Thread: Screwdriver advice

I'm looking at getting a set of decent screwdrivers for working on my firearms. What's a good set & what are you guys using. Are the sets with the interchangeable bits (wheeler etc) any good or am l better getting proper screwdriver?

You need a torque screw driver


I got a Jonesway set from BNT and that covers every possible bit requirement

I have a bahco set that work well,includes small ratchet set as well.

Wiha or Klein torque drivers, or just plain screwdrivers are awesome.

Having worked in a few gun shops I've played with a few different drivers and bits.

Most scope rings under $150 including those that come in packages on air rifles .22s and budget centrefire rifles are a little soft. The best method I've found for tightening these is to use the driver that usually comes with them, put some locktite on the screw and then carefully do it up until it feels tight. Decent driver bits tend to cut the heads in these screws, I think because they aren't quite proper size.

Once you get into decent screws the proper driver bits work well, the likes of Bacho, Kingchrome,etc are better than the wheeler ones I've found. Never had trouble with the Wheeler fat wrench torque wrench though.

Older guns with slotted and to a lesser extent Phillips screws are definitely harder, with slotted heads grinding something to fit is a good idea. I've always found Stanley screwdrivers (only used at home) best for Phillips however I've gotten away with just using cheap mixed bit driver sets at work.

To end my rather lengthy post (sorry) I'll say any screwdriver is improved with a healthy dose of penetrating oil to the screw and some patience for the operator.

If you have slotted screws (lever actions...) on the firearms you want to work on, make sure you get a decent set with hollow ground slotted bits.

What @minns2 said.
I mostly use a screwdriver with interchangable bits. Then grinding a bit down is not so bad if it is only good for one screw...

Also whatever I find along the way.
i dont think in my 41 years I have ever brought a brand new screw driver! (except for my drill/driver kit)

Ducks nuts is a Snapon ratcheting driver, the Bluepoint bit assortment and a 1/4 drive Warren and Brown torque wrench.

Brownell's Magna-Tip pieces are the greatest.

These are created in the United States and are of the highest quality available.
They have a wider range of sizes than anybody else, and you seldom have to grind a bit to obtain a great fit.
Professional gunsmiths value their time, and we don't want to waste it grinding a bit when we can acquire one that's already produced and fits well.
Grinding a bit is sometimes necessary, but not frequently with the Brownell's.

If you ever break a bit, shoot an email to Brownell's and they'll send you a replacement for free.
So it's "Buy once, cry once," since you'll only have to buy a bit once for the rest of your life.
I propose purchasing two "law enforcement" size handles, one magnetic and one clip-grip retention. You'll make use of both.
Many people believe that magnetic retention handles are all that is required, but the last thing you want is a screw that won't come out of the driver.
The law enforcement size is ideal for solid control and no slippage, as with larger grips.
Small sets, large master sets, and individual sets of three or four bits that match a certain gun are available.
Purchase the largest set you can afford, and then purchase additional sizes as needed to round out the set.
In contrast to the Chapman sets, the Brownell's are long enough to fit into holes such as the screw holes on single action trigger guards and back straps.
Try it with most sets, and you'll gouge the holes' edges.
As previously stated, the Brownell's are high-quality American-made products, but the Midway Wheeler sets are Chinese-made and are nowhere near the quality of the Brownell's.
You get what you pay for, and the Brownell's pieces are significantly less expensive than purchasing a pricey and difficult-to-find gun screw.
Customers are also dissatisfied with dented and gouged firearms and dinked up screw slots.

I've had a Brownell set for over 30 year's. Comes with two magnetic screw drivers to hold the bits, one medium length, one a stubby. I've broken about 7 or 8 bits in that time. I didn't know that Brownell would replace broken bits.

I use a high quality English made Norbar 1/4" torque wrench for rings, bases and action screws, which has been great. They cost plenty though.

I got a "Great Neck" set and they have been really good. Apparently they are designed to break or burr over so you don't snap off the screw in its hole. Some do look a bit burred now. I think it was Hand Tool House (a shop in Frankton, Hamilton).

I put them in the F.A.T wrench. Which comes with a very limited range of imperial bits. I find the FAT very clunky with no feel and
I'm not that confident the tightness is really the same every time. but being an amateur, it lets me tighten screws without too much danger of breaking stuff.

Originally Posted by WilliamJackson1961

Brownell's Magna-Tip pieces are the greatest.

These are created in the United States and are of the highest quality available.
They have a wider range of sizes than anybody else, and you seldom have to grind a bit to obtain a great fit.
Professional gunsmiths value their time, and we don't want to waste it grinding a bit when we can acquire one that's already produced and fits well.
Grinding a bit is sometimes necessary, but not frequently with the Brownell's.

If you ever break a bit, shoot an email to Brownell's and they'll send you a replacement for free.
So it's "Buy once, cry once," since you'll only have to buy a bit once for the rest of your life.
I propose purchasing two "law enforcement" size handles, one magnetic and one clip-grip retention. You'll make use of both.
Many people believe that magnetic retention handles are all that is required, but the last thing you want is a screw that won't come out of the driver.
The law enforcement size is ideal for solid control and no slippage, as with larger grips.
Small sets, large master sets, and individual sets of three or four bits that match a certain gun are available.
Purchase the largest set you can afford, and then purchase additional sizes as needed to round out the set.
In contrast to the Chapman sets, the Brownell's are long enough to fit into holes such as the screw holes on single action trigger guards and back straps.
Try it with most sets, and you'll gouge the holes' edges.
As previously stated, the Brownell's are high-quality American-made products, but the Midway Wheeler sets are Chinese-made and are nowhere near the quality of the Brownell's.
You get what you pay for, and the Brownell's pieces are significantly less expensive than purchasing a pricey and difficult-to-find gun screw.
Customers are also dissatisfied with dented and gouged firearms and dinked up screw slots.

as far as first posts go.....

not bad, welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by PadLo

Wiha or Klein torque drivers, or just plain screwdrivers are awesome.

Way to go, buy them from an electrical supplier. One of the few things electricians get right Felo are nice as well
King chrome and modern Sidchrome and Teng are crap

Originally Posted by Mauser308

The big Wheeler set have multiple sets of widths of flathead drivers, and each width comes in several thicknesses so you don't need to grind anything to fit (its all there).

Will still need torx and allen heads though.

What's the quality of the Wheeler sets like? I'd prefer to buy locally & they seems to be the most commonly available. I need to get up the road & check out the electrical supply shops.

If going to an electrical wholesaler take lots of dosh. The set below runs between $130 and $154 depending upon you relationship with the wholesaler. You won't get much variety with your 6 piece set.