Hardened Screws

[Niederlander]

Gentlemen,  VTI sells a set of hardened screws for the open tops.  Are they worth it?  The originals always seem a little soft.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I've heard reports both ways. If I ever need screws, I'll replace them with hardened ones but as long as the originals are working fine, I'll stay with them. I think most people tend to use cheap screwdrivers and strip out the heads of the softer screws. A good set of gunsmithing screwdrivers do just fine. Chapman makes a set that is hardened more than most and are intended to break before you strip out a screw.

[Niederlander]

I've used the Brownells Magna-Tip screwdrivers for years.  The grip frame screws seem to be the ones that get beat up the most, for some reason.

[Abilene]

I've used the Brownells Magna-Tip screwdrivers for years.  The grip frame screws seem to be the ones that get beat up the most, for some reason.

Yes, the backstrap is usually in a bit of a bind the way they fit, so the bottom screw and then the two at the upper ears need to be screwed or unscrewed a little each back and forth or they stick even worse.  The screw holding in the ejector housing on OT's and conversions is usually incredibly tight as well, but for most people that never needs to come off.  Once a screw is broken free that first time, usually no problem afterwards.  Same with rifles.  So I've never bought a hardened screw, though I've replaced a few screws with stock screws.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Those Brownells screwdrivers are outstanding. You shouldn't have an issue with them. Like with any of them, you just use the one that fits the screw head.