I'm looking at getting a set of decent screwdrivers for working on my firearms. What's a good set & what are you guys using. Are the sets with the interchangeable bits (wheeler etc) any good or am l better getting proper screwdriver?
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I'm looking at getting a set of decent screwdrivers for working on my firearms. What's a good set & what are you guys using. Are the sets with the interchangeable bits (wheeler etc) any good or am l better getting proper screwdriver?
You need a torque screw driver
I got a Jonesway set from BNT and that covers every possible bit requirement
I have a bahco set that work well,includes small ratchet set as well.
Wiha or Klein torque drivers, or just plain screwdrivers are awesome.
Having worked in a few gun shops I've played with a few different drivers and bits.
Most scope rings under $150 including those that come in packages on air rifles .22s and budget centrefire rifles are a little soft. The best method I've found for tightening these is to use the driver that usually comes with them, put some locktite on the screw and then carefully do it up until it feels tight. Decent driver bits tend to cut the heads in these screws, I think because they aren't quite proper size.
Once you get into decent screws the proper driver bits work well, the likes of Bacho, Kingchrome,etc are better than the wheeler ones I've found. Never had trouble with the Wheeler fat wrench torque wrench though.
Older guns with slotted and to a lesser extent Phillips screws are definitely harder, with slotted heads grinding something to fit is a good idea. I've always found Stanley screwdrivers (only used at home) best for Phillips however I've gotten away with just using cheap mixed bit driver sets at work.
To end my rather lengthy post (sorry) I'll say any screwdriver is improved with a healthy dose of penetrating oil to the screw and some patience for the operator.
If you have slotted screws (lever actions...) on the firearms you want to work on, make sure you get a decent set with hollow ground slotted bits.
What @minns2 said.
I mostly use a screwdriver with interchangable bits. Then grinding a bit down is not so bad if it is only good for one screw...
Also whatever I find along the way.
i dont think in my 41 years I have ever brought a brand new screw driver! (except for my drill/driver kit)
Ducks nuts is a Snapon ratcheting driver, the Bluepoint bit assortment and a 1/4 drive Warren and Brown torque wrench.
Brownell's Magna-Tip pieces are the greatest.
These are created in the United States and are of the highest quality available.
They have a wider range of sizes than anybody else, and you seldom have to grind a bit to obtain a great fit.
Professional gunsmiths value their time, and we don't want to waste it grinding a bit when we can acquire one that's already produced and fits well.
Grinding a bit is sometimes necessary, but not frequently with the Brownell's.
If you ever break a bit, shoot an email to Brownell's and they'll send you a replacement for free.
So it's "Buy once, cry once," since you'll only have to buy a bit once for the rest of your life.
I propose purchasing two "law enforcement" size handles, one magnetic and one clip-grip retention. You'll make use of both.
Many people believe that magnetic retention handles are all that is required, but the last thing you want is a screw that won't come out of the driver.
The law enforcement size is ideal for solid control and no slippage, as with larger grips.
Small sets, large master sets, and individual sets of three or four bits that match a certain gun are available.
Purchase the largest set you can afford, and then purchase additional sizes as needed to round out the set.
In contrast to the Chapman sets, the Brownell's are long enough to fit into holes such as the screw holes on single action trigger guards and back straps.
Try it with most sets, and you'll gouge the holes' edges.
As previously stated, the Brownell's are high-quality American-made products, but the Midway Wheeler sets are Chinese-made and are nowhere near the quality of the Brownell's.
You get what you pay for, and the Brownell's pieces are significantly less expensive than purchasing a pricey and difficult-to-find gun screw.
Customers are also dissatisfied with dented and gouged firearms and dinked up screw slots.
I've had a Brownell set for over 30 year's. Comes with two magnetic screw drivers to hold the bits, one medium length, one a stubby. I've broken about 7 or 8 bits in that time. I didn't know that Brownell would replace broken bits.
I use a high quality English made Norbar 1/4" torque wrench for rings, bases and action screws, which has been great. They cost plenty though.
I got a "Great Neck" set and they have been really good. Apparently they are designed to break or burr over so you don't snap off the screw in its hole. Some do look a bit burred now. I think it was Hand Tool House (a shop in Frankton, Hamilton).
