Beginner tool set recommendation: Revolver

[DadsGlasses]

I would like to become competent and comfortable disassembling, deep cleaning, and reassembling my revolvers.

Can anyone recommend a decent beginner tool list? The more specific recommendations are, the better.

Thanks!

 

[6518John]

I am a huge fan of this set. A number of tools in addition to just the screw heads.

89 Piece Professional Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set | Wheeler

 

[robertrwalsh]

Both Brownells and Midway offer excellent basic gunsmithing tool sets. Check out their web sites.

 

[BMCM]

I've been seeing a lot of stuff come across my bench where folks with great intentions have polished up a bunch up stuff that in the end was utterly pointless and often ruined some parts or left the gun with a push-off or carry up problem.

My first suggestion would be buy Kuhnhausens's book and read through it a couple times.
HERITAGE GUN BOOKS S&W REVOLVER SHOP MANUAL- 5TH EDITION | Brownells

Then once you have a good grasp of what should and should not be done... And with an honest assessment of your own capabilities... And a decent grasp of what tools you want (that book will help you build your tool shopping list) Now you can go tool shopping.

Brownells armorer's service kit is pretty complete. There's enough doodads in there to really do some damage if you don't know what you're doing.
BROWNELLS TOOLS FOR SMITH & WESSON REVOLVERS | Brownells
But it is a nice set.

Cheers
Bill

 

[JayFramer]

This is the only tool you need:

LOL I’M KIDDING LOL!!! Seriously, take the above advice. And do NOT use a Dremel. Lots of guns ruined with those and it’s an inside joke among us that Dremel are the first tools the uneducated gunsmith reaches after.

 

[geeollie]

A good set of gun-smithing specific screw drivers is many smiths first purchase. Brownells is a good place to start looking.

Secondly I would recommend a book about smithing your revolver. If a S&W, Jerry Kuhnhausen wrote "The S&W Revolver, a Shop Manuel".
Midway USA and Brownells would carry an assortment of books that will list some needed basic tools.

Lastly, for the time being, Stay away from youtube for the most part . You will see "weekend gunsmiths" recommending a Sears screwdriver or that grinding tool in the post above as the only tool you need.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I like grace wooden handle gunsmith screwdrivers.

 

[6string]

The best single "tool" is the Kuhnhausen book on Smith and Wesson revolvers. You'll learn how to do jobs right, and what jobs are just too much to take on!
For screwdrivers, make sure to get a good fit for the screws, and make sure they are high quality steel!
Do yourself a favor and skip the cheap import stuff. Some big name "American" companies just sell rebranded junk from China.
I like Chapman tools. They are made by a real tool shop in Connecticut. You can put together your own set, bit by bit, or buy one of their packages.

Speciality Screwdriver Sets Made in the USA by Chapman Manufacturing

Brownells house brand is good, as is Grace.

 

[H Richard]

1st a good set of screwdrivers, 2nd a gunsmith hammer/mallet, 3rd a rebound slide tool if one isn't included in your screwdriver set. 4th a set of punches, including a couple cup head punches for removing pins. 5th a small set of good files and at least 1 6" with a "safe edge".

and the last thing to get and them only after 10 years of experience is a Dremel tool. I usually recommend that you never get it within 12 " of any firearm.

 

[HughD1]

I have a stick ball point pen that I put rebound springs back in with. It has always worked well for me. Never had one of the tools they sell for doing that. Use the wooden handle of a ball peen hammer to tap the frame to get the side plate off. A good set of screwdrivers is a must though. Good luck! Hugh


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[JohnnieBoy]

1st a good set of screwdrivers, 2nd a gunsmith hammer/mallet, 3rd a rebound slide tool if one isn't included in your screwdriver set. 4th a set of punches, including a couple cup head punches for removing pins. 5th a small set of good files and at least 1 6" with a "safe edge".

and the last thing to get and them only after 10 years of experience is a Dremel tool. I usually recommend that you never get it within 12 " of any firearm.

