Basic Smithing Tools

[Old_Sparky]

I have about $150 in Amazon.com coupons to use, and am looking into purchasing some basic smithing tools to use on S&W and Ruger pistols, along with a few long guns. Any recommendations on what or what not to get? I prefer to get quality over quantity. Thanks.

 

[arjay]

Start with a good set of hollow ground screwdrivers and some brass punches.

 

[chief38]

Most of the good GS tools specific to firearms are going to be found at Brownell's, not Amazon. You can get generic things there like magnifying lamps, calipers, tweezers, tool boxes, rubber mats to work on, etc. but most quality bulk packages of patches, brushes, rods, hammers specific to GS are not going to be there.

 

[Old_Sparky]

chief38, I still need to know what good tools/brands are in order to know what I need. I have plenty of equipment to clean my guns, I just need to know what are good screwdrivers, punches, hammers, or other things that I might need to do basic smithing.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

You didn't say what type of Rugers. For single actions, you'll need a clamp on or regular vise for holding the top strap while working on the action up side down. The hint chief38 gave you was, go to Brownells and look at what is available, then see what you can afford at Amazon. Also look at the tools at Midway and Dillion. Good/Proper screwdrivers are a must, as is a brass drift (punch). Any brand of quality tools will last a long time. I have 6 oz. & a 32 oz. brass/bronze hammers that I made. Ivan

 

[jack the toad]

I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but to add to the already stated info to start with a quality screwdriver set specific for guns, depending on what guns and to what extent your "gunsmithing" will be.
If you plan on removing the side plate on a S&W revolver for an occasional look see and cleaning or do you plan on fitting/refining internals, ratchets, barrels, sights, etc, etc. will reflect on the answer to your question.
IMO, you can't go wrong starting with the Brownell brand of screwdrivers as well as a punch set, both brass, steel and possibly roll pin.
This would be a good start and just go from there depending on your needs. I'd check both Brownells and Midway. Both have Black Friday specials right now. Good shopping.

 

[steamloco76]

I've purchased several interchangeable tip "gunsmith" screwdriver sets over the years and have been disappointed in the quality of them all- Wheeler, Pachmyer, B-Square, Weaver.
Either get one of the Brownell's Magna-Tip sets or go with the old fashioned wood handled, beautifully crafted Grace screwdrivers. For Handguns, their HG-7, seven piece set is the best starter. I just bought one, however I had to go to eBay to get it since Brownell's and Amazon only had the standard G-8 eight piece set which has some really large screwdrivers for rifle buttstocks and shotguns. Grace also makes a set specific to Ruger S/A guns, Torx sets, Phillips sets etc.

Happy shopping!

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I have a basic set of screwdrivers from Brownells that works well - actually, it's the kit with the handle and the different screwdriver tips that fit into the shaft of the handle. I also like my Shoo-Boy hammer, and my latest acquisitions are the trigger spring tool, and the cylinder disassembly tool from the Gunsmither:

http://www.gunsmithertools.com/



Good luck,

Dave

 

[arjay]

I have a set of B-Square tips and a handle I bought from Brownells a very long time ago.The smallest bits can be broken if used with too much force.A short, stubby handle is less clumsy for this kind of work.

 

[Old_Sparky]

I've purchased several interchangeable tip "gunsmith" screwdriver sets over the years and have been disappointed in the quality of them all- Wheeler, Pachmyer, B-Square, Weaver.
Either get one of the Brownell's Magna-Tip sets or go with the old fashioned wood handled, beautifully crafted Grace screwdrivers. For Handguns, their HG-7, seven piece set is the best starter. I just bought one, however I had to go to eBay to get it since Brownell's and Amazon only had the standard G-8 eight piece set which has some really large screwdrivers for rifle buttstocks and shotguns. Grace also makes a set specific to Ruger S/A guns, Torx sets, Phillips sets etc.

Happy shopping!

Thanks. This gives me the specifics I need to get a quality set, even if I have to go elsewhere to get them, instead of using my coupons for Amazon.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Amazon does sell some good gunsmithing stuff that is also available at Brownells or Midway.

By far, the most used item, at least in S&W revolver application, will be good gunsmiths screwdrivers (Grace is a good brand and you can buy them on Amazon), a non-marring mallet (Amazon lists a Grace Gun Care Tool Set that includes screwdrivers and such a brass hammer and brass punches).

Another neat tool for use on S&W revolvers is the rebound slide/spring removal tool, but I could not find one on Amazon.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Start with a good set of hollow ground screwdrivers and some brass punches.

I'd add a good quality set of steel punches too. Don't forget a starter punch, and, if you plan to work on guns with roll pins, a set of roll pin punches can save some heart ache.

 

[chief38]

chief38, I still need to know what good tools/brands are in order to know what I need. I have plenty of equipment to clean my guns, I just need to know what are good screwdrivers, punches, hammers, or other things that I might need to do basic smithing.

