Gunsmith screwdrivers are "hollow" ground , not tapered like a normal store bought driver. They grab the screws tons better than the normal variety.

 

That is a fact. A lot of gun screws have been ruined by "tapered" screwdrivers.

 

The advantage of a gunsmith tool kit is that you get several different bits in the sizes most often used on guns. As mentioned above, you want a bit with parallel rather than tapered sides... that makes it easier for you to keep the driver all the way down in the slot. The different sizes in the kit let you choose one that fits the slot snugly... not play that will lead to "bite marks" in the slot from a bit that is too small.

You don't have to get a gunsmith kit. You can find the bits at most hardware stores. Just make sure they look like the one below, and get them in the sizes that fit the screws on your gun.... or get the kit as it will have a good selection of bits.

 

Home Depot sells their Husky brand mini kit with something like 37 bits, including some Allen and Torx, and it is actually not bad and only $5. it is not a Wheeler set but if you are on a budget or just starting out, like I was 2 years ago, it does the job for about 98% of the screw I need to turn. The other 2% I go to my smith or borrow a screwdriver from him.
9 fingers

 

I have owned a Chapman set for nearly 30 years and I dont believe I have broken or bent a single tip in all that time. I have owned a couple others during that time that have not been nearly as good or versatile. Many of the cheapies are ground correctly but are very soft. I have actually had them bend then slip off a screw and bugger it. Spend the extra $, buy a Chapman you will have it forever.

 

+1 for the Chapman set. It's nice set. I had one for years but sold it because I used my Bonanza GS screwdrivers more. I do miss the Chapman set at times but I have plenty ratcheting screw drivers and bits too.

 

I purchased the Master Set from Brownells and I have not once regretted it after opening the box. It is the one kit you will use for the a very long time. The only addition I had to add was for a set of Torx bits.

 

Same here! A second smaller more basic set stays in my range bag.

 

i've used them all and the Wheeler is best bang for the $. LOTS of bits decent handles and you get 2 not one like a lot of kits. lots of specialty bits that you may never use BUT your buddies might need one sometime.

Chapman and Brownells ARE better screw drivers BUT not enough to justify for most folks.

 

One "screw" up with the wrong screwdriver can pay for a nice Wheeler set.

 

Screwdrivers

I bought a Brownells Master Super Set gunsmith screwdrivers along with a set of thin bits over 30 years ago and have never found a screw that they would not fit.

Only problem I had was the case wore out. I ended up taking a maple board I had and cutting into smaller segments and drilling a bunch (I think 1/4") holes in it and sticking all the bits in the holes. Found a plastic case to put em in and marked it "DON'T ANYONE USE" so my kids, and now my grandkids would not screw em up (excuse the pun) or even use. Keep em in my gun safe.

I don't remember what I paid for em. Looking at the catalogue now though to get both sets probably would run close to $175. If I figure with inflation that they were expensive back in the day it is still one of the best investments I ever made--guns or not.

noremf(George)

 

You want a parallel ground tip that fits the head tight. I cannot tell you how many screws I replace due to people using knives, coins, keys, and the wrong drivers. I personally have Brownells and Grace drivers in the shop and a generic set from Gander Mountain in the range box. You don't need to spend a fortune on them, just get the size you need.

 

I have a Brownells big master set and love it. BUT, I got along for years prior to owning that set with a Klien 10 way screw/nut driver from Home Depot. It is also hollow ground and fits most stuff you will encounter. I have one in my range bag still.

 

This is a good place to start. Then you have to get sae and metric hex sets, stars, 1/4 wrench sets, etc. ........ and I'm still buying tools, and have been for a long, long time. My kids will probably sell them in a garage sale. I will come back and haunt them. lol!

http://www.battenfeldtechnologies.c...ler-engineering/catalog.asp?product=professional-gunsmith-screwdriver-set-89-pc

 

You can have my Brownells Master set (with extra torx and allen bits) when you pry it from my cold dead fingers.......