Are there any screwdriver sets you all would recommend? I had some sticker shock after first looking them up, so I thought it would be a good idea to get some input before spending the money.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Gunsmithing screwdrivers
- Thread starter TobJohn
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I've used Brownell's hollow ground bits for years. Started out back in the early 70's with a basic set, have added numerous bits and handles over the years. Have bought lot of bits over the years oversize then grind to specific widths. Brownell's has a set of really super thin bits, various withs for really super thin screws. Brownell's are a little pricey at times, but quality stuff. Chapman makes a number of pretty good sets that appear to be good quality, a friend has a set. Wheeler as 'hawkenhunter50' posted also has good quality products, I've a few of them. MidwayUSA has gunscrew sets available also. The 'Grace' non-bit style screwdrivers are nice. I've two sets of them bought over the years, good quality.
Is that overkill if I only need them for traditional muzzleloaders, or is it a “buy once cry once” situation
That set has some specialty bits that if only working o muzzleloaders is probably a bit overkill, but you get an excellent selection of various width bits that the smaller sets don't cover.
Bought this set from Midway years back. I am no professional smith dealing with a huge variety of guns. This set for less than $20 has worked well for me. I added a couple of nut drivers to it over time.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007360766?pid=297593
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007360766?pid=297593
64Springer
75 Cal.
From muzzleloaders to unmauserables to magazine fed unmentionables, this is a great little set.
Another shout out for the Wheelers set. I also have their torque screwdriver and trigger pull measurer. Good quality.
If a person is sure they won't need a large assortment of bits and such in the coming years, the smaller sets of whatever brand will work. Ifin the smaller sets won't offer enough variety, then the bigger sets while more dollars will be cheaper in the long run. If I had bought one of the bigger sets at the time from Brownells back in the day I'd have saved $$ instead of buying additional handles and bits over the years. Same as buying a gun safe, they always are too small down the road unless ya can control gun buying.
The standard bits for flat screws are the important sets and bits to have and of good quality. Cheap bit's are to soft for gun work. Phillips and Torx bits can be bought sometimes cheaper and of good quality at hardware/big box stores cheaper than some of the major gunsmith type brands and sets. Buying additional bits after you've bought a set of some kind will not have holes for more bits. I've taken hardwood boards, drilled holes, and applied a coat of finish to the bit wood. Same thing I've seen being sold for a $10 bill from suppliers.
The standard bits for flat screws are the important sets and bits to have and of good quality. Cheap bit's are to soft for gun work. Phillips and Torx bits can be bought sometimes cheaper and of good quality at hardware/big box stores cheaper than some of the major gunsmith type brands and sets. Buying additional bits after you've bought a set of some kind will not have holes for more bits. I've taken hardwood boards, drilled holes, and applied a coat of finish to the bit wood. Same thing I've seen being sold for a $10 bill from suppliers.
I wouldn't buy the massive wheeler set there are a bunch of bits in that set you'll never use. The smaller Wheeler or Brownell's sets will have most everything you'll need.
grace screwdrivers are the best! they also will replace them with no questions asked if for any reason they need to be! they are made in America, and they have beautiful, wooded handles. what's not to love,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Johnny Tremain
Silversmith in training
Bought a Grace set about 2000, everyone still works like they were new.
Bought the Marlin set, works well on Winchesters and Piettas too.
Bought the Marlin set, works well on Winchesters and Piettas too.
The bit sets are nice, but can be expensive. If you have a bench grinder, a cheaper but just as viable route is to buy screwdrivers (they are everywhere at yardsales and fleamarkets) and grind the heads parallel your self.
chapman makes good stuff.... made in U.S.A.
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I have a small Chapmans set in my range bag and a large Brownells in the shop. Happy with both. Buggered up screws really frost me. To have a professional remove a screw that has broken off will cost more than a good set of gunsmith screwdrivers. Cry once for a lifetime investment.
Well, not once have I had anything grabbed from my hand when properly using a bench grinder. If this happens to you frequently, you probably need to check your technique. Even Brownells recommends grinding their bit heads to fit odd sized screw slots.
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Been building for 30 years, these are all you’ll ever need.
