Tool recommendations

[GKC]

I've read lots of cautions about using "regular" screwdrivers...so, does anyone here have a set of screwdrivers they recommend? I know I can get a Shoo hammer (and I will) but I'd like to have a good set of screwdrivers/bits for general work on my handguns.

 

[chief38]

Brownell's has about the best selection of hollow ground bits and handles around. They are good quality and guaranteed against breakage, and they also have "Bit specific sets" if so desired. They are also reasonable in price.

Chief38

 

[GKC]

Brownell's has about the best selection of hollow ground bits and handles around. They are good quality and guaranteed against breakage, and they also have "Bit specific sets" if so desired. They are also reasonable in price.

Chief38

Thanks.

Perhaps I should give a little more detail about what I am looking for. I'm not a gunsmith, and don't plan to try to be one! I know my limitations...

What I do want to do is take grips off my 1911s, take grips and side plates off my revolvers, and miscellaneous small tasks...nothing major. I've seen sets with assorted bits (straight and Phillips), hex and/or torx (sp?) bits, etc. Is that what I need?

Any kits you can recommend?

 

[chief38]

Brownell's has sets specific to the Colt 1911 (and clones) and S&W Revolvers, so you need not buy the whole-magilla set. I hate it when you have buy a set with stuff like Torx and Allen Bits when they are just not needed. You are also able to buy any single sized bit you need if you just need one specific size. If you go to their printed catalog I believe they actually give you the specific size and number of each individual bit. There is no minimum order either so you can order exactly what you need.

Chief38

 

[GKC]

Brownell's has sets specific to the Colt 1911 (and clones) and S&W Revolvers, so you need not buy the whole-magilla set. I hate it when you have buy a set with stuff like Torx and Allen Bits when they are just not needed. You are also able to buy any single sized bit you need if you just need one specific size. If you go to their printed catalog I believe they actually give you the specific size and number of each individual bit. There is no minimum order either so you can order exactly what you need.

Chief38

Thanks for the info!

 

[tomcatt51]

I have and like the Brownells screwdrivers bits, but the best fitting I've found for the "new style" (yoke screw with plunger) S&W's (revolvers) is a #2 and a #16 Bonanza/Forster screwdriver. They're not as strong as the Brownells bits (and usually don't need to be) but the fit is near perfect.

 

[Big Cholla]

I have a slightly different thought on screwdriver sets: I was a pro gunsmith at one time and now I am a 'hobby' gunsmith. I find that machine screws vary by a few thousandths of an inch in width of the screwdriver slot even when they come from the same manufacturer. Therefore I think one needs a large assortment of hollow ground screw driver bits to be able to select the 'exact' one for correct fit. The only set of screwdrivers that I found to fit that requirement economically is available from many tool suppliers. It is the Wheeler Engineering's Professional Gunsmithing set. It is priced at $110 direct from Wheeler, but is available at discounts from other tool sellers.

For mar-less work on guns with screwdrivers, one has to fit the blade to the slot two ways; it has to be the right width and it has to be as tight of slip fit as possible in the slot. I have purchased and used all the common 'sets' and only the Wheeler's set has given me the 'fit' that I felt I needed every time. I have had other screw driver tips break, but I have never had a Wheeler break. The four handles are properly sized and ergonomically give a great grip.

IMHO, anyone who contemplates working on guns or other finish sensitive products should pass on all the 'others' and just go to what is going to work for the rest of one's working career. I know that I will be passing my Wheeler Engineering set onto one of my grandsons. ............... Big Cholla

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

I just happened to glance at this thread this morning. I posted a similar question several months ago. Being a tool addict, which is almost as bad as being a Smith & Wesson junkie, has it's merits. Not to hijack the thread, but thanks to Big Cholla! Hog Shooter

 

[jepp2]

Another Wheeler fan here. I bought the 89 piece set from Midway for $49 on a sale. The extra bits are very handy to have. They are excellent quality and the breadth of tips to choose from always allows the proper fit.