Thin-slotted screw

[shil]

Help, please! I have a lovely pre-model 15 on which the retention screw that secures the rear sight strap to the frame has a tendency to loosen. The bits of my Grace screwdriver set and my Pachmayr set are too thick to properly fit the screw slot so I can't adequately tighten the screw. Which size screwdriver or bit is proper? I know thin bits are available, but what size is right?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Pick out a Screwdriver with a Tip that is close, width and thickness.
File - Grind - Hone that Screwdriver until it fits perfect.
Then put it in your Gun Tools Box.

 

[moosedog]

What Pilgram said and Loctite makes several different formulas, one which will keep the screw from loosening, yet let you remove it if you have to.

 

[GypsmJim]

Custom filed screw drivers and blue Loctite are standards in my firearm tool box.

 

[shil]

Thanx, Guys!

 

[huthike]

Brownells has a thin bit set for their magna tip screwdrivers, too. I’ve found them useful over time.

 

[dfariswheel]

As above, Brownell's sell the top of the line Magna-Tip bits in thin slot sizes.
Just buy a width and thickness that's closest.........

https://www.brownells.com/tools-cle...-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-thin-bits/

Just as a guess, the tiny screw that retains the sight leaf would probably be a .120-2 size.

 

[cgt4570]

I keep all my worn out quarter inch philips or torx bits from woodworking, then transform them into whatever slotted bit I need for guns. For small tips, finish with a small dia Dremel round stone. Gun screws require hollow ground bits. I'm sure there's a Youtube (or hundreds) you can watch.

 

[DWalt]

I have a cheapie set of small screwdrivers I got long ago at Dollar Tree. They are more than adequate to keep the sight screws tight when needed. I do not use Locktite, I just check occasionally to find out if tightening is needed.

 

[chief38]

My opinion...... If you own guns, invest in a proper set of Gun-smithing Screwdrivers from Brownells. What they call their "Law Enforcement magnetic Handle" is the best handle option, IMO. their Magnatip line is TOPS!

Standard screwdrivers, even the premium Snap-on, Mac and other quality brands should never be used on firearms. It's a sure way to mess up good screws!

 

[tug700]

Quote"
My opinion...... If you own guns, invest in a proper set of Gun-smithing Screwdrivers from Brownells. What they call their "Law Enforcement magnetic Handle" is the best handle option, IMO. their Magnatip line is TOPS!

Standard screwdrivers, even the premium Snap-on, Mac and other quality brands should never be used on firearms. It's a sure way to mess up good screws!"

AMEN!!! Also, the bits have a life time warranty.

 

[WR Moore]

I suggest splurging on a set of instrument screw drivers. Brownells # 249000002, made in Germany. Not only will it take care of a slew of gun screws, but you'll now have tools to tighten up the screws used in eyeglass frames. At one time I think you could buy individual ones, but figuring out which one(s) you needed is a pain. Almost have to have the set to know.

I had an el cheapo set once upon a time, can't recall where I bought them, then had to break down and buy the good stuff. Lost or broke too many cheapos.

 

[2152hq]

File out the tip of an existing blade to fit the screw slot.
It's not hard to do and you'll be teaching yourself a skill with a hand file and using a bench vise.
That will be forever useful when working on guns and everything else around you.

Even the best screw driver bits should be able to be hand filed with good SHARP hand files.
If they are too hard to be cut that way, the screw driver blade made from them will likely crack/break when used. Especially when getting down real thin.
I work on a lot of European guns and the slots on the screws are narrow down to .020 width and even less on some.
It takes a correct fitting blade with a good steel temper to work for you.


Screwdriver blades are tempered to the same degree that flat and V springs are.

You can do the shaping with a grinder/grinding wheel. But it's very easy to over heat the bit and that'll loose it's hardness on you as it turns color.
Plus it can be hard to see what you are doing up against a wheel at times.
If you do it this way,,a belt grinder (abrasive belt) is much easier to use and control and keep surfaces flat than is a grit wheel on a common grinder.

You can buy separate bits to mate with certain screws in certain guns. Or you can learn to make what you need from what you have at hand at any time you need them and just keep on working along.
JMO of course.

 

[Malysh]

The Brownell's magna tip for the rear sight leaf screw is 120-1.
I bought it specifically to replace the screw on my Model of 1950 357 magnum as the original screw
was too long. The bit was a perfect fit.

Of course you can file an old screwdriver to fit the slotted screw head, but the price even with shipping and tax was easier for me than modifying an existing screwdriver blade.

The magna tips with the law enforcement magnetized handle are the only ones I've used for about 30 years. I think I have every bit size I need for my S&W and Colt hand guns.

 

[H Richard]

If you will do ANY kind of simple repairs, etc on firearms, buy a complete set of gunsmithing screwdrivers. I've been messing with firearms for about 60 years and just comparing the slot sizes of side plate screws over the years would take at least a half dozen different size bits. I've probably used 70% of the bits in the Wheeler set I have from Midway (90 some piece set).