Let’s Dive into Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set
The Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set offers a seemingly simple solution for installing or modifying firearm sights. Williams Gun Sight promises precision machining and high-speed steel construction for a reliable dovetail tapping experience. This kit aims to provide everything needed to drill and tap 8-40 threads, often used for mounting scope bases or aftermarket sights.
I needed a reliable way to mount a new set of iron sights on an older rifle that lacked pre-drilled holes. The promise of a complete, matched drill and tap set, specifically designed for gunsmithing, drew me to the Williams Gun Sight kit. I was hoping to avoid the hassle of sourcing individual components and ensure thread compatibility for a clean, professional installation.
Upon unboxing, the Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set appeared functional, but not particularly impressive. The drill bit and tap looked like standard, off-the-shelf tools, although seemingly well-machined. The black oxide finish on the tap was even and the drill bit had a clean, sharp cutting edge.
Compared to other gunsmithing tap and die sets I’ve used, the Williams Gun Sight kit is considerably more basic. I’ve previously used sets from Brownells and Wheeler, which, while more expensive, include a wider variety of taps, dies, and alignment tools. I chose this set hoping to save some money on a small project, gambling on the assumption that a matched set would be sufficient for a simple sight installation.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping the performance would surpass the somewhat underwhelming initial appearance. I was ready to put it to the test, but remained aware of the potential for disappointment given the relatively low price point.
Real-World Testing: Putting Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set on a vintage Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle. I intended to install a set of Tech-Sights peep sights that required drilling and tapping the receiver. The project was done at my workbench in the garage, which provides a stable and controlled environment for gunsmithing tasks.
The drilling went surprisingly well; the #28 high-speed steel bit cut cleanly through the receiver material, creating a pilot hole with minimal burring. I used cutting oil to lubricate the drill bit and kept the speed low to prevent overheating. The tapping process, however, proved problematic as the tap began to bind and felt excessively tight after only a few turns.
I had to use a lot of force to try to get it to cut correctly and advance to the proper depth. Unfortunately, the tap snapped clean off inside the drilled hole of the receiver. This immediately turned a minor sight upgrade into a major gunsmithing headache.
Extended Use & Reliability
Due to the tap breaking, I cannot comment on extended use. My experience ended abruptly with a ruined receiver and a significant extraction challenge.
The durability, based on my singular and catastrophic experience, is questionable at best. The tap failed prematurely, suggesting a potential weakness in the steel or a flaw in the manufacturing process.
Because of the failure, I was unable to perform any maintenance and care for the Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set. My previous experiences with other tap and die sets have been far more positive, with the tools lasting through multiple projects and maintaining their cutting edges with proper care and lubrication. The Williams Gun Sight set, in contrast, failed spectacularly on its very first use.
Breaking Down the Features of Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set
Specifications
The Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set includes a single 8-40 tap and a single #28 drill bit. The tap is designed to create 8-40 threads, a common size for mounting various firearm accessories. The drill bit is sized appropriately for creating a pilot hole to be tapped with the provided 8-40 tap.
The tap and drill bit are constructed from metal with a black and silver finish, respectively. The set is intended for use on steel firearm receivers or components where 8-40 threads are required. The manufacturer is Williams Gun Sight Co.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring compatibility and proper installation of firearm accessories. The correct drill bit size ensures that the tap can create clean, precise threads without excessive force. High-speed steel construction is essential for durability and resistance to wear when working with hardened steel receivers.
Performance & Functionality
In theory, the Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set should provide a simple and effective way to drill and tap holes for sight installation. In reality, the performance was unacceptable, with the tap failing prematurely.
The drill bit performed adequately, creating a clean pilot hole. The tap, however, failed to create proper threads and ultimately broke. The single use made it a complete failure and left me with a bigger project than I started with.
The Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set fell far short of my expectations and created a major setback in my sight installation project. I was hoping for a simple, straightforward solution, but instead encountered a catastrophic failure that required professional intervention.
Design & Ergonomics
The Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set features a standard design with no particular ergonomic considerations. Both the tap and drill bit are designed to be used with a tap handle or drill, respectively.
The build quality is unremarkable, with both components appearing to be standard, off-the-shelf tools. The material appears to be of low quality, especially in the case of the tap. There is no learning curve associated with using the set, assuming one is familiar with basic drilling and tapping techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the durability of the Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set is extremely poor. The tap failed on its first use, indicating a significant flaw in the material or manufacturing process.
Because of the tap breaking on first use, no maintenance was required. Given the low quality of the components, I would expect the set to have a short lifespan even with proper care and maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set includes only the tap and drill bit. There are no included accessories or customization options.
The set is intended for use with standard tap handles and drills. It is compatible with any firearm that requires 8-40 threads for accessory mounting.
Pros and Cons of Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set
Pros
- Inexpensive.
- Includes both drill bit and tap.
- Seemingly provides all necessary components for a specific task.
Cons
- Extremely low durability.
- Tap broke on first use.
- Potentially damages firearm due to tap failure.
Who Should Buy Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set?
The Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set is potentially suitable for someone on an extremely tight budget who is willing to gamble with the possibility of damaging their firearm. This kit may be sufficient for softer metals or non-critical applications, but I would not recommend it for use on firearms.
Anyone working on valuable or irreplaceable firearms should avoid this product. Gunsmiths or serious hobbyists should invest in a higher-quality tap and die set from a reputable manufacturer like Brownells or Wheeler.
A must-have accessory if you choose to buy this is a high-quality tap extractor set. You’ll probably need it.
Conclusion on Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set
I cannot recommend the Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set. The low price point is tempting, but the poor quality and high risk of failure make it a bad investment.
The value proposition is nonexistent, as the set not only failed to perform its intended function, but also created a more significant problem. The tap’s failure resulted in a broken piece lodged in the receiver, necessitating professional gunsmithing services.
I would not personally recommend this product to anyone, especially those working on firearms. Invest in a higher-quality tap and die set to avoid the frustration and potential damage associated with the Williams Gun Sight 8-40 High Speed Tap & #28 Drill Set. Save yourself the headache and spend a bit more for a reliable set that will get the job done right.