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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 526 Likes: 3
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 526 Likes: 3 |
I am not a gunsmith, but I like to work on broken cheap sxs, Can you please recommend a brand of screwdriver to use? Pete
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 27
Boxlock
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Boxlock
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 27 |
A set of Brownell's mag tip screwdrivers will suit you well. The interchangeable tips provide you with a choice to fit most of your needs. You can also custom grind extra tips to your specific needs.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 918 Likes: 246
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 918 Likes: 246 |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,739 Likes: 97
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,739 Likes: 97 |
brownell's, as referenced above...
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,726 Likes: 49
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,726 Likes: 49 |
I use the Wheeler 72 bit set. It has two drivers, a small one and a larger one for more torque. It has double bits for some of the very thin blades. These blades are ground parallel and are not like regular screw driver with a tapered tip. This is why you see many mangled screws because of using that type.
I work on my L.C. Smiths and Hunter Arms box locks and there are manybe 5-6 bits that I use all the time, but it is nice to know that there are other bits in case I need them.
The trouble with the fixed blade screwdrivers is that maybe one will fit your screw/s and the rest are never used. Trying to grind one to fit is very hard to do correctly and get it parallel to the other face.
Last edited by David Williamson; 03/27/20 01:05 PM.
David
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 518 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 518 Likes: 4 |
I have happily used Brownell's drivers for probably three decades; they have a lifetime warranty. There are others patterned after Brownell's, Wheeler comes to mind.
I once bought a set of Grace drivers - as purchased, they fit nothing. All of the tips required custom grinding/fitting. That is not beyond my capability, but with the Brownell set sitting on the shelf, it is definitely beyond my inclination. Too, the Grace steel was soft and easily bent.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,962 Likes: 89
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,962 Likes: 89 |
Brownells by a wide margin. And also get the set of thin blades. Properly grinding tips is fine but for me its difficult to achieve perfectly parallel sides with equal thickness side to side. For grinding I have a diamond wheel that is chucked in my drill press and I can cinch a turn screw into a small milling vice and sliding it on the drill press table I can maintain a perfectly flat head. Still difficult though. PS: I think one of the main reasons we see screw heads messed up is the slots were not carefully and completely cleaned out before trying to turn them. And a lot of the hundred year old gook in a slot is rock hard. An Exacto blade will clean them up nicely. I usually use a thin piece of brass sheet Ive cut into a V point to dig it out.
Last edited by Joe Wood; 03/27/20 09:19 PM.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,071
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,071 |
PS: I think one of the main reasons we see screw heads messed up is the slots were not carefully and completely cleaned out before trying to turn them. And a lot of the hundred year old gook in a slot is rock hard. An Exacto blade will clean them up nicely. I usually use a thin piece of brass sheet I’ve cut into a V point to dig it out.
Totally agree with this statement. Some of the screw slot depths are not very deep to start with so if they are half filled with hard crud, it sure doesn't leave much for applying pressure with a turnscrew.
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 272 Likes: 56
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 272 Likes: 56 |
Chapman Mfg Co,used a set for years ,been very good!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,146 Likes: 1146
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,146 Likes: 1146 |
I've used a Brownell's set for over thirty years with good results. But, I have never gotten used to that small amount of slop that is in the bit with the magnet holding it in place. Maybe I'm too picky, but I sure would prefer a good handle that held the bit securely, and without any wiggle. At 68 I've got enough "wiggle" of my own. As for the bits, they're good quality.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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