Recommendations for quality Screwdriver Set

scruffy

scruffy

Member
Joined
May 27, 2011
Messages
599
Reaction score
1,357
Location
Western Pennsylvania
Would like to hear from those who have purchased a quality screwdriver set that would be used to disassemble/assemble 1980-up S&W revolvers. Not planning to take any side plates off soon, but would like to be able to remove the cylinder yoke for cleaning as needed and not bugger up any screw heads. (not looking for a full blown pro gunsmiths set designed for servicing all handguns and rifles)

Thanks for any advice.
 
Register to hide this ad
A few years ago I picked up a Husky combo set at Home Depot. The noun nomenclature is 103-Piece Ratcheting Screwdriver Set. I think the proper part number for the kit is 333 925. Yes, it is made in China but at the same time seems to be of good quality.

The important thing is to find the proper size to snuggly fit the screw.

I have used it on antique clocks and also removed numerous side plates on S&W revolvers and not buggered up a screw head yet.

Here is a link: Husky Ratcheting Screwdriver Set (103-Piece)-009-027-HKY - The Home Depot

Sorry the above link does not work. Anyway, use the link and type in the noun nomenclature in the search function, and you will see a picture of the package. You will see Home Depot no longer stocks it but maybe you can find it somewhere else.
 
Last edited:
Brownells has a couple of small Magna-tip sets designed specifically for the S&W . One uses a plain handle, the other one stores the bits in the handle.

Brownells Smith & Wesson S&W Screwdriver Set at Brownells

They also offer larger sets if you can afford them. Because of the Brownell's guarantee, these are the best value/quality on the market, IMHO.
I've had problems with other vendors and products.......Brownells is a family owned company, and always stands behind what they sell, period.
 
Last edited:
Another consideration might be the GRACE USA set for S&W. I bought a 7 driver set on Amazon about 4 years ago and am very pleased. I also like the vintage style wooden handles and the bits are hollow-ground I use them for all manner of routine cleanings and maintenance. I also bought their hook and pick set along with their brass punches and brass hammer.
 
The Wheeler Engineering big set can be bought on-line for a substantial discount. I have bought and tried several interchangeable bit screwdriver sets and have found that none come close to total satisfaction except the Wheeler big set. Go no further.
 
Screw driver set

Hi, Scruffy:
While you are looking at quality screw driver sets, don't overlook The Chapman Tool Co. Durham, Conn. They have quality screw driver sets, of all kinds. They come in magnetic tip sets. and cover all kinds of replaceable tool bits. I'v had one of their Gun Screw driver sets for half a lifetime, around 40+yrs, and have only replaced a few bits. They are of the best quality available. I'v bought my son a nice set, and bought myself another large set just recently. I keep sets in the basement workshop, motorcycle shop, and gun room in the upstairs gun room. The only draw back to the Chapman tools is that, They are like our great S&W firearms, they are addictave, as there are bits for any kind of project that you can dream up. ABTW I don't have Stock in the Chapman Co.
Chubbo
 
I have both the Chapman and the Brownells dedicated S&W screwdriver. Of the two that are on my bench, the Brownells is the far superior product.
 
Brownells. I have even bought extra sets to use as Christmas presents and they guys who got them rave about them constantly.
 
armorer951 said:
Brownells has a couple of small Magna-tip sets designed specifically for the S&W . One uses a plain handle, the other one stores the bits in the handle.

Brownells Smith & Wesson S&W Screwdriver Set at Brownells

They also offer larger sets if you can afford them. Because of the Brownell's guarantee, these are the best value/quality on the market, IMHO.
I've had problems with other vendors and products.......Brownells is a family owned company, and always stands behind what they sell, period.
Click to expand...

I bought the set from Brownells that has four bits. The smallest size is not used often but is good to have when and if you need it. I have used many different kinds of screw drivers, but for S&W revolvers, you owe it to yourself to own one of these sets.
 
Another +1 for Brownell's!!

I started out using my Craftsman screwdrivers. As Julia Roberts said in "Pretty Woman" - "Big mistake!!!" I buggered a few sight adjustment screws and grip screws before I saw the light!

A close friend who is a gunsmith recommended the Brownell solution. Don't go on the cheap! If you have to replace an adjustable rear sight (and I did), you'll know just how easy it isn't.

080110081 44 BIT SUPER SET + W/#81 HANDLE

I believe that the bits are hollow ground and are slipped in to in a magnetic handle with a Lifetime (did I say "Lifetime"??) replacement warranty. This SKU comes with a nice plastic storage case with a place for each bit. I believe that Brownells offers discounts to military retirees, and perhaps LEOs. Call Customer Service and ask.
 
Been using my Brownells set for 30 years +.
The full set includes the right ones to take off the side plates at least.
Also has one big enough to properly take out stock bolts on lever guns.
Have not buggered one yet but I go really slow.
I have fixed laptops, motorcycles, and appliances as well as numerous firearms with this set.
Recommended.
 
Buy once/Cry once. My girlfriend bought me the Brownells 58 piece master set for my birthday years ago and I have since added the S&W specific kit for the range bag and a couple of the law enforcement handles.Money well spent and they have a lifetime warranty.
 
I've got the Wheeler 89 piece set. It has worked really well. It fits a huge range of screws, and I have never buggered a screw using it. I supplemented the Wheeler kit with two sets of Brownells Thin -Tips.

I do a lot of SxS shotgun work, and some of those screws can be super thin, especially on the German guns, thus the Thin-Tips. One set I use as is, the second set I grind the tips down by hand as needed.
 
#8 on Brownells, I've owned them all, still have parts of most
sets. I have the Brownells regular screw drivers, which I like, but
have got into the Brownells replaceable bit type. If you loose or
break bit you can purchase single replacements. Do not buy
Chinese made, most of them are to soft, will twist off and damage screw slot, or worse. Keep your eye on the ball, American brand name is on a lot of Chink Junk.
 
I have the small Wheeler's set I take to the range.
I have the larger Wheeler's set I keep on the bench.
 
I have the basic Grace from Brownell's. If you can that Wheeler's set is fantastic!! It's on the someday list. The Grace's only get used on guns so they will be like new to the beneficiaries of the Trust!!

Thanks for checking BTW !

Stupid me did not know gun screws were special years ago and so I have an original owner (stupid me) 686-3 with a messed up screw and S&W says they don't know what it is...ugh. It's under the grip but bugs me to death...
 
A while ago Cabelas had a gun vice and wheeler gunsmith screwdriver set on sale for $89. The screwdrivers were "free" with the vice and I think they were the better part of the deal. The vice is used occasionally and works OK, and the screwdriver set I use all the time. The various sizes fit perfectly, no slips or scratches, and it's high quality steel for tight screws
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

4
Disappointed… but it’s partly on me
Replies
19
Views
1K
steelslaver
steelslaver
A
New to me 29-2 - How should I deal with wear?
2
Replies
46
Views
2K
AEM
A
D
Fitting a yoke?
Replies
3
Views
523
duman444
D
J
Model 29-2 Side Plate Screws
Replies
9
Views
971
cgt4570
cgt4570
chief38
SCREWDRIVERS (JIS VS PHILLIPS) KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!
2
Replies
44
Views
3K
Marshwheeling
Marshwheeling

Latest posts

Back
Top