Looking to buy a decent set of gunsmithing screwdrivers. Any suggestions? I'm sure this has been discussed somewhere on this site before. I don't want to buy junk, but I don't want to be taken on the price either. Suggestions on what is a good set to get or a good online place to get a decent set will help! Thanks!
gunsmithing screwdrivers
- Thread starter KBP75
- Start date
Dfariswheel
New member
By far, the best and the industry standard are the Brownell's Magna-Tip.
The Wheeler's are made in China and aren't the quality of the Brownell's.
There are more sizes of bits available, and they're smoother and higher quality than any others.
I recommend buying one of the law enforcement size handles. The standard handle is too big for most work, and the stubby is just too short.
Buy one of the sets, then add bits as you need them:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=0/k=magna+tip/t=P/ksubmit=y/Products/All/search=magna_tip
The Wheeler's are made in China and aren't the quality of the Brownell's.
There are more sizes of bits available, and they're smoother and higher quality than any others.
I recommend buying one of the law enforcement size handles. The standard handle is too big for most work, and the stubby is just too short.
Buy one of the sets, then add bits as you need them:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=0/k=magna+tip/t=P/ksubmit=y/Products/All/search=magna_tip
Jammer Six
New member
I prefer tools made overseas.
rdstrain49
New member
Wheeler is probably fine. After all, he won't be working on my guns
Brownell's gets my vote.
Brownell's gets my vote.
triggerman770
New member
screwdrivers
with the Brownell's should you twist or break one you just email the bit # and soon one appears as if by majic
with the Brownell's should you twist or break one you just email the bit # and soon one appears as if by majic
m.p.driver
New member
Bought Chapmans years ago and have never had any complaints.
quality steel and a big handle
whatever the brand,
most scratches arrive right after too much force is being used by the user and it you start pushing in a direction where the blade slides out control.
A bigger handle mean much more leverage which means much less force on your part to achieve the same results.
A short shank to me is also desirable to control the tip as well.
whatever the brand,
most scratches arrive right after too much force is being used by the user and it you start pushing in a direction where the blade slides out control.
A bigger handle mean much more leverage which means much less force on your part to achieve the same results.
A short shank to me is also desirable to control the tip as well.
madcratebuilder
New member
+1
Quality bits bend before they break. The short Brownells magna-tip driver gives the user excellent control.
rdstrain49
New member
Sorry Don, I'll send you some rags to dry your key board. Maybe you should install a spit shield.
ottoblotto71
Inactive
i got a couple of craftsman screwdrivers i use, but then again all my screwheads are chewed up
Gunn Smithy
New member
Brownells definitely!! Another thing I like to do is to buy their hollow handle driver and buy bits specific to the gun I'm dealing with. That way with the driver in the bag, I can always work on the gun it's made for at the range. Like SASS shoots and a set for my Vaquero's (Brownells has already packaged that idea for this gun and it's sold separately). Smithy.
Shane Tuttle
Staff
I'm a Snap-On kinda guy for the most part. With knowing how much of a snob I am when it comes to my tools for work and my shop, I still like Wheeler's sets. Brownell's is the better made....and made here. However, I have the Wheeler set and don't regret receiving it. I've yet to come across, while working on guns as a hobby, where the Wheeler set has failed me. I mean, we're working on small, small hardware here....not some frozen 3/4" rusty frozen nut on an engine crossmember.
madcratebuilder
New member
Shane Tuttle said:
+1
I've never had a problem with the Wheeler bits. The sixty or so bits on my board are a mix of Brownies and Wheeler's. I make a custom three piece set of bits for a particular high dollar black powder revolver. I start with Wheeler bits and modify them as needed. I've sold dozens of these sets and not a single complaint from the end users.
Using the correct tip thickness and width is much more important than the brand name.