Best screwdriver set for gunsmithing

[cal44walker]

I've been looking at buying a new high quality set of gunsmithing hollow ground screwdriver sets. Anyone have a favorite out there? The 89 piece set from Wheeler Engineering looks pretty good.

cal44walker

[Paladin UK]

Ho pard,

This is a very good sensibly priced starter set


http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-sets/officially-licensed-nra-magna-tip-screwdriver-set-prod22300.aspx


Paladin (What lurvs ta tinker  ) UK

[Blair]

calwalker44,

Just my opinion...
I detest the replaceable driver bit sets! No less than 1/2 are totally unusable in doing any historical gun work
They are either too hard and brake and/or are too soft and bend. Getting replacements bits are, in my experience, nearly impossible!

Again... just my opinion, go to Sears and buy a good set of straight slot screw drivers. Ones that will last and/or that can be replaced if they are damaged

[brazosdave]

I got a small set of winchester branded ones at Walmart. They are cheap, but seem to do the job, at least as a "keep in your range box" set. For a pro set, I would definitley spend more money on some quality ones.

[Cliff Fendley]

calwalker44,

Just my opinion...
I detest the replaceable driver bit sets! No less than 1/2 are totally unusable in doing any historical gun work
They are either too hard and brake and/or are too soft and bend. Getting replacements bits are, in my experience, nearly impossible!

Again... just my opinion, go to Sears and buy a good set of straight slot screw drivers. Ones that will last and/or that can be replaced if they are damaged

I have Snap-On tools in my shop, the best you can buy for mechanic work but you shouldn't use those on guns. Good gun screwdrivers are hollow ground.

The ones Paladin mention are actually pretty good. I've got a set that I take to shoots.

[Coffinmaker]

There is no one "best set."  They all have compromises.  I have had the best results with Brownells.  I recommend the short handle non-magnetic handle and then the screw sizes that come closest to your needs.  You will still need to grind some to fit particular screw heads.  They also have a really nice thin blade wide bit that works a great for Uberti '73 mag tube caps.  For a stock set, Brownells set for the Win 97 will also fit most SA screws.

Coffinmaker

PS:  I'm currently at Disney World or I'd give you the specific bit numbers 

[Major 2]

I got my favorite set from Cylinder & Slide at the 07 Shot show

1. is a bundle of 10 hollow ground wood handles designed for Winchesters & Uberti  Henry, 66, 73, 76 plus the 97

2. is 3 pcs. set for Colts , USPFA & Uberti

so far they cover every gun I needed them for

[joec]

I bought the Brownell's Magna-Tip Bits to fit the Winchester 92, Rossi 92 (same sizes), Colt Single Action (works with Uberti and others clones), Marlin 336 which works with my Rossi Rio Grande. Now I bought them as individual bits at about $2 each and didn't buy doubles as some sizes fit all. Which came out to about 12 to 15 screw bits that work in any nut driver. I use several nut drivers that are all Snap On that I've had for years.

[St. George]

The C&C screwdrivers start out as Brownell screwdriver blades with un-marked handles - then marked for C&C. or other vendors of the same.

I suspect that Grace is the supplier to Brownell's, since their work is identical.

Chapman made a great set years ago - replacement  bits are easily found.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Lumpy Grits]

Brownell's, U.S.A. made and lifetime replacement if you break one.
LG

[John Taylor]

Looks like they are a bit spendy now but I have three sets of these http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/fixed-blade-sets/gunsmith-screwdrivers-prod6634.aspx#.UK-moIZgFD8
I figured a way to redo the tip in the mill and a spin jig. I have to make a living with them so they get used a lot. And yes, I have broken most of them with heavy use, that why they get redone in the mill. I also have an old Chapman set but have not used it in years. Get a set you feel comfortable with and learn how to repair the tip when they break or get worn out.

[PJ Hardtack]

The Lee Valley Xmas catalog is offering a cased set of four stainless, parallel-tip screwdrivers with tips the same width of the shafts. This means that the shafts can also serve as temporary pins. They have oval shaped flat handles

At $39.50, I may acquire a set.

[Coffinmaker]

PJ,

You won't like Oval/flat driver Handles.  As soon as they arrive, just pack 'em back up and send them to me for disposal.

Coffinmaker 

[PJ Hardtack]

Coffinmaker - hold yer breath .... ;>)


They're gonna be my b'day present to myself. I'm tired of grinding cheap drivers to fit, only to have them break.