Gunsmithing screwdrivers

[dlbarr]

Although I am not a builder like many are on this forum, I'd like a set to do proper work on my guns without trashing the screws. Where can I obtain a decent set at a reasonable cost? Again, I'm probably more of a gun-tinkerer than a builder, and certainly not a gunsmith per se.

Thanks.

[Mark Elliott]

I have a set of Magna-Tips from Brownells, but for the most part, only use them for the first disassembly of the lock.   I refile most of the screws on my rifles with a "V" shaped slot for a regular flat screwdriver.   A 1/4" and 3/16"  flat screwdriver will fit most of my screws just fine.   I use a 6" knife shaped file to cut the slots.     

[Turtle]

 I second Magna-Tips. The wide selection od widths and thickness enables one to match a slot perfectly. The also seem to have the right combination of hardness and durability unlike other screwdriver sets.
                                                 Turtle

[elk killer]

i have the Magna Tips from Brownells,
i also have a set of 8 from Grace,
i use the Grace more, i like the wood handles,
i use all 8, where as some of the Magna Tips,
i have never used....
its always good NOT to put the..screw..in screwdrivers

[David R. Pennington]

I buy old junk wood handled screwdrivers at the flea markets and junk stores for little or nothing. (I just like wood handles.) When I need one to fit a particular screw I pick one out of the bucket and grind it to fit precisely and then place it in a rack on the bench. Now I have a "set" of gunsmiths screwdrivers that cost almost nothing. If you grind slow and cool often the original temper is not lost.  None of the handles match but that helps me readily identify them for size and application.

[flehto]

That's exactly what I do.....have upwards of 60 screwdrivers and they were mostly  all "cheapos" and most have wooden handles. Had to discard a few because the steel was too soft, but the "keepers" are just fine. All my screwdrivers have hollow ground blades which don't bugger up the slots and besides, all the screw heads are Kasinited. These screwdrivers regularly get ground to fit "oddball" slots and new drivers  are continually acquired.. Can't help it if I'm a screwdriver "nut"......Fred

[wmrike]

I have used the Magna-Tips for years.  They're guaranteed, but they're also tough.  It's more likely you will loose one than break it.

I had a set of Grace drivers but found them too soft and easily borken

[Mike Brooks]

I buy old junk wood handled screwdrivers at the flea markets and junk stores for little or nothing. (I just like wood handles.) When I need one to fit a particular screw I pick one out of the bucket and grind it to fit precisely and then place it in a rack on the bench. Now I have a "set" of gunsmiths screwdrivers that cost almost nothing. If you grind slow and cool often the original temper is not lost.  None of the handles match but that helps me readily identify them for size and application.

ditto. I only use about three home ground screw drivers.

[kutter]

A mismatched bunch of oddball screw drivers obtained from all sorts of sources over the years. Some picked out of the trash, some from garage sales and flea markets, some given to me, ect.

Grind or file them up to fit what you need. Most all the older stuff (USA and Euro made) up into the 50's is good quality. You find a few that aren't but they can be used for other things.
A belt grinder works much better than a bench grinder/wheel to shape them IMO. Cuts quicker and cooler. Much less tendency to burn the steel.

Once the imports started to flood the market, the quality went down fast.

I've just never got used to the interchangeable tip screwdriver sets.  Interchangeable tip/insert anything tools aren't on my list or bench. I just find them annoying to work with searching for the correct tip and changing them back and forth.
Give me a pile of screw drivers any day.

[Pete G.]

I use the set from Wheeler Engineering. It has almost any size flat bit you could ever need in addition to some specialty bits.

[P.W.Berkuta]

I use the set from Wheeler Engineering. It has almost any size flat bit you could ever need in addition to some specialty bits.

+1 for the Wheeler Engineering set. They fit in a small case that hold the bits which are labled on a chart so they go back where they came out of and don't get mixed up. They don't take up hardly any room. Very good quality. I use them for all my gun work and they fit 98% of both modern firearms and reproduction muzzloaders.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

I got the wooden handles set from Brownells and then... as I was taught as an Apprentice Cash Register Mechanic for NCR back in the 1960's......  I hollow grind the tips to fit the screws that I typically use and then harden the tips by heating to a dark blue color running up the stem and then quench in water. Actually I usually get the color while grinding and then dip......... no extra heating necessary

They may have used V shaped slots in the day but "if they knew  how to hollow-grind they would have"  .. . This is the only way you can reliably keep from buggering screws. 

[Hefner]

I bought a set of Chapman gunsmith screwdrivers from the Gun Room in Phoenix 37+ years ago.  Lots of bits, an extension and a mini-ratchet handle for the tough screws.

[Jim Kibler]

I dislike parallel screw slots.  My preference is tapered slots cut or re-cut with a knife file.  I re-shaped a couple of cheap screwdrivers to match this shape and use them most of the time.  This provides a much better engagement in my view and matches what is often seen on original work.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I hear ya Jim;  been using hand ground screw drivers for my whole life, up to now.  I still use them for my muzzle loader builds, where a tapered slot (per original) is required.  But I recently bought a full set of Brownell's magtip screw drivers and they are truly wonderful.  If you're taking apart a Winchester Centennial rifle, for example, they are a 'must have'.  So I have and use both kinds.

[ChapmanMFG]

I bought a set of Chapman gunsmith screwdrivers from the Gun Room in Phoenix 37+ years ago.  Lots of bits, an extension and a mini-ratchet handle for the tough screws.

Thanks for the recommendation! We're still in the same shop making the same tools on some of the same machines! 

[shortbarrel]

there is no such thing as a gunsmith screwdriver. think about it.

[PPatch]

there is no such thing as a gunsmith screwdriver. think about it.

There sure is: orange juice and vodka. 

dave