screw-driver set for S&W Revolvers

Arthury

Member
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
299
Reaction score
7
Location
Washington State
Looks like the regular screw-driver sets I have are not thin enough to fit the screws on the side-plates of my s&w revolvers.

Is this tool set an overkill? I do not have a decent smithing set anyway.

What do you recommend?
 
Register to hide this ad
I am sort of a "TOOL NUT" so for me it's not over-kill, but you need to really understand the following:

No matter which set you buy, the one you posted, Brownell's, others.... there will ALWAYS be a screw that you won't have a perfect bit for. I work on all different kinds of guns - Foreign & Domestic, and once in a while I wind up grinding a custom bit. Brownells's sells the grinding wheel that is just the right radius for hollow ground bits and I recommend that you get one. They work better and easier in a drill press, however if you don't own a drill press you can just figure out how to mount or clamp a portable drill for the task. Not only will you be able to custom make your own special size bits, but you can sharpen and repair your existing ones.

Brownell's brand bits come with a lifetime warranty, and if you break one, just call them and they'll send you a new one. They are good quality as well and they have a very good choice of handles. I would recommend the regular "law enforcement handle" as they call it.

And by the way you are correct about the older Smith's.......... they do have those pesky thin slotted screws!

Chief38
 
pappy.gif
Until someone pipes in - I love jumping over to Amazon to read user reviews - take a look at Amazon - Customer Reviews
 
I have that set, and it's great. Even has the rebound slide installation tool. That's a good price, I'd jump on it if you need a set.
 
Oh, I forgot to mention the fact that Brownell's sells a S&W kit (4 bit's I believe) and the rebound spring removal bit (separately). You can buy which ever handle you want and you won't be spending a lot of $$. If all you are going to work on are S&W Revolvers, then most likely those few will be OK.

Personally, I use hollow ground bits for more than just guns. Anytime I don't want a buggered up screw I reach for my set.

Cheif38
 
I have the Wheeler set you provided the link to. I also have the Brownell's 58 piece set.

I consider the Brownells set to be slightly better, but just slightly. I have broken one tip on the Wheeler set, but it was a very tight screw (scope base that I had overtightened when installed) and breaking a tip isn't always a bad thing. MidwayUSA carries replacement tips and the cost is reasonable.

If you are going to remove or tighten screws on guns, you have to have a quality set of hollow ground screwdrivers. And even with either of the sets I have, you have to take time to make sure you select the correct tip. So having a set that has a large selection is a must. I don't think the Wheeler kit is overkill.
 
The Wheeler set is made in China and in my opinion, isn't the quality of the Brownell's Magna-Tip American made bits.
The Brownell's bits are extremely smooth and hard.

Brownell's does sell two S&W-specific Magna-Tip sets. One has four bits but the larger handle which is too big for good control. The three bit set comes with a law Enforcement type handle that's perfect.

The Brownell's is more or less the industry standard. When you buy quality you only have to buy it once.
 
If you already have a handle, Brownell's also sell a set of just four bits for S&W Stock # 080-087-002WB.

Agreed, their drivers are the best I've used.
 
i have 2 ,the brownell set and the chapman gunsmith set ,brownell is far better.
 
I have owned & used the Brownell's Master set for quite some time, with NO problems whatever. They are lifetime warranted
and USA made, that's good enough for me.
 
Here's a less expensive option........

I've used one of these for all my gun work for the past 20+ years: Lyman Products Your Primary Source for Reloading Equipment

This has included everything from scope ring/base mounting, S&W sideplate removal, grip installation/removal, stock work on rifles, etc, etc.

Cost me $12. I've added additional bits that I've scrounged over the years and have ground to fit for all the screws I've needed to install/remove over the years. I purchased a rebound spring bit as well.......but honestly, I find it easier to remove them using a slotted screwdriver, and install them using a #1 phillips bit. :)

Good luck,
Lou
 
Thanks guys i just ordered both screw driver sets from lymans. I have the set from brownells that doesn't fit my S&W's. Which i think its kind of dumb for a starter set. I may add the brownel master set as backup in my gun smith tool box.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top