Hollow ground screwdriver set

[Narragansett]

I did do some research on previous threads about screwdrivers, but I wanted some opinions on what I think I am going to get. Brownell's has a part # 084-000-257WB NRA magna tip set for around 53.00, which sounds reasonable enough. I also see sets thst go between 3 and 4 hundred dollars.

Does anybody have this set? Is there a better handle selection to be had? Is there something lacking in the set that should be bought with it to make it more complete, or in general, is it complete enough?

Thanks

 

[jepp2]

Is there something lacking in the set that should be bought with it to make it more complete, or in general, is it complete enough?

No real way to say without knowing what you work on. If you are using it on a Browning A5 auto, I can guarantee you that you will have to grind all the tips to fit the slots. Brownells sells a stone to dress the tips or make them thinner.

I have this set (080-112-081WB) and have never been disappointed with it. I started my early days with a Chapman and it now rides in my range bag. It was Ok but the Brownells set is much nicer. But I also have a Wheeler set that serves me well.

Of my 3 sets, I consider the Brownells to be the highest quality. Nothing wrong with starting with the set you listed and if you find you need more bits, add them later. I certainly don't see the need to spend several hundred $$, but when I bought my Brownells set many years ago, it was a lot less.

 

[Nframecollector]

Grace sells some good sets of hollow ground screwdrivers.

 

[chief38]

IMHO the best screwdrivers you can easily & readily get today are from Brownell's and the best screwdriver handle is their "law enforcement" style - just fit;s your hand great.

I have several Brownell's sets and I also own several Grace sets. I use these sets almost daily and as far as I am concerned while the Grace sets are OK, they do not hold up nearly as well as the Brownells sets. In all the years I've owned the Brownell's sets ( 20 years maybe) I have only broken ONE bit which they gladly replaced at no charge. By the way, that one broken bit was for a Browning A-5 Browning Shotgun which has EXTREMELY thin slotted screws and the bits are very thin to fit.

The ABSOLUTE BEST screwdriver bits I have EVER owned and still do are ACME bits. They are still available but are a pain to order because Acme was sold to Cooper and you need to find a seller. Those bits NEVER wear out and are the BEST I've EVER had. Brownells are more than adequate though so don't knock yourself out for the Acme's - just call Brownell's.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have been using a set of Bonanza hollow ground screw drivers sold to me by Larry Potterfield when he first opened his first little gun store just west of Columbia, Missouri. They are still going strong after all these years (30+ years). Midway USA still sells the set, although I guess Bonanza was bought by Forster.

Forster 8-Piece Gunsmith Screwdriver Set

 

[dfariswheel]

As often discussed here, the Brownell's Magna-Tip bits are the industry standard, and that's simply because of the high quality.
Their bits are harder, more uniform, and finer finished than any others.

Break a bit and all you need do is email them and they'll send you a new bit free.
They make more sizes than anyone, and you seldom need to grind a bit to fit.

As often said, "Buy quality, buy Once", or "Buy quality cry once, buy junk cry often".

 

[chief38]

One other advantage of buying the Brownell's Magnatip Bits............

Not every time I use these bits it is on guns and it's nice and convenient to be able to use them in a 1/4" drive Ratchet. You will need an adapter to go onto the square drive of the Ratchet, but you can now use your bits in many different ways and for things other than guns. Indispensable if you have a Motorcycle!

The fixed blade drivers are much less versatile to say the least!

If you work on guns as often as I do you should get the Brownell's grinding stone wheel that you can chuck in your drill press and make custom sized bits with. When working on some of the finer Long Guns there is occasionally a screw that there just isn't a great fitting bit for and you might have to modify one. Not a big investment, around 6 or 7 bucks I think.

 

[Narragansett]

As often discussed here, the Brownell's Magna-Tip bits are the industry standard, and that's simply because of the high quality.
Their bits are harder, more uniform, and finer finished than any others.

Break a bit and all you need do is email them and they'll send you a new bit free.
They make more sizes than anyone, and you seldom need to grind a bit to fit.

As often said, "Buy quality, buy Once", or "Buy quality cry once, buy junk cry often".

I have not heard those quotes before, but having been in construction management for over 40 years, we used to say" The bitterness of poor quality remains, long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten". Thanks for the input

 

[roughedgekid]

Grace sells some good sets of hollow ground screwdrivers.

I have a set of magnatips but I use my Grace set more than any other.

 

[mkk41]

The basic Brownells set is an excellent place to start. I've had one for 25yrs. I heard they were using import bits lately.

I use 1/4in hex bits at work too and the best are Wera (German) or Apex (USA). McMaster-Carr or MSC Direct has any size ya can want.

http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/Han...ed-Screwdriver-Bits?navid=12103445+4288247018

 

[kennyb]

add another vote for brownell's

 

[Hack]

I ponied up the $$$ and bought the entire set of Brownell's fixed screwdrivers, plus completer set, and the oak bases.
Yes... It was expensive.
Yes... I ONLY use them on guns.
Yes... They are top quality.
Yes... My son or grandson will inherit them one day.