No Dremel tool lol! Step away from the DT!

You left out a good 4 piece precision pick & hook set.

 

[gwpercle]

Both Brownells and Midway offer excellent basic gunsmithing tool sets. Check out their web sites.

Can't go wrong with this advice .
I have a small set from Midway , marked "Midway Gunsmith Screwdriver Kit" , another from Brownell's marked Pachmayr and the latest is from Wheeler Engineering 72 piece Professional Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set , which is a very nice set .

Don't scrimp on properly fitting screwdrivers...they are probably the most important tools you will need for gun work .
Gary

 

[chief38]

There is NO "kit" I know of that is what I'd consider good. Individual components and tools are the best way to go IMO.



My suggestions are as follow......

Screwdrivers: Brownell's Magna Tips with a LE magnetic handle

Punches, Bench Blocks, Ball Peen Hammers, Machinists Square, Calipers, Micrometers, etc. : Buy gently used Starrett Brand on ebay. They are very reasonable and the best you can get!

Optimizer magnifier: If you are going to get into Smithin', you NEED an Optimizer. Don't get one that has a focal length less than 10 inches.

Shop Apron: Brownells brand wears hard and lasts a long time. Has usable pockets and is comfortable to wear all day.

Arkansas Stones: Dan's Arkansas Stones sells a HUGE variety of excellent quality, sizes and shapes.

Drill Press: (optional for a beginner) I'd suggest a floor model and at least a 1/2 HP motor. It's all but impossible to get one made in America and the ones at Home Depot and Harbor Freight are garbage. There are some that are made in Taiwan that are relatively descent and run pretty true. You can always upgrade the Chuck with an older vintage Jacobs Chuck from ebay.

Cleaning Rods: Dewey

Patches and Brushes: Brownells standard Brushes and cotton patches.

 

[kenjen]

Another tool that comes in real handy is made for unscrewing the ejector rod, either the clamp style sold by brownies or the vice grip kind (I just got the vice grip one) works so much better then pliers and a piece of leather.

 

[garbler]

Well I hate to piss in the punch bowl but to disassemble clean and reassemble a J, K, L, or N frame all you need is a good screw driver with properly ground tip. You don’t really need a rebound spring tool as a screw driver will do with patience and practice. If you want to remove the extractor rod this is even doable with pliers and a piece of leather boot tongue. But not generally necessary for periodic cleaning.

Got a lot of rotary tool haters here but if you follow their logic and advice then files, stones and other cutting tools should also be shunned. I used my Foredom tool daily when I was gunsmithing with polishing bobs, cratex and some carbide if needed. Like any tool or machine whether it is a tractor with a back blade or 20” disc sander with 40 grit you had best know what you’re doing and when you do it you come at it slowly and work your way into a fit. It’s not the tool or the gun that is the offender folks it’s the operator or user who just doesn’t get it or care.

Rick

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

You absolutely want hollow ground screw driver tips for the slotted screws. do NOT use a regular slotted screw driver as it WILL slip out and mar the screw and gun.

If you decide to engrave your initials, name or social security on the gun for identifying purposes use the lowest setting-it is a lot easier and it won't walk as bad on you.

 

[bulletslap]

I will add some large plastic bags to disassemble the handgun inside of, until you are familiar with what small parts will sprong into the darkest reaches of your workspace.

 

[rkittine]

I do all my handgun repair and adjustments with my left hand only - The one I write the check to, to the competent gunsmiths I use.

Bob

 

[Narragansett]

Grace wooden handle pistolsmith screwdriver set, Brownell's magna tip 4bit S&W specific screw driver, and compressed air

 

[ThinManX]

Kuhnhausen shop manual and accompanying video are the place to start. There are tool recommendations in there.

The Brownells S&W revolver screwdriver sets are excellent.

Rebound spring tool from Brownells is also good.

I will also recommend the Brownells 1” mallet and an armorers block.