What would y'all recommend? I'm a novice.
When I worked in a gun store many years ago we sold a lot of Chapman sets.
When I worked in a gun store many years ago we sold a lot of Chapman sets.
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Screwdriver Recommendation
- Thread starter DARE
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I agree with Leonard regarding Brownells screwdrivers. I have had a Magna-Tip set for many years and have been very happy with it. I like the ability to add bits when needed.
dfariswheel
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Brownell's Magna-Tip bits are the industry standard.
The quality is absolutely the best.
They make more sizes then anyone.
If you break or damage a bit, they'll replace it FREE. All you have to do is email them.
I recommend the "law enforcement" size handles. These are the perfect size for good control, not too long/big, and not to short.
Buy a clip-tip and magnetic, you'll have need for both.
Buy the biggest size set you can afford, and add to it as needed.......
Keyword Search | Brownells
BROWNELLS Clip-Tip Law Enforcement Handle SKU: 080088001
BROWNELLS Magnetic Law Enforcement Handle SKU: 080088004
The quality is absolutely the best.
They make more sizes then anyone.
If you break or damage a bit, they'll replace it FREE. All you have to do is email them.
I recommend the "law enforcement" size handles. These are the perfect size for good control, not too long/big, and not to short.
Buy a clip-tip and magnetic, you'll have need for both.
Buy the biggest size set you can afford, and add to it as needed.......
Keyword Search | Brownells
BROWNELLS Clip-Tip Law Enforcement Handle SKU: 080088001
BROWNELLS Magnetic Law Enforcement Handle SKU: 080088004
Get the Brownell's and ONLY cry once!
For my Smiths, I use a specific set of Grace wood handle screwdrivers, made to fit the sideplate screws. I have had one set for probably 50 years!
For other stuff and travel, I have the Brownells Magna Tips. Definitely get the LE length.
For other stuff and travel, I have the Brownells Magna Tips. Definitely get the LE length.
OP
Thanks for the recommendations.
Ordered Brownells #3 Standard Magna-Tip Set with Magnetic LE Handle.
11 Bits for slotted screws.
Ordered Brownells #3 Standard Magna-Tip Set with Magnetic LE Handle.
11 Bits for slotted screws.
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Good choice and good recommendations!
Brownell’s and Chapman!!
Glad to see that people are waking up to the false “bargain” of Chinese tools, as sold by Wheeler, Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc.
Even one-time American brands like Lyman can’t often be counted on!
I really like Chapman for the variety and ease of finding different size bits. They are readily re-ground to make quick custom size bits. Especially nice for antiques with extra wide, yet thin, flat head slots.
Brownell’s and Chapman!!
Glad to see that people are waking up to the false “bargain” of Chinese tools, as sold by Wheeler, Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc.
Even one-time American brands like Lyman can’t often be counted on!
I really like Chapman for the variety and ease of finding different size bits. They are readily re-ground to make quick custom size bits. Especially nice for antiques with extra wide, yet thin, flat head slots.
Pretty unanimous recommendation for the Brownells set and I won't disagree. I also bought the Brownells Smith & Wesson specific set, just 4 bits that fit in the handle. It works like a charm for newer revolvers but for older stuff like 5-screw or anything pre-war I find the fit less than perfect so I reach for the bigger selection in the 80 - something piece Brownells set. The rebound spring tool is very nice too. Seems the older revolvers had more variation in screw slot dimensions, possibly just my imagination.
I have a couple of Brownells, bought singly for need. Later I bought a small Wheeler set, then the full size set. If you know the size you need, buy the Brownells. If you don't, or are looking to work on other guns, the Wheelers are very good.
Not an endorsement, just what I use.
Not an endorsement, just what I use.
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Brownell's screwdriver bits are about the best you can get. While I do not know this as a hard fact, I do believe they are made by Apex. IMHO Apex makes the best bits money can buy as far as hollow ground bits go. Their Phillips and Allan bits are great as well.
I was in my own manufacturing business for many years and we used to go through dozens and dozens of bits a week. That was until I discovered Apex! Apex bits rarely wore out, rarely broke and after being retired for 15 years now and using them on a daily basis in my home shop I have broken only ONE bit. That bit was replaced by Brownell's with no hassles - did not even have to send the broken bit back.
