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I've been lucky so far, but realize I'm playing with fire to keep working on my milsurps without a good set of screwdrivers.
I'm finding it hard to get a consensus, so at the risk of muddying the waters even further, what's the best "basic" set in your experience?
Dont know if they sell in Canada, but Reca-Norm has excellent tools.
Here`s a link only in german but if you see it you will know if this brand is available in Canada too
RECA NORM - Schrauben, Werkzeuge, Normteile
Regards
Gunner
stahlwille are probably the best you can buy. They would have distributors in canada I expect. They're very expensive but are superb.
The ones you make yourself. When I trained as a gunmaker in the UK you were expected to make your own tools and turnscrews (close fitting screwdrivers) had to be a perfect fit in the screw heads. which we also made.
For gunscrews you definitely want a set with "hollow ground" bits. I have used the 8 driver set from Grace Metal for years but sets with interchangeable bits are available as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by RangeRover
A square or hex section on the shaft is nice if a particularly stubborn screw mandates the use of a wrench for extra torque.
If you want to get an idea of what's available in this line you can google "hollow ground screwdriver sets" or just go to Brownells.com.
A basic set may run from $30.00US. I would not pay a lot extra to get giant set full of torx, hex and other 'oddball bits'. If you need those bits just pick up a set at Sears.
Regards,
Jim
Go to Home Depot, Find the Husky HD-74501 V, which is an excellent small multiscrewdriver.
It has 4 phillips, 4 slotted tips. The steel in the tips is very hard, much better than most "precision" or "jeweler's screwdrivers".
Starter set from Brownell's or if you have the money the master set. :thup:
World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS
My Wheeler set from Midway work great.
B
Chapman MFG Tools
very good tools.
I have both a set of Grace screw drivers and Chapman's. Both are well made. I prefer the Grace because its much easier to pick up another screw driver than change bits back & forth when working with different size screw slots. Ditto on using a driver than fits tightly in the slot.
Don't buy the Winchester set from Brownell's. The day it arrived, I put a bit in and removed it, out comes the magnet from the driver. Ok so driver is junk, no biggie. I'll just use my Craftsman, fits in the case and all. Then the smaller bits one by on started to bend. I was using the correct size. Ok I say it wasn't that much money. When the 1/4 inch slotted tip snapped I was really not a happy camper. So from purchase date to ruin was about a month. Junk, Junk, Junk.
I would bet that all the "Big Name" companies sets are the same. Chinese junk. I have some old wood handled screw drivers, unknown maker, that my dad gave me that I have used on pretty much everything in my house and garage that are bulletproof (pun intended). Thats what I'm looking for. Good post. I will be looking for some of the brands mentioned here.
Brownells, the center of the universe for gunsmithing tools. Nicest screwdriver sets ever. You'll only cry buying it once.
Tom
monkeycanada is right on the money. I have been grinding my own for years. You will never get a set that fits everything. Get a good 8 inch x (at least) 3/4 wheel with a fine grit and grind them slowly, cooling them often. Make a mark on the wheel cover (or where ever its convenient) so you can place the tool at the same place every time. Heat and quench, draw and polish. Use some casenit if you want. Get some old drivers and practice and you will never regret it. I even use old medium files and chain saw files to make small drivers, punches, and the big drivers for scope mount screws. A small high speed buffer with some polishing compound will take the sharpe edges off and save maring your counterbored screw holes. I like to make mine with straight sides also.
There is no doubt in my mind who makes the best set for gunsmithing. Its Grace USA. They have their own sight but cabelas and cheaperthandirt.com carries them too. love them