Punches - Starrett brand - the best. Might want "Roll Pin" punches too - Grace Co. I believe.

Screwdrivers and bits - Brownells brand w/ Law Enforcement magnetic Handle

Hammers - Shoeboy GS hammer or similar (on this Forum I believe)

A GOOD set of tweezers - straight, bent, long, thin, etc. I got mine from a Physician's Supply Co.

Good Rubber Mat - local Restaurant or Bar (aka bar mat) The little nubs keep small parts from getting lost and contain fluid. Looks cool too!

Dial Calipers - I have a Starrett, but they are very expensive. They do have off-shore brands for under $40 bucks but I use mine daily so I bought what I deemed the best. Make sure it can measure OD, ID, AND depth. (a separate attachment for depth measuring is not too costly and fits on your caliper itself - keeps it plumb.)

A GOOD magnifying lamp - essential for GS

A GOOD set of miniature extra fine Arkansas Stones - I bought these and all my stones from a stone supply Co. years ago. I have MANY different types and sizes, but for GS I like the small extra fine ones (1/4" x 1/4" x 4") For sear, trigger and other work, 1/2" x 1/2" x 6" are also useful in several grits. I also have 4 grades of Arkansas Stones in 2" x 10' which makes excellent sharpening stones for my knives. Don't forget honing oil.

A Drill Press is nice too. Makes Ejector Rod removal and tightening a snap and I much prefer that method over the tools they sell in the catalogs.

A good vise - I have a Wilton 5" but for general GS ONLY that might be a bit over kill. I use it for many other things as well.

Air Compressor (or at least canned air) blowing debris out of actions, nooks and crannies.

Crocus Cloth - local hardware store

A GOOD set of miniature files in an assortment of shapes, sizes and types if you're really going to do GS.

Lewis Lead Remover in calibers that apply - Brownell's

Flitz polish

 

[H Richard]

I'll add a good quality 6" file with a "SAFE" edge. Very fine stones for sear touch up, Medium size off angle tweezers and needle nose pliers for those small parts, some dental pics to get into those little places, a flex shaft LED light, a 2 oz. ballpeen hammer, Jeweler screwdrivers. You will probably never stop adding to the list.

 

[Big Cholla]

I started gunsmithing in 1958. I have had all the name brand screwdriver sets. Today and for the past 20 years I go to my Wheeler's Engineering set more often than any other. I have never broken a Wheeler's bit. I have broken a Grace, a Brownell's fixed blade and Sear's bits. Wheeler's hex drivers seem to be slightly 'small', so I don't use them. Go to a hobby shop and buy several sizes of landing gear wire. Cut them to useable lengths and square off the ends. They make great starter punches. They also make great 'feelers' to push, pull, move small parts when required. Buy the Starrett pin punch set, then use them only when you have too. They are that good. Go to a welding shop or a hardware store and buy several sizes of brass rod. Make your own set of brass drift rods. Buy a "Shoeboy Hammer". Go to Harbor Freight and buy their 6" rotatable vice. Yes it is made in China, but you can put Brownell's soft jaws on one side for gunsmithing. It is invaluable. Get some thin brass sheet metal and cut and shape it to be used as 'softeners' when gripping gun parts. Buy a good set of needle files and several flat ******* files with good handles. Use chalk stick and a file brush on them. Get some small triangle files and grind one side smooth on one and two sides smooth on another and leave one intact. Buy a top quality 6 oz. ballpeen hammer and never use it on anything that will mar the striking head. Get several other hammers of various weight for everyday use. Get a small bench grinder and equip one side with a fine wire brush and the other with a "Green" wheel grind stone for sharpening tools. Get many pairs of "C" clamps in various sizes. ................ We are just getting started. When you add Lathe and Mill you add a whole new dimension in "Tooling".

Get compressed air and a Foredom Tool asap. Always buy 'quality' as you only have to buy it once. ............ Big Cholla

 

[Old_Sparky]

Thanks, everyone. This is helping me out quite a bit. I have an air compressor in the garage, and two ten-gallon air tanks I can bring in the use to use as canned air. I also have a 6" rotatable vise from Harbor Freight I can use. I prefer to buy quality tools when I can, instead of replacing them multiple times due to breakage. Amazon is nice, but they do not always have the best tool(s) for the job.

I am primarily going to work on M&P's, on Model 15 revolver, and a few Ruger semi-auto pistols (SR series mostly). Long guns? Maybe later on.

Thanks again.

 

[Old_Sparky]

I was able to order the Grace 7-piece pistol screwdrivers, the Grace brass roll pin punch set, and the Starrett brass drive pin punch set. Once the wallet recovers, I will order more.

Thanks for the help in figuring out what to get.

 

[chief38]

Oh I forgot to mention this............

Get yourself a good shop apron like the one Brownell's sells so you don't ruin pants & shirts like I did before getting an apron. They are not expensive and in the long run will save you lots of money - ask me how I know..........