This is a discussion on Tool kit for the Amatuer Smith within the Gunsmithing forums, part of the Firearm Forum category; Brownell's has a screw driver set that is the end all gun owners super set. Nothing worse than buggering up a screw end on a ...
Brownell's has a screw driver set that is the end all gun owners super set. Nothing worse than buggering up a screw end on a fine firearm. Its called The Magna-Tip Professional Super Set from Brownell’s, regular straight screwdrivers have no place near a gun. Gun screws need a hollow ground bit so that the pressure is evenly placed within the entire slot, to avoid marring the screw head and ruining the looks of, and hurting the value of, a good firearm. While a gun owner who only occasionally disassembles a firearm for lubrication and cleaning may not need a huge assortment of different sized screwdrivers, he needs more than he thinks he does. If the screwdriver does not properly and snugly fit the screw, the screw head can be damaged, and the gun can be devalued by a considerable amount of money. Buggered screws make the difference between a nine hundred dollar gun, and a six hundred dollar gun. While screws can sometimes be reshaped or replaced, screws like that tell a potential buyer that some careless idiot has been messing around inside the firearm, probably playing wild and reckless with a Dremel Tool. Besides ruining the looks of a gun screw, not using the proper screwdriver can also gouge or scrape the metal surrounding the screw, or even cause the screw head to break off, which can lead to all kinds of aggravation. The Magna-Tip Professional Super Set, which is built to be the ultimate screwdriver set for professional gunsmiths, it is also entirely suited for use by anyone who owns more than a couple of different guns. Again, if you are going to turn a screw on a nice firearm, it is very important to use a proper screwdriver, to preserve the value of the gun, and to get the job done with minimal frustration. The Magna-Tip Professional Super Set comes with seven different handles of various lengths and configurations. Two of the handles have a hollow section to allow the user to throw in a few bits to conveniently take to the range. Besides the six fixed handles, there is a dandy ratcheting handle with a T-shaped grip, that is ideal for use on scope rings and such. In the Super Set, there are 120 different bits. Over half of these are straight, or slotted if you prefer, bits of various widths and thicknesses. There are eleven Torx bits, which are handy around many modern firearms, and especially on scope ring screws. There are seventeen Allen head bits, four Phillips, several specialty bits to fit screws like S&W rear sight nuts and Ruger scope ring-to-base clamp screws. Also included is a square tip bit, and a special bit to remove and install grip screw bushings on 1911 style pistols. There is also an adaptor to allow the handles to fit one-quarter inch drive socket wrenches, plus a shotgun choke tube wrench, and a few others that I do not know what they fit, but am sure to need someday. All of the bits and handles store in a sturdy synthetic Delrin bench block that allows instant access to all the bits and handles. The bits are properly hardened for durability, but should one ever break, Brownell’s will replace it at no charge. Same guarantee covers the handles. They are guaranteed forever. You can’t beat that.
You can also order a optional torque wrench, which allows tightening the screw to the exact desired tightness. The torque wrench is adjustable from ten to seventy inch pounds, in one pound increments. It is easy to adjust, and easy to use. It is especially handy to get gun screws and scope base screws properly tightened, and to assure that all the screws are tightened evenly.
DO NOT use the regular screwdrivers for ANY gun. Get a good set of gunsmith screwdrivers. Grace or Weaver sets are very good and sold by Brownells or Midway. They will protect the gun from unwanted scratches (slipped driver) or damaged screw slots.
Looking at screwdriver sets I think the Wheeler set will fit my budget. The set Brownell's has looks awesome and weldermyass described it better than Brownell's does but at over $300 I'll have to leave that one for the pros. I'm going to get a better hammer/mallet and perhaps a full set of punches. And a better vise too.
Thanks for the tip on using a roll of tape for removing a pin - I get it now. Great idea.
Great stuff - thanks! I hesitated to post the question but now I'm glad I did.
One thing I considered from the start is making everything compact. I have only the tools that I need for my specific guns. Good for me that Wheeler bits are sold individually. Seven bits and a handle covered the screwdrivers. Only exception is a brass punch set I've kept complete.
I have a 20" Flambeau toolbox that holds all of my tools and cleaning gear, with room to spare.
