Screwdriver for Siler lock top jaw screw

Looking for a recommendation for a small screwdriver that will fit the slot on a Siler lock top jaw screw. I have a reproduction 18th century type turnscrew I bought from one of the muzzleloader supply shops and it fits the lock screw slots just fine but is too big for the top jaw screw. I have tried several stubby screwdrivers in my tool box and none of them fit. Is anyone on the forum familiar with whether one of the screw heads on a Pickering tool will fit?

Take a file and modify one of your screwdrivers to fit.

Fitting screw drivers to the width and thickness of a slot has been covered repeatedly on this forum. I still think a grinding the bit to match the job at hand is a nessasary skill if you are hoping to not bugger up slots.
IMG_0601 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

Find an old wooden handled screwdriver the length you want and grind it to fit. Or you might look at the muzzleloader suppliers catalogs. They sell tools for flintlock maintenance.

https://www.logcabinshop.com/catalog.php?path=184_160&product_id=85169

I had that issue. tried a few things , usually only kinda - sorta worked. Then I got this from Brad Emig - Cabin Creek - at the Kempton show.
Works just fine on my Kibler and Siler's. $$

Dwight Harley said:

Looking for a recommendation for a small screwdriver that will fit the slot on a Siler lock top jaw screw. I have tried several stubby screwdrivers in my tool box and none of them fit. Is anyone on the forum familiar with whether one of the screw heads on a Pickering tool will fit?

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I had that need this Spring. I just took a old no good chisel and ground it down, being careful not to overheat and ruin the temper. I also put a wood handle on it in the shape of a screwdriver. Easy peasy.
Larry

Phil Coffins said:

Fitting screw drivers to the width and thickness of a slot has been covered repeatedly on this forum. I still think a grinding the bit to match the job at hand is a nessasary skill if you are hoping to not bugger up slots.
IMG_0601 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

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Agree with Phil, pretty basic and necessary skill for maintaining traditional muzzleloaders. Leave the slots in the screws alone and modify screwdrivers to fit.

I have 6 right now. Made in the fashion of original 18th century “turn screws”.
$18.50 shipped.

Take the screw to your local hardware store and check their screw drivers to see which one fits then buy it.

ronaldrothb49 said:

Take the screw to your local hardware store and check their screw drivers to see which one fits then buy it.

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Most hardwares I have seen ( I live in Omaha) never have a tip that is wide enough. Thickness yes! I like my screwdriver tips to extend the full lenght of the screw slot. Sidelock and hammer screws have a good size slot length.
Larry

That slot is just to narrow, I recut the slot so a normal screwdriver fits it. Make sure you use a good proper fitting driver in the recut slot, you don't want to bugger it up.

I've had to modify the gunsmith screwdriver set so the tips fit the slots. Far better to modify a relatively inexpensive tip to a screwdriver than an expensive screw. I have also bought sets of slotted tips. I needed a few screwdriver blades to fit the screws in my locks. My gunsmith set had tips that were either too thick or too thin or not wide enough.

I have a screwdriver slot file, zip, zip and my gunsmith screwdriver set fits just fine as does the handmade forged turn screw in my possible bag.

altho it might not be correct I like the hole in the top jaw screw my knaping hammer has a turned end on it and works better then any thing i have found. I got the idea because my first lock had a hole in it in addition to the slot (CVA) so I have now drilled all of my top jaw screws

simonbeans said:

I have 6 right now. Made in the fashion of original 18th century “turn screws”.
$18.50 shipped.
View attachment 341584

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I'd buy ALL of them , if still still available - if You would sell and send to Germany !

I have 5 right now, #3 is sold. Let me calculate total cost.

PM sent.

Right now I am SOLD OUT. I guess I need to get back in the shop.

ronaldrothb49 said:

Take the screw to your local hardware store and check their screw drivers to see which one fits then buy it.

Click to expand...

None! ;o)
I don't think any hardware store sells a hollow ground screwdriver. It's do-it- yourself proposition.

I have been trying to find a screwdriver that will fit the little set screws on the rear sight of a CVA Mountain Rifle they have different size slots and are very narrow

I have a big set from Brownells. They will fit anything, including top hammer screws.