, I immediately noticed the advantage of having the lead conform so tightly to the barrel’s surface. There were no harsh edges or pressure points that could cause damage.

The initial use was smooth and successful. I was impressed with the increased friction and the even distribution of pressure. The shims did exactly what they were designed to do, and it greatly simplified the barrel removal process, leaving me with a clean, undamaged barrel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack on various projects, I can confidently say they are a durable and reliable addition to my toolkit. They’ve been used on everything from AR-15 barrels to shotgun barrels, each time providing a secure and damage-free grip. There is minimal wear and tear on the shims themselves, despite repeated use.

The lead does slightly deform over time with repeated use, especially under high pressure. However, this deformation is minimal and actually helps the shims mold even better to the barrels they grip. Maintenance is virtually nonexistent. A quick wipe down with a cloth is all that’s needed to remove any grease or debris.

Compared to previous methods I’ve used, such as improvised padding or softer metal jaws, the Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack vastly outperforms them in terms of grip, protection, and ease of use. They have made barrel work much more efficient and significantly reduced the risk of damaging expensive components.

Breaking Down the Features of Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack

Specifications

• The Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack includes four individual lead shims. These shims are designed to be used in conjunction with a barrel vise.
• The shims are made of soft lead. This malleable material conforms to the barrel’s shape, providing maximum grip and preventing damage.
• The shims are designed to grip small diameter and odd-shaped workpieces. This versatility is crucial for gunsmiths dealing with a variety of firearms.
• They increase friction between the vise blocks and the barrel. More friction makes barrel removal and installation easier and safer.
• The product’s price is listed at $10.99. This makes it a highly affordable and accessible tool for any gunsmith or serious enthusiast.

Performance & Functionality

The Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack performs its intended function exceptionally well. They provide a secure grip on barrels of various sizes and shapes, preventing slippage and minimizing the risk of damage. Their primary strength lies in their ability to conform to the barrel’s surface, providing even pressure distribution.

One potential area for improvement is offering the shims in different thicknesses. This could further enhance their versatility for a wider range of barrel sizes. However, as is, the Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack meet and exceed expectations for a simple yet effective tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack is simple but effective. The materials are high-quality and the shims are easy to handle. There is no learning curve associated with using these shims. Their purpose is immediately obvious, making them extremely user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

Given that the shims are made of lead, they will inevitably deform over time. However, this deformation is a gradual process and doesn’t significantly impact their performance. Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe them clean after each use. With proper care, these shims should last for many projects.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack doesn’t come with any accessories, nor does it require any. They are designed to be used with a standard barrel vise, which is a common tool in any gunsmithing setup. While there aren’t any specific customization options for the shims themselves, their soft lead construction allows them to be easily shaped and modified to fit unique barrel profiles.

Pros and Cons of Wheeler Lead Barrel Vise Shims 4 Pack