One thing I considered from the start is making everything compact. I have only the tools that I need for my specific guns. Good for me that Wheeler bits are sold individually. Seven bits and a handle covered the screwdrivers. Only exception is a brass punch set I've kept complete.
I have a 20" Flambeau toolbox that holds all of my tools and cleaning gear, with room to spare.
bearcatter, you are the model of efficiency my friend! (Why shoot a Single-Six when a Bearcat will do? ) Too late for me. I already ordered the Wheeler set for $63 and change from Amazon's. (Amazon keeps surprising me with the gun stuff they have at better prices than from places like Midway and free shipping to boot.) At this rate I'll have to trade in my little tackle box on a big rolling Snap-On tool chest....
I guess I should had read all the posts, lol. Smitty already made the point to never use regular screw drivers. I get long winded some times. Of course the price has come up since I bought mine. I am of the school that tools are and should be a one time purchace. And the bigger point is to use the right tool for the job and a good gunsmiths screw driver set is a must in my book. Good luck to you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Waveform
Looking at screwdriver sets I think the Wheeler set will fit my budget. The set Brownell's has looks awesome and weldermyass described it better than Brownell's does but at over $300 I'll have to leave that one for the pros. I'm going to get a better hammer/mallet and perhaps a full set of punches. And a better vise too.
I have a blue plastic block from Brownells that works great, especially for knocking pins out. I also have a black plastic one made specifically for 1911's and two can be used together as vise jaws. I've got a great little gunsmiths file set from Home Depot. Then there's the venerable Dremel tool. I have an Energizer headband LED flashlight for handsfree work. A cheap, but cool fiber optic bore light from Cabelas. A really handy gimbaled vise that clamps on to a workbench. A go no-go tool for checking headspace on a .45 and a plunger tube staking tool. A couple of really handy springhook tools, a torque wrench, a laser projecting level that I bought for scope leveling. I just bought a Leupold Zero Point magnetic boresighter that is the best one I've seen. A set of electronic digial calipers and other assorted special tools. I have a set similar to what you have reserved for working on guns and tons of tools I've collected over the year as a mechanic and other repair/service jobs I've had over the years.
I recently built a DIY 1911 with just the tools mentioned above and it turned out great.
Don't know if this helps you or not. Most things on pistols can be done with a small hammer, soft metal or brass punch set, good screwdrivers, needle nosed pliers and a machinist or gunsmith set of files. That's what I recommended to my son that just started gun tinkering.
What's the main thing you plan to work on?
Last edited by jlh820; October 11th, 2012 at 01:08 AM.
One other note, i know the OP has ordered a very nice screwdriver set and the value of having and properly using gunsmith screwdrivers, but for someone on a budget, you can get a small inexpensive set made by Winchester from Wally World.
I guess I should had read all the posts, lol. Smitty already made the point to never use regular screw drivers. I get long winded some times. Of course the price has come up since I bought mine. I am of the school that tools are and should be a one time purchace. And the bigger point is to use the right tool for the job and a good gunsmiths screw driver set is a must in my book. Good luck to you.
weldermyass, thanks again for the tip on the proper screwdrivers and I really drooled over the Brownell's kit. Just wish it wasn't so expensive - with the torque handle the price is $420 and I just couldn't justify it. I hope I'll be satisfied with the Wheeler set. Folks here like it but there were some pretty negative reviews on Amazon. There were some good reviews on Amazon too - strange how one guy loves a product while another calls it worthless junk!
I have a blue plastic block from Brownells that works great, especially for knocking pins out. I also have a black plastic one made specifically for 1911's and two can be used together as vise jaws. I've got a great little gunsmiths file set from Home Depot. Then there's the venerable Dremel tool. I have an Energizer headband LED flashlight for handsfree work. A cheap, but cool fiber optic bore light from Cabelas. A really handy gimbaled vise that clamps on to a workbench. A go no-go tool for checking headspace on a .45 and a plunger tube staking tool. A couple of really handy springhook tools, a torque wrench, a laser projecting level that I bought for scope leveling. I just bought a Leupold Zero Point magnetic boresighter that is the best one I've seen. A set of electronic digial calipers and other assorted special tools. I have a set similar to what you have reserved for working on guns and tons of tools I've collected over the year as a mechanic and other repair/service jobs I've had over the years.
