Good set of Gunsmith Screw Drivers

[dalewelch]

I have been doing some minor work on my model 10 and I have noticed that my normal screwdrivers just don't work well.

So time to get a good set of gunsmith screwdrivers. I am torn between the big set of Wheelers or the small but equally expensive set of Brownells.

Most people say get the Brownells and forget about it. But for working on Smiths is the small set going to be good enough? The other guns I have are 10/22, 1894, 870 etc and I don't plan on doing any work on them, but if I do I don't want to have to buy a whole new set of bits for the Brownells.

Any advice would be great. Thanks,

dale

 

[Aussie44]

If your only going to work on the Smith Revolvers,Get this set.
BROWNELLS : BROWNELLS : 4-in-1 Combo (080-087-004) - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools
Or if you want get this set for around $50,It will cover what you need in the future
BROWNELLS : BROWNELLS : NRA MAGNA-TIP Screwdriver Set (084-000-257) - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools
I use the Brownells master set.Forget about the Wheelers.My 2c

Ken

 

[dalewelch]

Thanks! seems that Brownells catalog is trickier than I thought.

I was going to get this kit:

BROWNELLS : BROWNELLS : 22 Bit Starter Set w/ #81 Handle (080-107-081) - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

But the kit you suggested is $20 cheaper and has more bits!

It has all the bits I need as well, I found a list:

BROWNELLS : Gun Specific Magna Tip List - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

Thanks again.

 

[skeeterbait]

I bought a big wheeler set before I realized it did not have hex (allen) or square drive bits. Had to go back and order them seperate.

 

[XTrooper]

Brownells. I bought my screwdriver set from them over 30 years ago and it's still going strong.

 

[Marksman]

I like Bonanza Gunsmith Screwdrivers, bought a set over 35 yrs. ago and I've only had to re-grind 2-3 because of breakage over all those years. The set in the roll up pouch will take care of nearly all your needs. They sell a set with black handles for extra thin european screw slots like those on Belgian Brownings. Magna-tip screwdirvers always seemed wobbly to me, made me worry whenever applying a lot of torque to remove a stubborn screw.

 

[Raider]

I'd go with Brownells screwdrivers. Have used mine for everything including guns for 30 years.

Charlie

 

[dfariswheel]

The Brownell's are the best, and have another big advantage:
Break a bit, and all you have to do is email them and they'll send you a free replacement.
You don't even have to return the broken bit.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I have both, if you're going to buy a set, go with Brownell's.

 

[XTrooper]

Magna-tip screwdirvers always seemed wobbly to me..........

In 30+ years of use, the only times my Brownells screwdrivers felt "wobbly" was when I'd gone more than a few hours without a drink.

 

[papalondog]

I got the big set of Wheeler. It does the job just fine, but the bits are a little to soft in my opinion. I have ruined a few of them. They don't mess up your screws though, but I think I will try Brownells next time.

 

[Nightowl]

Many years ago, I bought a set of 3 Grace screwdrivers from Brownells specifically sized for S&W screw sizes. They still work like new. Last time I looked, Brownells did not catalog them or I could not find them. I noticed a couple of weeks ago that Cabelas had a big set of gunsmith screwdrivers for about $50. Each screwdriver has a nice wood handle. I have a magna tip from Brownells specifically for the S&W screws that I bought several years ago. I am not fond of them because the side plate tip is too small and it does not fit tight enough in the handle extension. It just does not fit right to put any torque on it. I already broke one.
Maybe the newer one is better made.

 

[clubleaf206]

Another vote for Brownells, a very good friend gave me a Brownells screwdriver set a couple of years ago, I think they're great.

 

[BlackAgnes]

I gotta agree with a previous poster:

I think replaceable-bit screwdrivers are less secure in gun screw slots--I use hollow-ground fixed-shank screwdrivers--I imagine that Brownell's has them.

 

[allglock]

This is a great set! Hollow ground! G7119 Smith & Wesson® 6 pc. Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set

 

[Nightowl]

Allglock: I have a set like that, but 4 of them are too large for sideplate screws and the other two are too small. The are very nice screwdrivers, but they must be for semi autos. I would think that Smith would make a set for revolvers. The Grace set I have has a screwdriver sized for the upper sideplate screw.

 

[allglock]

Allglock: I have a set like that, but 4 of them are too large for sideplate screws and the other two are too small. The are very nice screwdrivers, but they must be for semi autos. I would think that Smith would make a set for revolvers. The Grace set I have has a screwdriver sized for the upper sideplate screw.

Mine fit the sideplate screws, and the thumbpiece screw perfectly!

 

[NCTexan]

I have been very pleased with the Chapman set... It's very compact and has some features that I have not seen elsewhere.

The adapter bits are designed with a knurled end for finger tightening as a "stand alone" tool.

Kit contains a miniature ratchet, extension and screwdriver handle plus the following adapters: Ten (10) Allen hex type adapters in the following sizes:.050", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32"; Twelve(12)Slotted head adapters in sizes ranging from .125" wide x .023" thick to .375" wide x .050" thick and Two (2) Phillips head adapters: size #1 and #2

There are a multitude of other tips that can be ordered including metric, hex and TORX.

Link to info

 

[m657]

I've used 2 Chapman compact kits for nearly 30 years; the first I bought and the 2nd won as door prize.

They have worked very well in 90% of my gun hobby needs all that time on all brands.

Never had one break.....yet.....

and for the other 10% of course I'm looking at the large-you-can't-get-along-without-THESE sets....