Best new screwdrivers ya'll have seen lately that are, on the market.
New screwdrivers
- Thread starter Old TexMex
- Start date
I prefer the Grace sets, not only for their function but also for the company's customer service.
GRACE SCREWDRIVER SET | Brownells
My mother surprised me with a set of these as a Christmas present over 30 years ago. Last year I broke the tip on one trying to remove a screw on a Japanese Type 99. I had not noticed the screw had been staked and I was almost sick over breaking the screw driver.
I wrote to Grace asking if there was any way they could replace the shank using the original handle explaining that the screw driver set had a lot of sentimental value to me as it had been a Christmas present from my mother. The president of the company wrote back saying that he fully understood how these could have sentimental value well beyond what a replacement would have and told me to send it to him. I returned the screw driver and a week later it was returned repaired at no charge. That sort of customer appreciation shown by this fellow is hard to find these days.
GRACE SCREWDRIVER SET | Brownells
My mother surprised me with a set of these as a Christmas present over 30 years ago. Last year I broke the tip on one trying to remove a screw on a Japanese Type 99. I had not noticed the screw had been staked and I was almost sick over breaking the screw driver.
I wrote to Grace asking if there was any way they could replace the shank using the original handle explaining that the screw driver set had a lot of sentimental value to me as it had been a Christmas present from my mother. The president of the company wrote back saying that he fully understood how these could have sentimental value well beyond what a replacement would have and told me to send it to him. I returned the screw driver and a week later it was returned repaired at no charge. That sort of customer appreciation shown by this fellow is hard to find these days.
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I think the Brownell's line of Gunsmithing screwdrivers are quite good. Durable, strong, precise, and their guarantee is also very good. If you do manage to break one just give them a call and they will send you a new one right away. The best part is you don't even have to waste gas going to the local store to buy Chinese screwdrivers. I do believe the Brownell's product is made in the USA. I would also reco their "law enforcement' handle - best of the bunch IMHO.
chief38
chief38
dfariswheel
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The best gunsmith's drivers made are Brownell's Magna-Tip. These are American made, extremely hard, and the smoothest driver bits on the market.
These are the industry standard.
They offer more sizes then anyone else and as above, they replace damaged bits for free.
Sets are expensive, but individual bits are cheap. The best handle is one of the law enforcement sizes.
magna-tip at Brownells
These are the industry standard.
They offer more sizes then anyone else and as above, they replace damaged bits for free.
Sets are expensive, but individual bits are cheap. The best handle is one of the law enforcement sizes.
magna-tip at Brownells
I wouldn't be without my Grace set. The wood handles hold better than plastic. Great fit on S&W revolvers. I have had my set over 30 years, don't remember exactly, but don't remember being without them.
OP
Thanks gents!
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i have the brownells set..excellent set!
beemerphile
Member
I'm no gunsmith, but I like my Wheeler bit set I got from MidwayUSA. I don't need 89 handles. Properly hollow ground on the slotteds. Nice special purpose tools including the S&W rebound spring extractor and such.
Wheeler Engineering 89-Piece Professional-Plus Gunsmithing Screwdriver
Wheeler Engineering 89-Piece Professional-Plus Gunsmithing Screwdriver
Green Frog
Member
+1 to beemerphile. I'm not a gunsmith and don't play one on TV, but I do a fair amount of maintenance and the occasional smithing duties for myself and find my Midway/Wheeler set suitable for most if not all duties.
There are some special situations that only a special tool will fulfill, but the big Wheeler set even has some of the bits for those times. A set of deep (ie longer) Allen-type bits would be nice, though. 
If I were only going to work on one type of gun, I might get one of the small "armorer's" sets like the one specifically for S&W revolvers or the one for Winchesters, but I never know which of my toys will need my attention next! 
Froggie
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I own two Grace sets as well as most of the Brownells bits and if I had to choose ONLY ONE set, it would definitely be the Brownells bits. I have broken several of the Grace screwdrivers and although I have not performed any scientific tests, IMHO the Brownells bit's are superior. Just my opinion of course but I use both sets of tools almost daily! YMMV
Chief38
Chief38
OP
Set ordered, thanks for the up to date info, makers change QC, import when they used to build in house, so my old info was useless, even though my old tools are fine. Now I got to find a press for reloading. Thanks again, forum members.
Brownells
fixed blade Master set, has been in use for about 25 years. Bought it when I was in the business. Broken more than one, so when I restocked, always bought two. Reshaped old ones for special purpose.
For range I use Chapman or Wheeler depending on which bag I grab.
fixed blade Master set, has been in use for about 25 years. Bought it when I was in the business. Broken more than one, so when I restocked, always bought two. Reshaped old ones for special purpose.
For range I use Chapman or Wheeler depending on which bag I grab.
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You should go on the re-loading forum here, but the only word you need to know (IMHO) for re-loading is DILLON!
Hack
Member
I'm not a gunsmith, but I am a definite tool junkie. I've got the Brownell complete set of fixed blades. Very nice tools. Also have a set of their punches.
beemerphile
Member
I understand that the good ones (mine included) are designed to break before they damage the fastener. Seems strange, but that is what the instructions said. Would not the uncertain path of a driver with a broken head be more likely to cause collateral damage than over-torque? They are called "idiot marks" for a reason. Proper idiots don't need the tool's help to make long deep gouges.
hotrod150
Member
The ;urists here will probably turn up their noses, but I'm pretty pleased with a "Winchester" brand set that I bought from Midway last summer. 51 pieces, p/n 450879, $9.99. Added a Wheeler brand S&W rebound slide tool (also from Midway) for about $6 and I was good to go.