I recently built a DIY 1911 with just the tools mentioned above and it turned out great.
Don't know if this helps you or not. Most things on pistols can be done with a small hammer, soft metal or brass punch set, good screwdrivers, needle nosed pliers and a machinist or gunsmith set of files. That's what I recommended to my son that just started gun tinkering.
What's the main thing you plan to work on?
jlh820, lots of good suggestions there - thanks! I have a few of those things already and a garage full of tools I've collected over the years for the work I do and general handyman stuff. I ordered a Lyman punch set and a better hammer along with the Wheeler screwdriver set. The headband flashlight is a great idea - think I'll pick one up at Home Depot and look for smaller files there. I picked up a few there but they're still kinda big.
I'll look around for a better vise but the clamp-on sounds like the way to go for now.
The main thing I've been working on is revolvers - replacing pinned front sights, replacing springs, cleaning up the trigger group. Nothing too ambitious - like the 1911 you built! I've checked in on our your progress with that project and it has turned out great! Very impressive.
Thanks for the help. I'm gonna need a much bigger tool box....
Originally Posted by Waveform
Looking at screwdriver sets I think the Wheeler set will fit my budget. The set Brownell's has looks awesome and weldermyass described it better than Brownell's does but at over $300 I'll have to leave that one for the pros. I'm going to get a better hammer/mallet and perhaps a full set of punches. And a better vise too.
Wave
Hang on a second. You don't have to buy the Brownells "Every thing possible" kit of gunsmith screwdrivers. I started out with a very inexpensive smaller set and then as time went on I was always adding to that set. Specialty drivers like the single action screws for a Bisley with it's hex drive and split drive for the ejector rod housing screw. Then there's a bit for the ejector rod latch assemble of a Ruger SRH cylinder. And various other specialty bits. Some where along the ride I added a set of torx bits, allen bits, long phillips bits that are made to fit through a recoil pad and reach the screws there. It's taken me awhile but I have a fair amount of their total production now, but I'm still missing several other bits that as of yet I've not come accross the need for. In fact, when I get a new gun, I check my bin of bits and see what is needed for that particular firearm. I then order a hollow handle driver and bits for just that gun. That way if I need to work on a SRH I grab the SRH screwdriver which will have all the bits I need for that one gun. So yes I do have duplicates, buy I don't run the risk of misplacing them since they are set up for each different gun. Works like a champ and I didn't have to go to the poor house to get it. Brownells doesn't care if you order one bit or fifty, just get the ones you actually need. But do start with a small starter set to get you going. Smithy.
That's a good suggestion Smithy - thanks. I did already order the Wheeler set since it was $63 at Amazon and free shipping. It looks like it will cover a lot of applications but there were some poor reviews on Amazon too so we'll see. I'm sure it's made in China and not the very best quality. If I'm disappointed in it enough I may do what you suggest and go back to Brownell's and build it up as I go based on need.
Since I started to do more and more fiddling around with my guns (beyond routine cleaning) I started to assemble a separate tool kit just for that purpose. Here's a photo of what I have so far but I wondered what others have found useful/indespensible in their tool box?
I would be lost without my 1/16" punch and love my new "Ruger popper". What else do I need?
Wave
That is a nice starter set-up...and there are some excellent suggestions here!
I am building a wooden work-bench, in the basement, primarily for 'smithing when friends bring their guns over...but to be used for other purposes as well! I think I'm really building it to have my tools out and easily accessible so I don't have to open and close a tool box everytime I want to do something...sort of an expensive way to do something simply because I'm lazy...but setting up and putting away everytime takes a lot of time! With little fingers around (ages 4 & 5) I prefer to have them 'up and away'!
) Too late for me. I already ordered the Wheeler set for $63 and change from Amazon's. (Amazon keeps surprising me with the gun stuff they have at better prices than from places like Midway and free shipping to boot.) At this rate I'll have to trade in my little tackle box on a big rolling Snap-On tool chest....
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