Chapman tools...

[Beemerguy53]

For many years, I've had a basic Chapman screwdriver set. It's served me well, and I've always been impressed with its quality and utility.

I recently bought a SIG-Sauer P210 Target, which uses a T15 Torx head screw to secure the grips. Now, I have Torx drivers in my garage, in my toolbox...had them for years...and they work well on automotive and motorcycle fasteners. I thought about using my automotive Torx drivers, but ultimately decided to buy a Chapman set instead, and I'm glad I did.

Chapman calls its Torx bits "Star" drivers, and so their S15 fits a T15 Torx screw. Compared to my automotive Torx drivers, the Chapman S-bits are apparently machined to even closer tolerances; they fit so tightly that I thought at first I had the wrong bit when I tried to remove the grips. There is no play, no movement at all, between the Chapman bit and the SIG Torx fastener. The set was a little more expensive than what you'll find at Auto Zone...but you get what you pay for.

 

[Ruger 13]

I bought a Chapman set about 40 years ago and it's still in service! Excellent quality. I also have 2 sets of Grace screwdrivers that are also excellent tools!

 

[moosedog]

The nice thing about Chapman is they stand behind their product. I've chipped a few bits on my set over the years and they sent free replacements.

 

[Beemerguy53]

I bought a Chapman set about 40 years ago and it's still in service! Excellent quality. I also have 2 sets of Grace screwdrivers that are also excellent tools!

Mine is close to thirty years old, and in perfect condition...I fully expect that my infant grandson will be using it decades from now.

 

[Green Frog]

I have several of the old red box sets of Chapman screwdrivers as well as the Star/Torx drive set of bits and the Allen/Hex drive bits (SAE and metric). My only complaint with the Chapman bits is the lack of different blade thicknesses. In most cases only two are available and in some only one. A good gunsmith's screwdriver blade has the proper width and thickness to properly fit the screw slot.
The latest wood box master sets sure look nice though, don't they?

Froggie

 

[rockquarry]

I've had a basic set of Chapman bits for forty years or longer. I've chipped a couple of bits and bought cheap replacements at gun shows; these seem to work as well as the originals. I've kept my Chapman set in my range box for a long time now so it's seldom used.

I've also had a set from Brownells for a long time. I've never chipped or damaged a Brownells bit and I've used them much more than the Chapmans. I'm sure Brownells cost more but I much prefer them over the Chapman product.

 

[chief38]

Any excuse to buy a new tool works for me!

 

[AJ]

I have two Chapman Drivers sets in the red leather cases on the shelf that I use on a regular basis and another one some place in a range bag or box. Great tools.

 

[chief38]

Never had any Chapman tools - don't think I've ever had any experience with them.. Most of my G'smithin' bits are from Brownell's or Acme which I can highly vouch for.

 

[Jeff423]

I had a Chapman set of assorted bits with a handle. At the time I think I remember they said the bits were designed to break before stripping the screw. That was true, but I think they carried it too far and I broke a few. I gave the rest of the set away and got a whole Brownells set which has been flawless - even the extra thin blades.

 

[Green Frog]

Any excuse to buy a new tool works for me!

You "need" to go to the Chapman website and see their new deluxe sets in fine wooden cases. They'll make your little heart go "pitter-pat" and your palms get sweaty! And they're limited editions!

Froggie

 

[Hondo44]

I also have had the small red box set Chapman set that i won 30 years ago at a Pistol match. Used them daily all this time although modifying some of the bit widths and raising the hollow ground taper further up the bit tips for deeper straight screw slots. But long ago I also had the need for a larger set with a larger assortment of bits, and a Wheeler Eng set fell into my lap. Its quality is as good as the Chapman set.

 

[diyj98]

I bought a set of Chapman bit about 30 years ago, but found them too brittle. It may have just been a bad batch since others swear by them. I've using Brownells bits for quite a while now.

 

[NMPinNYC]

I have two Chapman Drivers sets in the red leather cases on the shelf that I use on a regular basis and another one some place in a range bag or box. Great tools.

My first Chapman screwdriver set is so old that the red padded case has started to outgas a weird rubber/plastic/dinosaur oil smell, but the bits, handle, and ratchet are still all in excellent working condition. Except for the ones I've mislaid, of course! Also have a set of hex bits as well. Highly recommended!

 

[colt_saa]

My first experience with Chapman was a good 40+ years ago

I really like them and now have three sets.

One at the Office, I know it is a cluttered desk

One at the House and the third in my Range bag

I also have added the Star bits to the Family

In my mind they are great products