Help choosing proper screw drivers

[tesoro]

Hye
I have a 686-4, another 686-4, a 6i7-6 and a few older J frames. I only have the Wheeler large case 'bit kit' but they dont fit slotted screws that well and scar. I have one Brownells single screw driver #17 and it is the **** for what it fits. I would like to trash the Wheeler stuff and order the singular Brownells screw drivers I would need to take apart the above. Does anyone know of a resource where I could purchase the ones needed to do what i need to do? or is there a kit that covers all the sizes and a few i would never need? thanks for your help

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Brownell’s Magnatip Tip screwdriver sets are considered the best…no one else comes close.

Buy once…cry once.

 

[Matt_X]

Do you have feeler gages for spark plugs? or similar? That will get you close on the slot 'thickness'.
There are some posts here with the widths and thicknesses people have found on various models and years. I know I posted one but for a 1942 Victory. I recall when I got 1970s J-frame it needed some different bits.

 

[fiasconva]

Matt, do you by any chance remember the info on the 1942 Victory? I have a 1941 Pre-Victory and am wondering if they would be the same. I'm really leery about buggering up the side plate screws.

 

[Matt_X]

Matt, do you by any chance remember the info on the 1942 Victory? I have a 1941 Pre-Victory and am wondering if they would be the same. I'm really leery about buggering up the side plate screws.

This is what I found for the Victory and my first J.

M

Post in thread 'Screwdriver For S&W Revolvers'

Jan 20, 2024

@dfariswheel recently posted this in another thread.

Might be useful to someone reading this one.
<quote>... Magna-Tip gunsmith driver bits.
.120-3.....This fits the tiny screw that holds the older rear sight leaf to the frame.
.150-3
.180-3
.210-3.....Fits the dash three front side plate screw.
<end quote>

On my mid 70s J frame, I found the following bit sizes worked.
Stock screw: 0.150 x .025"
Side plate screws: 0.150 x .030"
Thumb latch: .210 x .030"

On my 1940s M&P (Victory)
Stock screw: 0.150 x .025
Side Plate & Yoke screw: 0.150 x .020"
Side Plate: .150 x .025"
Top...

• Matt_X

• 

Late 70s Model 15 sideplate I used .150 x .030, and its sight takes a .210 x .030 even though the factory 'sight tool' is .155 x .025" More like a screw driver if you asked me. LOL late 60s Model 42 sideplates I've use .150 x .025" YMMV

 

[dfariswheel]

Brownell's sell a S&W specific Magna-Tip driver set........

BROWNELLS S&W SCREWDRIVER

Check out BROWNELLS S&W SCREWDRIVER available Online at Brownells Today and many more Screwdrivers & Sets products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.

www.brownells.com

If you can afford it, buy as big a set of Magna-Tip drivers as possible and buy two "law enforcement" size handles...one clip-tip, and one magnetic, you'll have use for both .

 

[drayks]

MidwayUSA offers a Universal Screwdriver Set. 100+ driver and bit set with many specialty bits like rebound spring installer. Some guys critiqued the set as brittle, but I have been EXTREMELY happy with set so far, using it more than Brownells set and S&W set I have. The price a few months ago was reasonable. In labeled blue carry case with some duplicated bits that are fragile. Michigan Master Mechanic

 

[chief38]

I am a HUGE Brownell's screwdriver fan! I have owned a set of them for 4 decades and they are all still in perfect condition and are as good as the day I bought them. Believe me - they do get used a lot! There was only one single exception - a bit which is an ultra thin and wide bit for a Browning A5 shotgun. I did happen to bend the ends of that particular tip trying to remove a stubborn, rusted in place screw from my friends A5 he had just bought. I did eventually remove the screw and Brownell's just sent me a brand new bit - no questions asked.

They are hardened to just the correct harness, expertly hollow ground and the handle choice to get (at least IMHO) is the magnetic "Law Enforcement" handle if you are getting that type. I also own a set of fixed blade Brownell's as well. Again, they are fantastic! IMHO, I believe the Brownell's brand is USA made by Apex tool which in my mind make the absolute best screwdriver blades made! They blow away every other brand I have ever tried - including Snap-on, Proto, Mac, Matco, Wera, and the highly touted Japanese brand, Vessel!

Brownells prices have crept up quite a bit over the last decade, however IMHO their screwdrivers are actually quite reasonably priced for what you get! Also - if you use Phillips screwdrivers, get their 3 set fixed blade/handle #1,#2,#3. they are incredible! They have small anti cam-out striations on the flutes which prevent the blade from walking out of the Phillips head. I=After owning a set for a few years, I bought 5 sets to give my friends as Christmas gifts a while ago - hey all love them including one of my auto mechanic friends.

BTW, the rest of the bits in the soft plastic bit holders are ALL Apex which I do believe makes them for Brownell's. The "junker" Pittsburgh brand screwdriver (I found in a parking lot) I used to make a rear sight nut removal tool as their screwdrivers aren't really good for much else - lol.

 

[gwpercle]

Don't Trash Anything ... Keep your Wheeler set , screws come along and the more drivers you have the better chance you have of finding one that fits ... Choices are Good , don't Limit yourself .
Midway USA , Pachmayer and Brownells (their brand) are all good to have on hand ... buy the largest and best sets you can afford ... it will be an investment you will not regret .
I have sets from all 4 , Wheeler included and use them all ...
Some fit certain screws better than others !
Gary

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

This is compact enough for my Range Bag.

B-Square 31-Piece Professional Gunsmith Screwdriver Set​

 

[fiasconva]

Thanks Matt. I think I may have found a gunsmith screwdriver set at an estate sale earlier this year. It's not marked but has a ton of bits. Its owner was a true gun nut and past president of our local gun club.