I bought a wheeler screwdriver set and am dissapointed it does not have a tip to fit s&w sideplate screws. I need just the one size. Anyone know exactly what size I need to order and from whom? Thanks.

If you have the Wheeler Deluxe screw driver set, there is a small screw size bit in the set that will fit. I have many tip-ups and the deluxe set is all I need to find an exact fit. Also, you can add the small eye glass set of screwdrivers to your gunsmithing tools. The come in handy in a pinch for tiny screws.

Nick

I was taught to take the next bigger size tip and grind it to a precision fit.

Several screwdriver mfgrs state that is the correct procedure!!

I use wheeler #10 for the yoke screw and #7 for other 2.
Midway sells in 3 packs.
Both are .030 thick and #10 is .180 wide and #7 is .150 wide IIRC.

Is that because if later you do by chance realize you need that bigger size but you ground it down you have to buy a new one?

An old gunsmith that I went to in Pittsburgh had BOXES of used screwdriver tips!! And he had BOXES of new tips.

He always custom ground them!!

BUT, he did great work.

So, yea, I think it is to get you to buy LOTS of screwdrivers!!

OR, it is to much work to find one you already have that will work!!

I believe most screw driver sets come with multiples of the same size heads so that you can file them to fit the screw heads.

__________________
Endeavor to persevere

The tip out of my cheapie screwdriver kit that best fits the sideplate screws is marked CR-V 5/32. Not a perfect fit but pretty close. FWIW the sideplate screws slot on my 442-2 seem a bit different size than on my old model 36's.

Brownell's sell a bit set especially sized to fit the screws on S&W revolvers.
Included are 120-1, 150-3, 210-2 and 210-4.

__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

At first you'll think the Brownell's bits are too small. They fit a tad loose in the slots. The concept is that they push on the sides of the screwhead. They won't mar the heads of rounded screws. It is necessary to pay extra attention to flat headed screws, commonly the one under the grips or holding on the front of an adjustable sight on older S&W's. You have to pay a bit of attention to keep them from popping out and scratching things.