A good screwdriver set?

GF · Aug 13, 2013

What brand of gunsmithing screwdrivers do you use?

I have a Chapman set with a few broken bits and might try a little bigger set-up than the 4320.

What do you like?

GF

robertrwalsh · Aug 13, 2013

I like the Chapman set I have.

dfariswheel · Aug 13, 2013

The absolutely best and the industry standard are the Brownell's Magna-Tip driver bits.
These are the hardest, best polished, and best quality there is.
They also offer far more sizes then anyone else.
If you ever break or damage a bit, just email Brownell's and they'll send you a new bit FREE.

You can try these by buying a S&W revolver-specific set that has a handle and 3 bits to fit S&W screws.

S&W SCREWDRIVER | Brownells

If you like them, buy as large a master set as you can afford.
I recommend buying a law enforcement size handle. It's the perfect size to give good control.
These come in magnetic or clip retention.
Most sets offer choices on the handle size.
I recommend buying both a magnetic and clip-tip handle, since you often need both.

MAGNA-TIP SUPER SETS? | Brownells

LAW ENFORCEMENT HANDLES | Brownells

The Brownell's set is far better then the Chinese made Wheeler sets, and offer way more bits then the Chapman.
As you need them buy additional Magna-Tip bits.

This is a high quality, professional tool set. You'll only need to buy one set a lifetime.

armorer951 · Aug 13, 2013

tools

I agree. I've used Brownells Magna-tip handles and bits for years. They are high quality tools. I like the small shank LE handle with the storage compartment in the handle. Sort of a "travelling bit set" when you need to take it to the range, etc. Also, Brownells Customer Service is one of the best in the industry, in my opinion.

Nframecollector · Aug 13, 2013

I have two Chapman sets and a set of Grace hollowground screwdrivers. Anything else I need I make my own as needed!

MichiganScott · Aug 13, 2013

Bought a Brownell's 58 bit Master Set about 10 years ago. Wish I'd bought it sooner.

tomcatt51 · Aug 13, 2013

dfariswheel said:
The absolutely best and the industry standard are the Brownell's Magna-Tip driver bits.
These are the hardest, best polished, and best quality there is...

You can try these by buying that has a handle and 3 bits to fit S&W screws.

S&W SCREWDRIVER | Brownells

I bought these as they are represented to be "a S&W revolver-specific set". They are really nice bits, great quality, but, "a S&W revolver-specific set"? Not even close. They're "wrong" widths and bit thicknesses. A Forster-Bonanza 2 & 16 screw driver will do you better.

jrs70 · Aug 13, 2013

I started with this bald eagle set. I put it in a smaller holder and carry it in my range bag. It is the same set S&W sold a few years ago. I find the sizes are good because the side plate screws will vary a little.

I do agree that Brownells have the best bits.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Bald Eagle BE1025 Power Bit Set

jepp2 · Aug 13, 2013

I have used the Chapman, Brownells, and Wheeler sets. I have broken a few bits on the Chapman and Wheeler, but only when I was using excessive torque and that is when you want the bit to break, not the screw.

I guess it depends on how many bits you need (variety of sizes) and how much you are willing to pay. I view the Wheeler as far superior to the Chapman sets (mainly due to size of bits) and equivalent in quality. The Brownells set is the highest quality but much higher in cost. Your choice. But having the correct size bit of any of the three are FAR superior to not having the correct size tip and using the wrong size. It it doesn't fit properly, don't turn.

ralph7 · Aug 13, 2013

I have an old Chapman set from 1982.

Only replaced 2 of the smallest tips in all of this time.
Not a large range of tips, but it is an old, dependable friend.

chief38 · Aug 13, 2013

Don't forget to buy a Brownells grinding wheel also to make some custom fit bits. No matter which set you buy and how many bits there are, there is always going to be a screw that there is not a good fit for. Especially if you work on Browning shotguns like the Superposed and the A5.

shawn mccarver · Aug 13, 2013

I have a set of Bonanza gunsmith screwdrivers that I bought from Larry Potterfield's original little store west of Columbia, Missouri about 30 years ago. They are very good quality.

