Hollow-ground screwdrivers/bits recommendations? Interior cleaning/lubrication tips?

[Robinett_11B]

Hey, everyone. I've got a modest little S&W collection starting up, but have yet to ever "play" with the innards of any of my beloved wheelguns yet :/ I don't want to do anything crazy right now, just clean and lube...especially the older ones. I know you're only supposed to use hollow-ground drivers/bits, as to avoid marring the screws...but I'm having quite a time trying to find a nice and simple set to suit my needs. I've searched through Midwayusa, but the ones I've seen there are either larger-than-I-need kits or (in the case of the S&W sets I saw) don't specify being hollow-ground or not. Pardon my ignorance, but I was seeing if anyone here could point out a set that would be correctly sized and hollow ground for the sideplate, grip , and thumb latch screws? Appreciate the input, everyone -Rob

 

[Maximumbob54]

Google "Magna-Tip"

They are for sale at Brownells.

 

[Robinett_11B]

Headed there now...thanks, friend

 

[robertrwalsh]

Chapman isn't too shabby either. Also available at Brownells I believe.

 

[chief38]

Go to Brownell's website and search for screwdrivers and bits. You can buy a "made up" kit or assemble your own kit. You can also choose between half a dozen different handles as well as a few different tip holder boxes. Their hollow ground bits are excellent, and their "Law Enforcement" handle is very comfortable too. (a mix & match if you will)

Chief38

 

[RGPM1A]

Chapman isn't too shabby either. Also available at Brownells I believe.

+1. I bought a set of these from Brownells about 30 years ago and still use them almost every day. The slot bits are perfectly sized for S&W revolver side plate screws and sights.

 

[TAROMAN]

What they said. + Brownell's offer a "Law Enforcement" set of tips specially selected to fit all the screws on an S&W revolver:

080-088-005
BITS ONLY FOR S&W SCREWDRIVER SET

 

[minconrevo]

The Brownell's set specific for S&W. It can be had in both the long or short handle. Get the short handle version.

I prefer the Brownell's to the Chapman (it's good, but the Brownell's is better).

You can add other Brownell's tips for other guns as the need comes along.

 

[Robinett_11B]

Thanks for all the input, everyone! Brownells' "mix & match" selection was dizzying to say the least, so I looked more for the small 'kits'. I still didn't see where it specified being hollow-ground or not, but this is the one I settled for - for my first 'smith screwdriver set: BROWNELLS : S&W REVOLVER COMBO - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS I'm going to have to look into Chapman too. Any special considerations for the disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly of these wheelguns...besides just reular cleaning/lubing practices? I know I need to have some kind of instructional guide; be it a shop manual, youtube, etc...but is there anything else I should know or be wary of? Thanks again, everyone -Rob

 

[AveragEd]

MidwayUSA sells a genuine S&W screwdriver bit set in a plastic rotary holder. Search for it under "gunsmithing tools."

Ed

 

[socal s&w]

I too had a Chapman set for years, I used it rarely, but when I did, the blades easily broke/snapped off. I would not buy Chapman again.

My experience anyway.

 

[loner]

Grace USA makes screwdrivers that fit S&W and other revolvers. Brownell's carries these also.Great product.

 

[Drail]

Best bits and handles are the Brownells S&W set. (get the short LE handle) The Chapman's are nice and affordable but you can pretty much count on having to slightly grind a few bits to perfectly fit your screw slots (and they HAVE to perfectly fit them - close is not good enough). The Chapman bits are cheap and can be found at most gun shows. I would go with the Brownells S&W set and buy a few extra bits to practice grinding on or fitting to other guns. Actually regarding breakage - most bits (including Brownells) are designed to be weaker than the screw so the bit will fail before you tear out the screw head. Don't buy the Grace drivers unless you can inspect them personally. I ordered a set and half of the bits were ground with non parallel sides.

 

[Robinett_11B]

Thanks for the informative post, Drail...and to everone else that has shared their input. I'm guessing the shorter handle would be beneficial in the control department, then? And for cleaning/lubrication of the innards...it's basically just the same as any other gun? Thanks, everyone

 

[John In Omaha]

I was going through the same ordeal a few weeks ago and didn't want to spend a ton of cash for something that gets used occasionally. Made in America - I went with the Chapman set and after receiving them glad I did. Ordered on line from the attached link, good folks and prompt shipping.

Chapman Midget Ratchet Tool & Kits - Small or Mini Ratchets

 

[kennyb]

a good set of gunsmith screwdrivers is money well spent...pulling the side plate to lubricate really isnt

 

[Robinett_11B]

I've got S&W's ranging from the 70's to Now...I'd like to clean up the older one's, as it's anyones guess as to how long it's been (if ever) they've been cleaned out. And the newest one, a 442, has had close to 1k rounds through it...so I figured it'd be time for a cleaning. What would you suggest for these guns? It seems like pulling the side plate would be the best way to get in there and clean 'em up, but I'm fairly newer to wheelguns than most of you guys.

 

[jepp2]

Unless there is indication of a problem:
- timing or carry up issue
- visible "crud" when looking down in front of the hammer when cocked, or at the back of the rebound slide with the grips off

I would leave the side plate in place.

For an older S&W you might consider submerging in a solvent. I have used Kerosene, OMS (odorless mineral spirits) with some CLP in it for solvents. They tend to dissolve dried lubricants, can flush out powder residue and will dry out well.

Some of the more difficult residue to remove is if WD-40 was used. It leaves behind a very gummy residue that can be in crevices due to its ability to wick. But given enough time a solvent will loosen it and it can be flushed out.

Go lightly on the lube. Excess will only collect material that you don't want.

 

[bigshot500]

my .02 purchase a wheeler engineering delux or pro screwdriver set...their top of the line runs around 99 but i have seen midway sell them for 79 when on sale. the set has ground tips that fit the screw correctly. chances are over time you will purchase other arms that will require different tips so you may as well do it right the first time.

 

[smitholdtimer]

S&W Gunsmith Screwdriver Set

I purchased this set on 07/07/09, and have used them for my hobby g-smith needs. Last week I was trying to loosen(remove) a side plate screw from an old revolver when the blade broke on the tip. I was not using any mechanical advantage, just my hand. I decided to inquire with the company from which it was purchased who readily advised me to go to the distributor. I did make the call and was advised that I needed the original warranty card (I am not sure there is such a thing but there could be) I have the original bubble pac the set came in and have a copy of the invoice on which these were purchased. The representative of the distributor explained that since they were so far out of warranty he was powerless to accommodate me. For information, this set is made in Taiwan. I was a technician with a public utility for 39.5 years and never broke a screwdriver before but they were made in the Old USA before we lost our pride in workmanship! Regards, smitholdtimer