Which Screwdriver is best for Smith's?

[bravastar1]

The time has come for me to get a good screwdriver set to tinker with my Smith's. Any ideas of who sells a good one and which one I need. Also let me know if you have an extra set or an older set laying around that you will part with for the right price.

 

[cololab]

Check with Brownells or Midway USA. They have good sets of screw drivers.

 

[sodacan]

Chapman makes a nice set with interchangeable bits that's not too expensive. I know Midway sells it, but check around for pricing.

 

[civil1977]

I bought the Wheeler Engineering 89-Piece Kit from Midway and, although it was not cheap, it has everything I need in one kit including the S&W rebound spring compressor tool for S&W revolvers, which is nice. I liked the kit so much, I bought the 28-Piece Kit to keep in my range box.

 

[kennyb]

i have a nice screwdriver kit from brownell's...high quality and has over 20 bits with it

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Depending on how extensive your needs are, I found a 3 bit S&W short shank set at Brownells for $ 16.99 - their item # is 080-088-003 - a good quality set but very basic. As I'm sure you are aware it's very important you match the bit with the firearm. The short shank was recommended on this forum some time ago as it gives better control than the longer model. I forgot who said this but they were spot on, it does.

 

[chief38]

The Brownell's line of bits and handles are more than adequate for Gun Smithing. They are nicely made and guaranteed for life. If you break one just call them and a replacement will be sent out.

My suggestion is to also buy the sharpening stone wheel along with the bits so you can custom grind a bit for a more precise fit. It will also allow you to re-grind any bits that need to be made smaller or even make a new one from an old screwdriver.

Chief38

 

[Squarebutt]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/59090-1.html
I bought this set at Walmart and haven't needed any others. All the bits are standard hex drive, so you can use shorter or longer shanks.

 

[jepp2]

If you work on a variety of firearms you will find you need a wide selection of bits to best fit the screw slots. I have the Wheeler set mentioned and the Brownells set. Both have served me well. If you ever work on Brownings, you will grind tips to fit most slots. And yes, on smaller screw heads you can break the tips.

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

I like the one from brownells with 4 bits that fit in the handle. Makes it really easy to take to the range.

 

[rck281]

If you want a set that is specifically for S&W revolvers, Brownells sells two different sets - each under $20. Of course, they also carry excellent large sets for general work.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

Once again I've found a thread already started that answers a question that I was posed to ask. The last time I checked on Brownells website, they were out of the two larger sets. I'll check out the sets at Midways. Thank you to the OP bravastar1 for initiating this thread!

Hog

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I bought the Wheeler Engineering 89-Piece Kit from Midway and, although it was not cheap, it has everything I need in one kit including the S&W rebound spring compressor tool for S&W revolvers, which is nice. I liked the kit so much, I bought the 28-Piece Kit to keep in my range box.

I also have the Wheeler 89 pc. set and if you are ever in the market for one be careful during the ordering process. They have a set that looks almost identical, with the exception of the sticker inside the lid of the case.

The 89 pc has the rebound spring tool, and maybe a couple of other bits, that the other one doesn't.

When I got mine, everywhere I looked was out of stock on the 89 pc kit, including Wheeler, but I did find some of the slightly smaller kits.

I kept searching and eventually found the larger kit on Cabela's web-site.

Well worth every penny I spent on it......

 

[idahome]

I am lucky to have a local hardware store that has a great assortment of screwdriver tips. I have just bought the ones I need and not have to buy a set that has a bunch of tips I'll never use. I have found it best to buy hex bottom tips rather than special screwdrivers. I repair high end door hardware and use a lot of the same tight fitting tips. Good Luck!

 

[browntown]

Grace makes some wonderful gunsmithing drivers. The pistolsmith set works great with s&w's. I own their general set, their pistol set, the marlin set, and even the homeowner set. I appreciate old fashioned american craftsmanship and these folks answer the phone directly when you call. They can make any screwdriver you need if you send them the screw.

http://www.graceusaguntools.com/screwdrivers.htm

 

[paplinker]

I just bought a wheeler space saver set for 20.00. Its on the way in the mail. I am going to use this as a test to see how i like it before going for a larger set. At the very least it will end up in my range bag.(I hope)

 

[Steve_in_PA]

I have the HG8 set from Grace. Great screwdrivers.

 

[Inspector-Callahan]

I like the one from brownells with 4 bits that fit in the handle. Makes it really easy to take to the range.

This model screwdriver is great because you will never lose the bits!

IC

 

[special44]

Which screwdriver is best for Smith's ?

Get the large set from Brownell's and don't look back. I've had the large set for several years and am completely satisfied with it. They are guaranteed against breakage as well.

 

[Frank46]

As Special44 said buy the large set from Brownells. Well worth the money and just about covers every screw except the really thin slot european screws. I've been using mine for some years now and haven't buggered up any screws. Frank