Although many have used the drill press method to remove such screws as this discussion is about, it is not as safe and as good a method as using screwdrivers that are robust and have shafts that allow a "Crescent" style adjustable wrench to be attached to the flat shaft of said screwdrivers. When I lived in England 25 years ago I learned about the wonderful Crown cabinet makers screwdrivers that are made in Sheffield, England and that many UK gunmakers use. Now 25 years lather with the Web we can see videos of British gunmakers and if you are observant you are going to see these cabinet maker screw drivers on or around their work bench.
Just last week I used one of Crown cabinet makers screwdrivers to remove such a screw from a 1908 Lancaster Wrist Breaker shotgun that had been sitting in a closet in England for more than 50 years. Using a Crown cabinet makers screwdriver with a flat shaft along with the Crescent wrench allows you to place the gun down on your wooden work bench (with protection added to prevent movement and scratching) and apply the pressured needed downward and the twisting motion is applied with your left hand via the Crescent wrench.
This Lancaster gun was especially difficult and I had to place the action of the gun in my vise wooden jaws and have the buttstock rest upon the leather padded gunsmith bench "horse" to accomplish the task. I keep a piece of thick leather on the work bench to place in the wooden jaws for further protection when needed. A workbench horse made in the traditional British gunmakers style is a must have for safety and protection to limit damage to guns.
https://www.crowntoolsusa.com/categories/screwdriversI have two sets of the Crown cabinet makers screwdrivers because I do not ever want to be without them. I also have several sets of hand made gunmakers screwdrivers of the more traditional design that all gunsmiths learn to make as an apprentice. But when all else fails I go to the Crown set. You do have to grind and file the tips to your desired style and on one set I re-heat treated the tips after shaping for about 1 inch in length upon the shaft. The handles on the Crown screwdrivers are also designed for maximum grip of the hands as they are oval with the long side of the oval aligned with the flats of the screwdriver shaft for no slip use. When I have terrible bad tight screw I place a leather glove on my right hand to hold the screwdriver handle.
If someone wants to see how the Crown cabinet maker screwdrivers are shaped and heat treated for gun use, send me a pm with your email address and I will take some photos of some of them and send to you. I can send photo of a workbench horse as well.
Merry Christmas to all.
Kindest Regards;
Stephen Howell
