Need to get a good gunsmithing screwdriver set. Looking at the Wheeler(Deluxe) or Brownell's(Magna-tip). Any idea where the Wheeler set is made??? I've heard good things about it, but I'm willing to pay an extra few bucks for one made in the USA if the Wheeler is Asia-made!!!
Screwdriver Set
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Go to Home Depot and buy a screwdriver. Grind it to size if you have to. Smithies don't use the kits.
smart aleck
I simply asked for an honest evaluation of the Wheeler set and whether or not it was American made. I wouldn't use a Home Depot screwdriver to work on my truck, much less one of my guns. Anyone out there who would like to give a non smart-aleck answer, your input would be greatly appreciated!!!
I simply asked for an honest evaluation of the Wheeler set and whether or not it was American made. I wouldn't use a Home Depot screwdriver to work on my truck, much less one of my guns. Anyone out there who would like to give a non smart-aleck answer, your input would be greatly appreciated!!!
Well, here's an answer that took me 30 years to learn, sometimes the hard way. Spend what is (in the long term) short money up front and buy a Brownells set. They have a couple of different size sets. There is NO substitute for a truly properly fitting, properly ground, properly hardened bit. Ask all the screws I've managed to bugger over the years, despite best efforts and care.
"Smithies don't use the kits."
Oh, yes we most certainly DO.
I prefer the Brownell's for a number of reasons.
First, the quality is there. These are VERY well made bits, and the handles come in several sizes.
Personally, I prefer the "law enforcement" size. The big handle is too big to control for most work, and the "stubby" handle is too short get a proper grip on.
Second, the bits are VERY hard, and if you over stress the screw, the bit is usually what breaks, not an expensive and hard to get gun screw.
Third, they make a very wide assortment of bits in both widths, and thicknesses.
Last, break a bit and Brownell's will replace it FREE. You don't even have to send it in, just email them and they'll send you a replacement.
The single most important and often used gunsmith's tool is a screwdriver, and the Brownell's Magna-Tip has proven itself to me for a good many years.
Oh, yes we most certainly DO.
I prefer the Brownell's for a number of reasons.
First, the quality is there. These are VERY well made bits, and the handles come in several sizes.
Personally, I prefer the "law enforcement" size. The big handle is too big to control for most work, and the "stubby" handle is too short get a proper grip on.
Second, the bits are VERY hard, and if you over stress the screw, the bit is usually what breaks, not an expensive and hard to get gun screw.
Third, they make a very wide assortment of bits in both widths, and thicknesses.
Last, break a bit and Brownell's will replace it FREE. You don't even have to send it in, just email them and they'll send you a replacement.
The single most important and often used gunsmith's tool is a screwdriver, and the Brownell's Magna-Tip has proven itself to me for a good many years.
Yup, any good smith will use the proper tool for the job, including spending the money on a set of proper screw drivers.
Personaly I like and use the Brownells magna tip set.
Personaly I like and use the Brownells magna tip set.
XavierBreath
Member
I use Brownell's Magna-Tips too, and agree wholeheartedly with what dfaris has said. I, too, prefer the Law Enforcement handle, and I order my bits separately by the sizes I use most frequently.
I have made tools before. I still make then when there are no other alternatives. that is not the case with gunsmith screwdrivers. There is no reason not to buy the best screwdrivers available, and many, many reasons why you should not use anything less.
I have made tools before. I still make then when there are no other alternatives. that is not the case with gunsmith screwdrivers. There is no reason not to buy the best screwdrivers available, and many, many reasons why you should not use anything less.
I'm not a professional "gunsmith" but I do work on my personal guns and I use Brownell's MagnaTip set. After buying all three handles, the mid length law enforcement handle seems to get used most often. The stubby handle goes into my range bag and the long handle collects dust on the shelf.
Problem I had whenever trying to grind a screwdriver to fit is that I usually destroyed the temper or couldn't get flat surfaces on the bit or both. So I gave up and bought the Brownell set.
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
Problem I had whenever trying to grind a screwdriver to fit is that I usually destroyed the temper or couldn't get flat surfaces on the bit or both. So I gave up and bought the Brownell set.
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
Thanks guys!! Sounds like you're all very happy with the Brownell's set. I've pretty much decided to go whole hog and just get the 58 bit "master super-set". (A little pricey, but looks like quality stuff that should last me the next few decades) I'm just waiting for the set with the LE handle to be back in stock (looks like all the sets with this handle are out, must be pretty popular.)
Do yourself a favor and buy the thin tip add on set, and every special bit they have for scope work. Nothing beats the best. I've been using Brownell's magna- tips over 30 years. I have hundreds of screw drivers that collect dust, but not the magna-tips. Look at each special bit in the catalog and think about weather you will have a need for it. Sorry I can tell you nothing about the other brand, as I have never needed to look any further.
mrmeval
Member
If you absolutely have to grind a screw driver blade you will need to re heat treat it. A friend can do it by eye but of course you'll have to remove it from the handle and do the work and rehandle it. Not very easy and you might as well just use rod stock heat treatable and make one and put a handle on it.
That Brownells is a steal.
That Brownells is a steal.
Agree, I finally broke down and bought that one, too. Don't forget the "specialty" bits, like the thin #2 phillips for avoiding fouling up recoil pads when removing/installing the screws.
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