Screwdriver For S&W Revolvers

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I have had several good sets of screwdrivers, Wheeler, Pachmyar, and a couple of others I don't recall. Currently, I am using a very cheap set of driver bits. But, I grind them to fit whatever screw I am driving. I can purchase an endless supply of bits for very little money and by shaping them myself, get a perfect fit every time.

Kevin
 
Winchester makes a nice set. I've bought a few from Midway and Brownell's. Wheeler makes a great torque wrench but not too many driver heads.

Make sure it's hollow ground. Do not use house screwdrivers.
 
Green Frog said:
At one time Brownell offered a set of their bits, with an appropriate handle, sized specifically for S&W screws (if you don't want to buy the whole big $et)
Froggie
Click to expand...

They still list it but it's on backorder.

BROWNELLS S&W 4-in-1 Combo Screwdriver

I have a master set from Brownells and the thin bit add-on. I use them all the time. I rarely ruin a screwhead anymore.
 
When I was new to the gun world, I bought a set of eight screwdrivers at the gun shop. I made the mistake of lending it to my brother who only returned four of them.

I was given a Chapman set which is pretty nice.

However, for the most part I use a set of cheap bits that I got who knows where. The slotted bits are hollow ground so they fit gun screws well and the set includes Phillips from 0 to 3, hex bits, and Torx. Magnetic handle and I'm good to go.
 
I bought Grace metal products hollow ground screw drivers after going through S&W armorers school in 1979 and I am still using them.
I bought the LEO screwdriver with interchangeable bits from Brownells and twisted one of the bits into an S shape.
The Brownell bits are soft.
 
I've been using the Chapman gunsmith set for years. They seem to have a bit that fits any screw for my S&W revolvers. The replacement bits are inexpensive, strong enough to get the job done, but with enough give to bend and not bugger a stubborn screw head.
 
I've always just used older good quality screw drivers and ground
or filed the tips to fit what I need.
You should be able to file a screw driver tip with a good quality sharp file. If you can't, then the screw driver tip is too hard.
Screw driver bits are hardened and then drawn back to 'spring hardness' (the good ones are/were).
Same as a flat or V spring..you can file it with a good sharp file.

I know most people like the kits with the interchangeable screwdriver tips. But I just can't work with them at all.
I just find myself frustrated picking & kicking thru the different bits and snapping them on and off the driver handle.
Seems odd maybe, but a pile of odd length, different handle color and shaped screwdrivers from all sorts of sources suits me much better.

Most are Gimmees or bought at garage sales and such for 25 to 50cents each.
 
I have Chapman, Grace and Brownells precision screwdrivers and bits. I also make my own flatheads depending on the screw. However, I use an old Craftsman Micro-Tech set that seems to have 3 different flatheads that fit S&W revolvers perfect. They are hardened steel but will give under extreme pressure. I just bought a set of: "Wera 5345270001 Micro Slotted Precision Screwdriver Set" because they have a very similar pattern as the Craftsman. They do not make the Craftsman set anymore, they are about $100 on ebay for a used set now. The Wera will serve as a backup to my Craftsman set. The craftsman set has gray handles and come in a red plastic clear and red flat pack.
 
As you can perhaps tell by it's condition, since 1980, this very 'exclusive' and 'expensive' 6" Craftsman 1/8" slotted blade screwdriver has been my Smith and Wesson revolver tool.

For the incredible sum of $6.50 you receive........ a perfectly sized tool, both in length and weight for the screws, a plastic "hammer" for sideplate removal, and a tool that exactly fits the end of the flat ground rebound slide spring making it easy to return it to it's place of origin.

I have purchased both Chapman and Brownell's screwdrivers over the past 40+ years, and I rarely use them.

Give one of these a try, you'll never need all that other stuff. :cool:





Carter
 
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I will ONLY use Brownell's Hollow Ground screwdriver bits with the "Law Enforcement" handle on gun screws. The Craftsmen screwdrivers I still have left are reserved for opening paint cans, scraping, and general rough use. For general household and automotive use I use a set of Snap-on's, an old wooden handled Stanley Yankee set, or set of Craftsman Professional (once made by Snap-on).
 
Years ago I bought the Chapman, medium priced. You do not need to spend a lot for the homeowner use.


It also has a ratchet bar that will remove stubborn screws, This set has done anything I wanted to do as well as scopes and rings.

(Midway USA, Why does it do this??)
Access Denied


510765.jpg
 
@dfariswheel recently posted this in another thread.

Might be useful to someone reading this one.
<quote>... Magna-Tip gunsmith driver bits.
.120-3.....This fits the tiny screw that holds the older rear sight leaf to the frame.
.150-3
.180-3
.210-3.....Fits the dash three front side plate screw.
<end quote>

On my mid 70s J frame, I found the following bit sizes worked.
Stock screw: 0.150 x .025"
Side plate screws: 0.150 x .030"
Thumb latch: .210 x .030"

On my 1940s M&P (Victory)
Stock screw: 0.150 x .025
Side Plate & Yoke screw: 0.150 x .020"
Side Plate: .150 x .025"
Top Side Plate: 180 x .025 (210 will fit but very close)
Stop screw (in front of trigger guard): .180 x .020"
Main Spring: .210 x .030
Thumb latch (cylinder release): .210 x .030

You may find different but its a starting point.
 
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Get the Wheeler set but do you need that many different heads? It's the best but you can buy a smaller set. How many guns do you expect to be working on?
 
Another vote for Brownell's Magna-Tip sets. Buy the biggest set you think you may need right from the get-go.
Save yourself the... Drat I don't have anything for that screw. Get a decent sized kit.

Been reaching for Magna-Tip kit(s) for many years.
I have a 4in1 kit in my range bag too, JIC.
 
When I was in my own business (most of my adult life) I bought Apex bits directly from the company as I had an account with them . They were the absolutely the best bits on the planet!!! None other stood up even half as long as they did. Still have a bunch left!

I Believe that Brownell's is buying those same Apex bits. I once spoke to them about this and they would neither confirm of deny that. Since no one here probably buys directly from Apex, Brownell's bits are the way to go. Not only are they super strong, precise and very high quality, they last forever! If you should break one, they will send you a new one on a phone call. Also quite reasonably priced!

I've got a slew of other brands that I just throw in the cars and trucks for emergency purposes.
 
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