Favorite S&W revolver side plate screwdriver

8shot

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I have been using a Craftsman SL 1/8 CMHT65017 screwdriver and actually bought a couple of them. One for the bench and one for my range bag, they really fit the crew slots nicely.

Any other suggestions and a source for them?
 
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my smelly sideplate screwdriver

Lots of expensive choices and preferences for "gunsmith" screwdrivers. In the case of S&W revolvers, you only need one.

This six inch one with a 3.5" shaft, is a Craftsman 41589K WF, 1/8", which has been around since my first trip to Springfield in 1980. It serves as a rebound spring tool, a plastic impact tool to remove the sideplate, and fits all of the screws. Fits in your hand without being too heavy. Shrink tape added. Cost is outrageous. $6.59





A little worse for wear but not bad for 40+ years.





Carter
 
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Thanks...kinda firms up where I have been with Craftsman screwdrivers. Yours is the longer bother of the one I mentioned. The best part is the handle is bigger and a better impact tool.
 
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Hole in the sideplae is .165", or just a shade over 4mm, so you have to be careful there. Certainly don't want to damage the perimeter of the opening.

Wera makes some very nice small screwdrivers. On some of their models, the bits are treated to help keep them from camming out of the screw slot. In my opinion, if you're having trouble with a slotted screwdriver bit camming out of the screw head, then you're either using the wrong screwdiver, or the screw is in too tightly. Sideplate screws don't have to be overly tight.



Carter
 
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You can get the Brownell's Magnatip "Law Enforcement" handle and just buy the hollow ground tips you need. They do make a handle version that has storage inside the handle to fit about half a dozen tips.

Gun screwdrivers should only be the Hollow Ground variety IMHO. While I own dozens of Craftsman's screwdrivers I do not and would not use them on gun screws. They do not properly fit.
 
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I actually use a S&W 'S.A.T.' (sight adjustment tool), ground and stoned to fit. It's 'semi-hollow-ground'. Works.
 
Only problem with Craftsman screwdrivers is the handles stink after a while, and my wife complains every time I open my tool chest…
Boy do they ever! My screwdriver sets and toolbox are 52 years old, and they still stink when I pull the screwdriver drawer open.
I'm glad, in a way, that it's not just my imagination or my set of screwdrivers that are like that.
Thanks for confirming I'm not crazy.
 
The Blues

Hollow Ground screw drivers only when
working on guns! No magnetic tips either.

I’ll up you one too. A Paper Hole Punch and
Blue Tape. This is for putting on a protective
surface around the Screw Hole.

I started with the circa early 1980s Chapman
set. I just grind the Bits to fit if needed or grip
another quality screw driver to make what I
need.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.
 

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While I have a couple fancy and expensive kits, I often just reach for the unnamed yellow plastic-handled slot screwdriver that came in my S&W revolver armorer kit. The slot head is exactly the size needed. I'm guessing it was very inexpensive.

If I'm not in any hurry, I'll get out one of the drivers from one of the fancy kits, and change slot head tips to be ... cool.

FWIW, learning to guide the tip to the slot, and keep it centered, using the edge of a support thumb as a 'guide', is helpful. ;)

Whoever assembled my first M&P 340 apparently had their driver slip at one point. The black finish of the frame looked fine, until I wiped the R/side, around the yoke screw, when cleaning it for the first time. A bright shiny 'ring' was revealed around most of the edge of the yoke screw hole in the frame. :confused:

My guess is that the assembler grabbed a handy black marker to cover the 'blemish' :eek:, and then boxed it up. I'd bought it as an off-duty weapon and range beater, so I didn't call about it. Sloppy, though. It has more nicks, scratches and dings on it nowadays. :p
 
Funny - I have some Craftsman screwdrivers that stunk so bad I either exchanged them for new ones (when Sears was around), or tossed them. I even tried cleaning and sanding them - that did not work! They are inexpensive enough that I did not feel guilt tossing a few.

The Brownell's Magnatips & handles are reasonably priced enough that there is no excuse to use a regular blade IMO. The screw you bugger up will cost more to replace than the proper screwdriver tip!
 
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I have Brownell's Magna Tips , I can't stand it have to remove the side plate see what the internals looks like.
 
Just saw the Wheeler 26 bit hollow ground kit in ebay. Are they good? USA made?
Suitable for S&W sideplate screws?
Thanks, regards , Ray
 
I have a Wheeler set that includes many ultra-thin bits.

I just got this, and when I pulled it apart to clean and Ren wax it I had every exact bit I needed.
 

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I bought an expensive Chapman set, but I learned by GunBlue 490 youtube channel that a simple modified screwdriver is the best tool to own

 
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