I put them in the F.A.T wrench. Which comes with a very limited range of imperial bits. I find the FAT very clunky with no feel and
I'm not that confident the tightness is really the same every time. but being an amateur, it lets me tighten screws without too much danger of breaking stuff.
as far as first posts go.....Quote:
Originally Posted by WilliamJackson1961
not bad, welcome to the forum.
Way to go, buy them from an electrical supplier. One of the few things electricians get right:D Felo are nice as wellQuote:
Originally Posted by PadLo
King chrome and modern Sidchrome and Teng are crap
What's the quality of the Wheeler sets like? I'd prefer to buy locally & they seems to be the most commonly available. I need to get up the road & check out the electrical supply shops.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mauser308
If going to an electrical wholesaler take lots of dosh. The set below runs between $130 and $154 depending upon you relationship with the wholesaler. You won't get much variety with your 6 piece set.
Attachment 182766
Wiha (made in Germany) will not have JIS markings but correct for Japanese made.
$106 from Bunnings
$106 from BunningsQuote:
Originally Posted by zimmer
Yeah, you've got to watch the electrical "wholesalers". I even shop around for electrical fittings b4 I buy stuff on my Cory's account.Quote:
Originally Posted by mickey
$106 is still dear for a very small selection of screwdrivers. I wouldn't be going that way myself if I was re-equipping again.
I went the other way and purchased, over a long period of time, a large selection of just 1/4" drive tips. Mine are all made in Taiwan and of very good quality.
These included flats, phillips, PZ, square and hex, and some security tips.
Even some of the cheaper 1/4" drive sets sold at the likes of Bunnings and M10 have reasonable quality tips.
1/4" bits are what fit my torque wrench at any rate.
I also bought spares and don't have any hesitation in hollow grounding a bit to perfectly fit a screwhead. There's always that temptation to rush things and not bother getting a perfect fit, nek minnit, graunch. Nothing looks worse that a munted screw head.
I have also changed some of the action screws on my rifles from slotted to allen head screws. Yeah, doesn't always made the purist happy, but much easier to work with and no slips and graunch marks.
Like thisQuote:
Originally Posted by mimms2
Attachment 182779
Get screwdrivers with longer shafts. These are more precise to use and more powerful because easier to keep on centre with the screw.
And don't be lazy, take your time to pick the right driver for a screw.
I get my wiha and various other bits and pieces from https://www.screwfix.com/
my full wiha set was 14.99 on special. Have a look there and see how much we get ripped off here....
I get mum to buy it back home and post it over, even then it's a fraction of the NZ price.
I have a full Brownells set that was presented to me by Bob Brownell when I visited in the mid '80's. I have broken a few bits as they are quite brittle when ground to suit the narrow slots on English shotguns, but I have never had the gall to ask for replacements on a gift! Any good quality drivers from respectable makers are fine. Take care when hollow grinding to not overheat the tip (changing colour) and quench frequently.
Yep, the language gives it away.Quote:
Originally Posted by mimms2
I have some Wiha screw drivers that I acquired in a past life. The flatheads have a very solid blade. I also have a FAT wrench and a set of torx bits to fit it, this covers most bases fairly well.
I got a Wheeler set about 10 years ago, do gun work nearly every day and have have just had one tip break on a really stubborn screw....Great set if you use them properly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mauser308
Thanks that's the type of feedback I was after.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fssprecision
Posters here have given a wide range of excellent advice on some good options and without doubt there are some excellent products out there. I'm going the other direction:
Don't buy Snap-On or Blue-point screwdrivers or tips. They're shit.
Don't get me wrong, their magnetic screwdrivers and ratcheting screwdrivers that take 1/4 inch tips are outstanding and I have a couple which have given years of outstanding service, but the replaceable tips themselves are crap. Likewise their "fixed" screwdrivers are also shit and wear out waaaaay too fast. Best of all (!) you pay top dollar for them. I can't tell you how many tips I've broken or worn out. As a result I can tell you just about any tips except those made by Snap-On will give great service.
This is not a Snap-On bashing post... I love their gear and I have far too much of it, its just a statement regarding their screwdrivers. They're generally shit.