They are now called Forster/Bonanza, I think, and I cannot speak to current quality.

Forster 8-Piece Gunsmith Screwdriver Set

2152hq · Aug 13, 2013

I've never liked the switcher-roo type screwdriver tools.
Just a pain it seems to me.
Interchangable most anything I get frustrated with. Socket sets are OK.

I've got lots of screwdrivers, Some are old timers gotten at garage sales and the like. Many from who knows where.
You can tell an older quality USA made one when you see it.
Or just make them,,it's not hard and you learn a little too.
They don't have to be fancy.

Grind them to what you need.
Re-grind them when they need it.

Actually you should be able to just cleanly cut them with a good quality new file if they are of the right temper.
Just about the same hardness as a through hardened and drawn sear.

03Fatboy · Aug 13, 2013

tomcatt51 said:
I bought these as they are represented to be "a S&W revolver-specific set". They are really nice bits, great quality, but, "a S&W revolver-specific set"? Not even close. They're "wrong" widths and bit thicknesses. A Forster-Bonanza 2 & 16 screw driver will do you better.

I started with the Brownells S&W set and soon realized the fit (width and thickness) could be better for removing the side plate. Magna tips will only touch my screws, but I bought a bunch a la carte and made a little holder out of a block of wood and never looked back. I haven't broke one yet either and having a good selection on sizes allows me to get the best fit each time. I can remove and reinstall screws without you even noticing (no damage).

palabman · Aug 13, 2013

I like this one from B-Square...

Amazon.com: B-Square Professional Gunsmith Screwdriver Set: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417lXZWQxHL.@@AMEPARAM@@417lXZWQxHL

kennyb · Aug 14, 2013

i'm with mr dfariswheel....a brownells set works best for me..top quality

MarkRSims · Aug 14, 2013

I'll never use anything but Grace screwdrivers. Broke a small one a couple of years back, and when I called to replace it they wouldn't let me pay for it even though I'd abused it. Then they also included the correct screwdriver for the job I was doing free of charge. Unbelievable customer service.

MichiganScott · Aug 14, 2013

palabman said:
I like this one from B-Square...

Amazon.com: B-Square Professional Gunsmith Screwdriver Set: Sports & Outdoors

I keep the B-Square set in my range bag. It's no where near the quality of Brownell's, but works fine for occasional work when you need a screwdriver now. It's saved the day for more than one of my fellow competitors when their gun went south during a match.

BillyMagg · Aug 14, 2013

dfariswheel said:
The absolutely best and the industry standard are the Brownell's Magna-Tip driver bits.
These are the hardest, best polished, and best quality there is.
They also offer far more sizes then anyone else.
If you ever break or damage a bit, just email Brownell's and they'll send you a new bit FREE.

You can try these by buying a S&W revolver-specific set that has a handle and 3 bits to fit S&W screws.

S&W SCREWDRIVER | Brownells

If you like them, buy as large a master set as you can afford.
I recommend buying a law enforcement size handle. It's the perfect size to give good control.
These come in magnetic or clip retention.
Most sets offer choices on the handle size.
I recommend buying both a magnetic and clip-tip handle, since you often need both.

MAGNA-TIP SUPER SETS? | Brownells

LAW ENFORCEMENT HANDLES | Brownells

The Brownell's set is far better then the Chinese made Wheeler sets, and offer way more bits then the Chapman.
As you need them buy additional Magna-Tip bits.

This is a high quality, professional tool set. You'll only need to buy one set a lifetime.

Yes, I just made do with a Chinese set, the handle is junk and the bits are slightly out of spec, I had a rear guard screw in an old FN that was already ugly, but I had to get MEAN with it to get it out. I used a 1/4" ignition rench to apply the necessary manpower as the bit had a hex head drive, I believe they are the Wheelers, useful but not the quality I was expecting, they will likely go back. billy magg

TAROMAN · Aug 14, 2013

While I have a complete Brownell set, the screwdrivers I always grab first are a Grace 7 Piece Pistolsmith Screwdriver Set.
A Brownell driver with the S&W tip set resides in my range bag.

A good screwdriver set?

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