Correct screwdrive blade size (and other tools?) for...

[corbina]

Hello All,

I just purchased my first Smith and Wesson (which is also my first revolver) and wanted to get the correct screw driver blade size for the grip screws. My model 25-2 is currently in a 10 day hold so I have nothing to compare with.

Can anyone help out? If I understand it correctly I need a hollow ground blade to prevent marking up the screws but don't know the exact blade width/thickness.

While were at it, what other tools would you recommend? I do have a few semi's (1911's and Sig's) and all the tools associated with these. Anything in particular I need for my first revolver?

Thanks in Advance.

- Corbina

 

[kennyb]

i would suggest looking at brownell's site..they have any number of gun specific,hollow ground screwdriver sets

 

[H Richard]

Order a set of gunsmith screwdrivers from Midway, Brownell's, etc. You will need multiple sizes, and the better the set is the better off you are. Other tools you could/should have depend on how much you intend to do. A good 6"X1/2" ceramic stone, round 600 grit stone, small 6" file with safe side, bench block, set of punch's, and cup head punch's, tweezers for very small parts, 2 oz. ball peen hammer, a Shooboy hammer with brass and plastic heads. This will cover most needs but each "project" you do will require more tools.

 

[Ga Johnny]

for grip screws I wouldn't really sweat it, you've probably already got one that'll work laying around somewhere.

You decide you want to go beyond taking the grips off, then yeah look into real gun screwdrivers.

 

[DCWilson]

Be careful not to go for the overkill solution. When I got started in gun work, I bought a complete set of Brownell's screwdrivers and found that even the smallest was too big for S&W screws.

What I really needed -- and what you need too -- is the four-in-one set that is specifically designed for S&W screws and carries the bits in the handle. Magnetic, too, which is helpful in ways you can't imagine until you actually start using it. About $20 or a little less. That's all you need.

 

[sourdough44]

The 'Wheeler' 82 or so piece set is usually on flea-bay for $61 + $10 shipping. You may not need that though. Just find a screwdriver that fits & take it slow & don't mar things up. I've been adding to my tool set lately. The Sis in law just gave me a few dental picks. They are not for home dentistry, but useful in some tight spots.

 

[Smith357]

I hollow often grind old screwdrivers to custom fit the needed application. I have few specifically for my rifles, and a few made for S&Ws. I pretty much make most of my specialized gun-smithing tools.

 

[corbina]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I do like to tinker around and look into the 'inards' of my pistols and have some stones to polish here and there, nylon tip hammers, etc.

After reading the above I did check out the Brownells site. I came across this screw driver setup:

BROWNELLS : S&W REVOLVER COMBO - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

I'm a little limited on budget so would like to just pick a piece or two here and there over time. What do you all think about the above as a first start. Good starter screw driver set for a model 25-2 circa 1978? Not sure if the screw sizes have change over time.

Thanks again for all the feedback.

 

[sourdough44]

They do look like quality, made in the USA too.