I don't do a whole lot of serious takedown of my firearms other than removing the slide, recoil spring etc. to clean them and have changed some grips on revolvers. There have been a few occasions where I've used a small screwdriver to remove screws and have fortunately never had an incident where it slipped and marred or scratched the receiver or frame. I'd like to know what anyone recommends whether it be a coated screwdriver or some other material type of screwdriver to help reduce the chance of damaging a gun and where is the best place to purchase them?
Thank you in advance and especially to those of you who have served in the military, law enforcement and firefighters to protect us and our freedoms! Happy Memorial Day weekend!
About 30 years ago I bought a set of "gunsmithing" screwdrivers made by Grace USA. The set also came with a set of brass punches and a brass hammer, all wrapped up in a pretty nice leather case. When they were new, the screwdriver tips fit nicely in the slot of any gun screw that I ever had to unscrew! Over the years the fine tips on the drivers have broken off so the fit is not as good as they once were. I have had to replace the brass punches a couple of times but the screwdrivers are still usable but, like I said, just not as good as they once were. I just got this picture from eBay and I see they are selling for over $90 nowadays!!
If I were to buy a set now, I would get the kind that have one handle and changeable heads.
I've got a set of Brownell's gunsmithing screwdrivers it's a 20 piece set and recently picked up a Wheeler engineering 80 piece set with the interchangeable bits.
I also have several garage sale screw drivers ground to fit screws that I didn't happen to have the right driver for an exact fit in the slot.
Whatever drivers you use (or custom grind) make sure the blade is hollow ground and the sides are beveled to match the countersink the screw head seats into, mechanics screwdrivers are ground at an angle and are tight on top of the slot and loose on the bottom and the sides are parallel, a recipe for disaster as the blade cannot fill the entire slot.
I have a collecting problem; I have over 100 Craftsman screwdrivers. I buy 'em at garage sales, flea markets, etc. for .50 or $1.00 each. My wife is not pleased...
On a serious note, I'm not at home so I can't check the name but I have the same kit we all probably do. It's a small red case with a black handle, an extension and a host of bits. I use that plus a full sized screwdriver 1/4" drive I was to hand out as a promo (oops one stayed with me) that is well made, having hollow ground bits and I added a set for a Browning A5 that are narrower than the standard set you get. There are a number of larger screws with narrow slots on the old Winchesters I have and the A5 set has helped me from messing them up.
firpo, just out of curiosity have you had a reason to take your A-5 down?I Bought mine new in 94 and have never taken the receiver apart. I just thought since it being recoil operated not a whole lot of powder residue gets built up in it. Anyway had it out shooting clays this week 100 rounds and no problems. In fact i have never had a problem with it. So i'm not going to screw with it. Which could be a good thing.
Joe, I must have given the wrong impression. I don't have an A5, although if a Sweet Sixteen found its way into my gunsafe I wouldn't complain one bit. What I purchased was a set of screwdriver bits made for the A5. They are thinner than "normal" screwdrivers. Perfect for screws like the ones on....well let me describe. On both Model 1897's and Model 12's there's a piece at the end of the magtube that holds the magtube to the barrel. That piece is held in by two screws, one on each side that have an extremely narrow slit. I found the drivers I had that were thin enough to fit the slot were not wide enough and I know would damage the screw heads should they be used. So I went on I believe Midway USA and found a slowed driver bit set that is made for "The Narrow" screws of an A5. They work perfectly and I'm glad to have them.
Thanks again for all the feedback. I found a Chapman set on Amazon which had all positive reviews so I have ordered it. Should have it early next week.
I also have a small chapman set that i have had forever. Had to replace a few tips. I now keep it in my range bag and keep the Wheeler set on my bench. Glad you found a set.
I have a small Chapman set, a big Wheeler set, and several mixed name brands ive found here and there.
I use the Wheeler set way more than any. Just so quick and ez to swap bits and fit about any screw. I have their fat wrench too and i like it. Their not the highest end top shelf quality tools but they aren't bad and their affordable and always do the trick for me.
I also have a small precision set with 3 straight, 3 phillips, and 4 torque bits i cant member if their Cromwell or what that i use alot for tiny screws.
Grace or Chapman-just buy quality first,cry,then suck up about the money,as you smile through the years,it will all be worth it-I spent 30yrs buying crap-the last 20yrs have been much better.
This guy is right. There are special screwdrivers for firearms. They need to have straight sides and bottoms for the screws. I learned my lesson years ago when I took apart a S&W revolver with regular Home Depot ones. I messed up the screw slot badly.
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