Screwdrivers

[PuertoRican]

Can anyone recommend a set of screwdrivers good for side plate removal, etc. for Smiths from early HEs on up? Not looking for original screwdrivers, couldn't afford them anyway.

 

[Kelly Green]

I’ve been using Grace gun smith screwdrivers for years. They are high quality made in USA tools.

 

[rkrcpa]

Go to Brownell's and get the Magna-tip screwdrivers in the sizes you need and never look back.

 

[kennyb]

i also suggest brownell's they have several kits to fit your guns...the pricey screwdrivers you mention really aren't screwdrivers...they are SAT"S (sight adjustment tools) never ever try to use one to remove a side plate

 

[markeb]

I am looking in the Brownells catalog at the S&W specific revolver combo screwdriver set. It is the four bit set. It includes the side plate, grip, thumb latch, and rear sight elevation and tang screw bits. Will any of these sizes fit the rear sight attacthing screw? Thanks.

 

[dfariswheel]

Depends if it's a new style or old style sight.

If it's the new style with the larger screw, I think the driver bits in the S&W-specific Brownell's Magna-Tip will fit.

If it's an old style sight with the tiny screw, buy a Magna-Tip .120-3 bit just for the screw.

 

[markeb]

Thanks dfariswheel. Is there another screwdriver set by Brownells that you would recommend for a multi-bit set? Thanks.

 

[FTG-05]

For gunsmithing screwdrivers, there can only be one:

Well, ok maybe two:

 

[Drail]

If you want to buy a set that will last forever and serve you well - Brownells. The thing I like about the Brownells are the short "law enforcement" handles. They keep your hand closer to the bit for more control. Grace used to make some nice tools but they look like they're coming from Taiwan now. The last set I looked at had all of the blades ground with non-parallel sides. Not on my bench.

 

[GearHead_1]

For gunsmithing screwdrivers, there can only be one:



Well, ok maybe two:

I picked this set up a couple of months back. Having had several sets of changeable tip gunsmith screwdrivers I wanted a fixed set. Pricey but I would do this again.

 

[dfariswheel]

Beside the high quality and smooth, hard steel the Brownell's Magna-Tip bits are made of, they offer more sizes than anyone and will replace a broken or damaged bit for free.

Just email Brownell's with the size bit and they'll send you a free replacement. You don't need to return the damaged bit.

As above, the Law Enforcement size handles are the best for general work.
The stubby handle is just to small, and the standard handle is to big for most work.

 

[chief38]

While you're at it, I would suggest getting the Bit grinding stone they sell in the Brownells catalog as well. Eventually you will encounter a screw that your bits just don't fit right or one will snap while being used on a stubborn screw. ESPECIALLY when working on some of the higher end Shotguns that use the very very narrow slotted screws. It is a cheap way of insuring that you can always custom make or repair a bit if you want to finish a job without waiting for a replacement to come. I also use the bit grinding stone to make special dedicated screwdrivers out of broken bladed screwdrivers. For instance, on the older S&W Revolvers you will often encounter thin slotted screws even though the thread size is the same as the newer guns. I have also made special sized screwdrivers for small screws that have very short handles on them for the purpose of preventing over tightening. Sometimes when you are tightening a very small screw (even with the correct bit) it is easy to apply too much force when using a full size handle. Short handles prevent this for me.

Chief38

 

[hardcase60]

Currently Brownells shows to be out of stock on all their MAGNA-TIP SUPER SETS.

 

[chief38]

I am sure Brownell's will have stock once again on these sets in short order. They sell tons of screwdrivers and bits.............. They are worth the wait.

Chief38

 

[pinduck]

Brownells also have a thin bit set, if you do a lot of work on double guns, mine have served me well.
Glen