Not only are Brownell's bits incredibly strong and durable, they are ground incredibly accurate. I have nothing at all to do with Brownell's but again I do believe these are made by Apex and have never found a bit that was better. BTW Apex supplies the Military and Airline industry also.
Brownell's bits are also very reasonably priced, made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty. Their bits and screwdrivers are one of the best bargains they have in their entire catalog. I've got drawers of screwdrivers, Snap-on, S&K, Mac, Matco, Yankee (vintage high quality from the 50's) Channelock, etc. and none are as good as the Apex or Brownell's!
They make magnetic handles for their bits but the best of the lot in my opinion is their "Law Enforcement Handle" with the magnetic feature. They also make conventional screwdrivers in about 30 some odd blade type, styles and sizes if you prefer a fixed screwdriver. So that is my opinion. Other company's make descent hollow ground screwdriver bits but IMHO Brownell's is on the top of the heap.
I was in my own manufacturing business for many years and we used to go through dozens and dozens of bits a week. That was until I discovered Apex! Apex bits rarely wore out, rarely broke and after being retired for 15 years now and using them on a daily basis in my home shop I have broken only ONE bit. That bit was replaced by Brownell's with no hassles - did not even have to send the broken bit back.
Not only are Brownell's bits incredibly strong and durable, they are ground incredibly accurate. I have nothing at all to do with Brownell's but again I do believe these are made by Apex and have never found a bit that was better. BTW Apex supplies the Military and Airline industry also.
Brownell's bits are also very reasonably priced, made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty. Their bits and screwdrivers are one of the best bargains they have in their entire catalog. I've got drawers of screwdrivers, Snap-on, S&K, Mac, Matco, Yankee (vintage high quality from the 50's) Channelock, etc. and none are as good as the Apex or Brownell's!
They make magnetic handles for their bits but the best of the lot in my opinion is their "Law Enforcement Handle" with the magnetic feature. They also make conventional screwdrivers in about 30 some odd blade type, styles and sizes if you prefer a fixed screwdriver. So that is my opinion. Other company's make descent hollow ground screwdriver bits but IMHO Brownell's is on the top of the heap.
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100% Brownell's...top shelf!
stu1ritter
US Veteran
OP
Received my Brownells screwdrivers. Want to able to work on my S&W revolvers. Probably should have mentioned that when asking for recommendation.
The set I got has 11 slotted bits.
The bit numbers all start with 445.
445-00, 445-0, 445-1 etc.
00,0,1,2,3,4,5,6 and 10,20,30.
445-00 looks like a pretty good fit for the side plate screws.
445-10 seems to fit strain screw, grips and the nut on the cylinder release.
I see there is a 3 bit set for S&W. 120-1, 150-3 and 210-2 for S&W Strain, Windage, Side Plate and Sight attaching screws.
Do I need that?
The set I got has 11 slotted bits.
The bit numbers all start with 445.
445-00, 445-0, 445-1 etc.
00,0,1,2,3,4,5,6 and 10,20,30.
445-00 looks like a pretty good fit for the side plate screws.
445-10 seems to fit strain screw, grips and the nut on the cylinder release.
I see there is a 3 bit set for S&W. 120-1, 150-3 and 210-2 for S&W Strain, Windage, Side Plate and Sight attaching screws.
Do I need that?
dfariswheel
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If you ever need to remove an old style S&W rear sight, you'll need the small bit for the small sight leaf screw.
The Magna-Tip thin bits come in handy. 120-1,120-2 and 150-1,150-2 are some I have used on Smiths. I have the whole set. Sometimes I have to shag them down from my wife. Apparently they are great for sewing machines as well.
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The Chapman gunsmith kit is also a good choice. I've used one for years. Certainly not as big as that supersized set from Brownells, but for everyday use it's very utilitarian. One of things I find helpful is that some bits will give before maiming a screw head, and replacements are inexpensive.
Brownells used to sell a special bit for removing and installing the rebound slide that I use all the time. However, I didn’t find it on their website. They do sell a separate tool now but it’s $25 which seems a bit steep.
fleabus101
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Just for help , While easing the slide up with small , thin flat blade screwdriver , I've found an an old silver cross pen , does well , pushing the rebound spring in and out .. It holds the spring in place ,while lightly tapping the slide down on the locater pin.. YMMV.. My rebound tool of choice 
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