I need a recommendation for professional grade gunsmith screwdrivers

[Fly Navy]

I sound like a broken record, but like most everyone else I use Brownells.

 

[Mogadishu Meanderer]

Yup, had all three of them, Wheeler, Chapman and Brownells! Brownells beats them all on quality and versatility! The Brownells handle is designed to provide awesome torque as well and the tip específico selection is great!

 

[Mulemauler]

Magna-tip from Brownells! I've used them for over 20 years. If one breaks or gets twisted they replace them.

 

[jefair1]

I use the Wheeler set. Haven't had any problems.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Brownell's. Enuf said.

 

[ord sgt]

I have used the interchangable bits from Brownellls for close to thirty years. Number one reason is this, they have a bit to fit almost every size screw slots on millions of firearms made world wide. Me? I hate to see a buggered screw slot on anything. It shows carelessness on the behalf of the person who removed and replaces screws.

 

[Crow-Feather]

I bought a cheap set of "Winchester" screwdrivers that are woefully lacking in quality. I usually adhere to the adage to "pay once and cry once", but not this time. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Brownells they supply gunsmiths

 

[Mark26mod0]

brownells, the have a snap on warranty.
gazillian makes a very nice set also.

 

[sportster73hp]

Bought mine at Midway. Believe they are the Wheeler. Only problem i have had is finding the set ,keeps disappearing .

 

[bubba.50]

My recommendation is buy a bunch of extra bits of all the thin blade ones no matter what brand you choose.

 

[Joemolf]

Correction to my above post. I think Chapman sells their bits individually as well, though they don't have the full range of sizes Brownells does.

Gus

Chapman was my first set I also recently purchased the complete Brownels set but my go to is still the Chapman 8900 it works on my Colts and all my Flintlocks. Both highly rated I do like the handle, wrench and adapters that come with the Chapman though.

 

[Artificer]

I'm just old enough that I had to make or re-make screwdrivers to fit the screw slots of guns I worked on. I went to antique stores to find 19th century Turnscrews and reshaped the bits to fit 19th century guns I worked on most often. I still have and cherish them, but there are WAY too many different screw slots to cover the modern, antique and repro guns I have owned and used.

I, along with my students at an NRA Gunsmithing Course in the mid 1980's, was gifted a basic set by the Brownells representative who was one of my students. I wound up adding on ALL the upgrade kits to it over the years and that includes the thin bit set. I wouldn't think to do any gun work today without them.

Nowadays, it really is unusual for me to have to make or remake a screwdriver, except for when I want a period correct one.

Gus

 

[French Colonial]

Chapman for me. I have used the included ratchet with a LOT of down pressure and never broke a tip. They are a little pricey but when I have tried cheaper ones I have broken them and been disappointed. Have not tried the Brownells drivers.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

For modern factory repop stuff, Brownells but for old guns or new made guns with hand cut screw heads, I agree with Gus on the re-shaped old turnscrews

 

[Billy Boy]

Correction to my above post. I think Chapman sells their bits individually as well, though they don't have the full range of sizes Brownells does.

Gus

That small ratcheting / reversing wrench in the Chapman kit has saved the creation of thousands of new words…

 

[Versanaut]

Chapman here. And to clarify, you can buy the individual bits to replace as needed.

 

[Woody Morgan]

We have a couple of Weaver kits (Brownell's) and have been happy with them.

wm

 

[Phil Coffins]

Brownell‘s and get an extra handle or two so you can have more then one driver while working.

 

[MSW]

brownell ... pricey but worth it ... cheap tools s*&%

 

[Rawhide67]

I have a set of Lyman gunsmith screwdrivers. They seem to be either too soft or brittle at the tip.