Advice needed before purchase of Gunsmith screwdrivers

[GreenRiverBoy]

Hi all,
I'm looking to buy some nice dedicated gunsmith screwdrivers (not the kits with the bits).

I've seen the Forster's listed and they look very nice. Does anyone have any experience with these and are they made in the USA?

I'm opened to recommendations for these or other brands and would like to keep the price as low as possible BUT, I have no issue with spending more for a nice quality set that is US made.

What are some of you guys using and why?

Thanks for any advice,
GRB

 

[Kelly Green]

I've had excellent results with Grace screwdrivers. Made in the USA.

 

[everReady Rob]

I bought a Smith and Wesson screwdriver set (so of course I bought it) on Amazon and it was the bit type that goes in a shaft and there is still a little play in this type of kit. So I'm looking for a good screwdriver set myself.

 

[1 old 0311]

Brownells or Midway can hook you up. They both carry QUALITY kits.

 

[Hearsedriver]

Ive got the 89 piece Wheeler kit and it has served me well although I need to replace a couple of the thinner bits that have twisted slightly. Its a very complete set but somewhat pricey.

 

[GreenRiverBoy]

Well I just found this webpage by a guy who knows a heck of alot more than I do on the subject.

here is a link.

Pg. 9 Gunsmithing Screwdrivers

 

[chief38]

I have mentioned this a few times here on the Forum, but I will post it again. No matter which brand of screwdrivers or bits you purchase, there is always going to be a need for you to hand grind a bit now & then. Buy a few extra bits close to the common sizes but slightly over sized and then buy the special grinding wheel they sell from Brownells. You can then simply grind the bit down to the exact size you need for a particular screw.

As far as the complete screwdriver vs. the handle and bit assortment, I personally went with the Law Enforcement handle from Brownells and the assortment of bits. This is becasue there are sooooooo many sizes and variations, screwdrivers were just not available in all the variations that the bit sets were. Also, if you break a bit, Brownells will send you a new one for free, and even if they didn't, it is much less expensive to throw out a bit then an entire screwdriver. It is also much easier to grind a separate bit than to grind a screwdriver with a handle. Most of my regular screwdrivers that are for general use have individual handles, but for Smithing work, the handle and bit set is what I personally use.

Chief38

 

[Sprefix]

I know you stated that you don't want the kits with the bits, But I have the master set from Brownells and I swear by it. I love it. It lives in my safe and makes every range trip also. I also have a Snap-on Ratcheting screwdriver. A nice set of screwdrivers would be nice, but I like to have mine with me when I need them. Therefore, I like the convenience of the kit. They are spendy, but worth every penny! jmo, and good luck in your choice...............

 

[olskool]

i have a set of forster drivers, they are very good but, it is like chief38 said no matter what set you get there is no magic boolit here. some will fit fine and others will not. the only problem with the forster is i end up using the small driver the most and i have broken one and had to replace it. i do not remember if thay are made in the usa. but i would buy another set they are as good as they look.

 

[madmikeb]

I bought a 6 piece set of the S&W screwdrivers that come with a black stand, I don't know who manufactured these for Smith but they fit all the screws on my Smiths without any alteration. I bought them at my lgs, I think I paid around $25 and am quite pleased. I have also seen them on ebay.

 

[GreenRiverBoy]

Well thanks for all the responses. I'm rethinking the bit kits and was not aware there was a warranty from brownells if one breaks.

I had also read a review somewhere where the small Forsters were prone to breaking.

Going to do some more research and let you guys know what I end up doing.

Much thanks!

 

[trulyapostolic]

As mentioned by someone else, you really ought to look at the Magnatip kit from Brownells, very high quality bits that won't damage your screws.

 

[tomcatt51]

I've seen the Forster's listed and they look very nice. Does anyone have any experience with these and are they made in the USA?

I use the Bonanza/Forster screw drivers. The red plastic handled ones. The #2 and #16 fit VERY well on S&W revolver screw heads.

 

[bnz43]

Brownells sells a screwdriver set that I am very happy with. You will find that there are 3-4 screwdrivers that you will use the most but it is really nice to have the right fitting one for the odd ball screws as well.

Stock #:080-451-210

 

[FTG-05]

There can only be one:

Well, ok maybe two:

Good luck!

 

[chief38]

Now I know why I enjoy this Forum so much...........

There are so many anal retentive guys out there JUST LIKE ME!



Chief38

 

[everReady Rob]

I was leaning towards the Wheeler 89 pc set and found a place that was $20 less (delivered) than anywhere else I could find. And then I read customer reviews and they were BRUTAL. Changed my mind. The place was Amazon, maybe they get the seconds or outright rejects.

Foresters look nice, but oh the $.

I think I'll get the Brownell NRA Magna set and be done with it.