SCREWDRIVER BITS FOR SMITHS WITH ACTUAL NUMBERS - SINCE THIS ALWAYS COMES UP

[chief38]

This subject seems to pop up every week or two so I figured I'd address it with exact Brownell's bit numbers for those who are interested.

I have segregated these bits (from the rest of my bits) that are common for the Gunsmithing I am interested in doing. The block I made is easy to grab without having to look through a plethora of bits that I own and numbered so there is no guess work - even at 2 in the morning.

There are basically three rows if you disregard the three bits on the right. The top row is for S&W revolvers and the four Brownell's bit numbers are 210-4, 210-2, 150-3 & 120-1. These are about all I need to work on S&W wheel guns.

If anyone is interested, the middle row (5 bits) are for Colt Revolvers and the numbers are 340-4, 300-3, 270-3, 210-3 and 180-3. The bottom row (4 bits) are for Browning A-5 and Belgium Superposed shotguns and are 340-1, 300-2, 240-1 and 210-1. The three bits on the right are for Colt 1911 grip screws and the large one is for a Winchester 9422 take-down screw which I made from other bits - hence no numbers.

The Law Enforcement Magnetic Handle is the most used one I have out of 5 or 6 different ones and my go to handle of choice. So I hope some who always ask which screwdriver bits can I get for my Smith Revolvers will refer to this.

Oh, BTW this "G-smithing" bit set I have assembled works on 90% of all the guns I own.

 

[VNK971]

You wouldn't happen to know the size and pitch of the different screws on a S&W revolver would you?

 

[BigDog48]

I use this set. Bits store in the grip. BROWNELLS S&W REVOLVER COMBO | Brownells

 

[Bullseye 2620]

This subject seems to pop up every week or two so I figured I'd address it with exact Brownell's bit numbers for those who are interested.

The top row is for S&W revolvers and the four Brownell's bit numbers are 210-4, 210-2, 150-3 & 120-1. These are about all I need to work on S&W wheel guns.

You don't use a 180-3 on your Smiths? Which bit do you use instead?

 

[chief38]

You don't use a 180-3 on your Smiths? Which bit do you use instead?

210-4, 210-2, 150-3 & 120-1

NOTE: My newest Smith is from 1994

 

[chief38]

I'm sure there are some bits that are very close. Depending on how old your S&W is might determine what proper blade size is. The older Smiths have narrower screw slots (in general). I do have the bit you mention, but use that one on Colt's mostly.

 

[1955joe]

I found a 4 pc set on the snap on truck that is between the jewelers set and a normal set. fits the screws like a glove

 

[nachogrande]

SHOUT OUT TO

GRACE gunsmithing tools, a set off 8 hollowground screwdrivers bought in the mid 80's. Just rec'd my 3rd free replacement. (broken using them on non guns) A real must have. They also make punches etc.

 

[chief38]

GRACE gunsmithing tools, a set off 8 hollowground screwdrivers bought in the mid 80's. Just rec'd my 3rd free replacement. (broken using them on non guns) A real must have. They also make punches etc.

I HAD Grace screwdriver sets and sold them. I found the Grace heat treatment to be a bit too brittle and found they are prone to crack. IMO the Brownell's bits are much tougher. YMMV.

I also have a set of Grace Roll Pin Punches and they are descent for G-smithing. As for a regular punch set, Starrett or Brown & Sharp are far superior IMO.

 

[chief38]

You wouldn't happen to know the size and pitch of the different screws on a S&W revolver would you?

I did years ago but not positive anymore - off the top of my head I'd guess at 5-44 for the Side Plate and 8-32 for the Strain Screw. I do have a Starrett gauge and when I get a moment I will try and do so - then post. 8-32 screws are a popular size but the style and bluing are not something you'll find in a local Hardware Store. Definitely NOT for the Side Plate Screws either - strictly a S&W gun screw.

 

[Tom S.]

Chief38 - nice and concise! I bought my first Brownell's screwdriver kit back in the 80's and it was the largest set they had at the time. Then as time went by, I added to it. Although I rely on it for all my gunsmithing tasks, I also use it for many other things around the house, using it for almost everything except auto related repairs (I have other tools dedicated for that). Here's my set. Perhaps I subscribe to "He with the most tools" theory.

 

[markeb]

Great info here. I mainly use the 4 bits mentioned by cheif38, but added a 150-2 for older Smith side plate screws. I am an amateur, for sure.

 

[nachogrande]

YES, USED INCORRECTLY,THEY BREAK.

I HAD Grace screwdriver sets and sold them. I found the Grace heat treatment to be a bit too brittle and found they are prone to crack. IMO the Brownell's bits are much tougher. YMMV.

I also have a set of Grace Roll Pin Punches and they are descent for G-smithing. As for a regular punch set, Starrett or Brown & Sharp are far superior IMO.

NOT the longest lasting in the toolbox. If used as intended, (that's the hard part ) I've never broke one. FREE no questions asked replacements are hard to beat. They are now numbered, so you just go online & type in the #, no returning the old one. I use maybe 1/2 of them over & over.

 

[chief38]

IMHO the guns that are a TRUE TEST for screwdriver bits are Belgium Browning A-5's and Belgium Superposed Shotguns. They have very very thin and shallow screw slots and if your screwdriver bit is going to ever fail it will be one sized for these two Brownings. If you can consistently work on these two guns without breaking, bending or chipping a screwdriver bit - you will KNOW it's high quality!! Anyone here who has worked on these two vintage Brownings I mentioned knows what I am talking about.