L-frame tools and tool kit.

V

vts

New member
I just got my first L-frame, 986.
Those of you who shoot them regularly. What tools do find useful and practical?

Brownells got a few screwdrivers kits.
What kit would you recommend?
 
Just put the tools down and step away from the workbench.

Resist the urge to work on your gun. I have had a L frame Smith for many years and it has never given me a single issue. In all my 45+ years of shooting and collecting guns, I have seen FAR more damage done by ill advised amature gunsmithing than was ever done by honest use.
 
"...screwdrivers kits..." Over priced and unnecessary. Especially the so-called "Gunsmiths" sets. Anything with that word in its name will just cost more. The 'bits' are designed to break before the screw head gets damaged. However, they're pricey and sometimes difficult to find replacements.
A regular screwdriver from Wally World will do the same job. A regular screw driver can be ground to fit the screw head slot.
The only tool you'd need from Brownell's and only if you do a trigger job, is the rebound slide/spring housing tool. It's used in nearly all Smith revolvers.
If you don't plan on doing a trigger job yourself, you don't need any tools. Just a cleaning kit that you probably have already.
 
I respectfully disagree. The "gunsmith" labeled kits have a greater selection of flat heat screwdriver tips. The kits from wallyworld, harbor freight, etc, Have more phillips head, torx, allen key, etc.
 
I might do another trigger job. Hammer will be replaced.
Most springs will also be replaced.
Since I no longer have my gunsmith tools. A tool kit is a convenient way to get what I need.
It might be overpriced. But a screwdriver that fits makes my life easier.

Spring housing tool is noted.
 
Brownells catalogs "S&W screwdrivers" but user comments say they are not always matched to the screws on a given gun.
Read the comments and you can get an idea of what bits they added; if you don't want to splurge on the big set with a lot of bits you may never use.

The rebound spring tool is handy, and of course a soft face hammer.
 
Just put the tools down and step away from the workbench.

Resist the urge to work on your gun. I have had a L frame Smith for many years and it has never given me a single issue. In all my 45+ years of shooting and collecting guns, I have seen FAR more damage done by ill advised amature gunsmithing than was ever done by honest use.
Click to expand...

^^^^THIS!
Only specific tool I own is the rebound slide tool, but that can be made form an old screwdriver or by using a ballpoint pen; you don't even need a soft hammer when the wooden or plastic handle of any regular hammer will do for whacking the frame to loosen the slide plate.

The only real tool would be the ones used for loading and unloading the brass from the moonclips
 
I tried to find S&W tool kits on Brownells. I live in Norway and I must use Brownells.no.
Struggling to find what I need.
 
Gunsmith screwdrivers

Hardware store screwdrivers? Won't be buying any used guns from them.

If you must grind a screwdriver be very aware of the heat of grinding. Keep the steel cool. Grind and quench, grind and quench, ad infinitum...

An instant "no sale" is buggered screws. They are a red flag and indicative of the issues you can't see.

Quality hollow ground screwdrivers, I like Wiha, not cheap. I have Wiha drivers that were used when I bought them, and I have had them more than twenty years.
There is no requirement that they be labeled gunsmith, they must fit, close only counts in hand grenades and nukes. They must fit! The gunsmith sets typically have far more sizes of common screw drivers.
 
vts said:
I might do another trigger job. Hammer will be replaced.
Most springs will also be replaced.
Since I no longer have my gunsmith tools. A tool kit is a convenient way to get what I need.
It might be overpriced. But a screwdriver that fits makes my life easier.
Click to expand...

vts said:
I tried to find S&W tool kits on Brownells. I live in Norway and I must use Brownells.no.
Struggling to find what I need.
Click to expand...

Really, IMO, assuming the revolver's in spec, the only tools you'd need for an action job are screwdrivers, a rebound slide spring tool, and a good Arkansas or ceramic stone, and some fine oil.

Screwdriver set:
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...gna-tip-bit-sets/s-w-screwdriver-prod413.aspx

Rebound slide spring tool:
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...ls/s-w-rebound-slide-spring-tool-prod774.aspx

Arkansas stone:
https://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=arkansas+stone

...or ceramic:
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...nes/6-x-1-2-x-1-2-ceramic-stones-prod799.aspx

If you're going to shoot lead bullets, now might be a good time to invest in a Lewis Lead Remover:
https://www.brownells.com/gun-clean...ead-remover/lewis-lead-remover-prod21587.aspx

And definitely look into a mooner/demooner.

If you've never worked on a revolver, the Kuhnhausen manual linked above is a very good investment. And definitely go through this excellent thread on proper disassembly and assembly before jumping in:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ect-repairs-and-reassembly-discussion.397027/
 
MrBorland. Those links are in my notes. Thank you.
I just ordered plenty of moon clips.

Mooner/demooner came with the gun.
 
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