I have a couple of old rifles, Marlin, Winchester, Lee Enfield that I want to disassemble for a proper deep cleaning. They seem to require many varities of flathead screwdriver bits. I know i should get the hollow ground bits but far as brands, what do you guys use and recommend?
Best screwdriver bit set for gunsmithing
- Thread starter Jabol
- Start date
This is the best set I have seen. I purchased a mid-sized set of Brownells Magnatip screwdrivers in about 1988 and I still use them all the time. The bits are well shaped and high quality and will not snap or bend (unless very thin). Replacement bits are available as are specialty bits. I now have two sets (I bought the Magnatip 58 set) and have never regretted the purchase.
Possible that 20 years ago the bits were well made, possibly in US. I was checking the reviews on amazon for the Weaver set and lots of bad reviews, many revolving around the the issue of soft metal causing bending and warping of the bits.
Lee Valley once sold a set of gun smithing bits but recommended that ideally the bits should be filed down for perfect, tight, bottomed out fits in special screws. I have several sets of bits that I've used to do that and would love to say I kept them organized to know which fits where. I'd really love to.
Special note that many of the higher grade double barrelled shotguns (and I assume rifles) are said to require special factory made screw drivers that can only be bought from the gun makers. I'll take their word for that because I would not touch an exterior screw on one of mine with anything harder than a finger, not for love nor money.
Special note that many of the higher grade double barrelled shotguns (and I assume rifles) are said to require special factory made screw drivers that can only be bought from the gun makers. I'll take their word for that because I would not touch an exterior screw on one of mine with anything harder than a finger, not for love nor money.
I just got another email from Lee Valley, and on the latest flier , those where still listed.
I bought a set ,or 2 of Mac wood handled ones years ago at my Massey dealer, those are still good after 40 yrs , thou not hollow ground , easy fix with a proper wheel ( slow speed , fine)
If you work on english guns , the set for those are worth it.
I carry a magnetic no name set when on the road and for standard stuff, hold up very well.
One thing I watch for are poor quality Allan wrenches, as those can cause lots of problems ,if soft and sloppy fit.
I bought a set ,or 2 of Mac wood handled ones years ago at my Massey dealer, those are still good after 40 yrs , thou not hollow ground , easy fix with a proper wheel ( slow speed , fine)
If you work on english guns , the set for those are worth it.
I carry a magnetic no name set when on the road and for standard stuff, hold up very well.
One thing I watch for are poor quality Allan wrenches, as those can cause lots of problems ,if soft and sloppy fit.
Weaver 849719 Deluxe Gunsmith Tool Kit is what I use. I also have a small Chapman set and two "Winchester"sets that Dante included with a pair of 10/22's. I have never had any trouble with any of them, but I am not a gunsmith either.
Last edited:
I can put a word in for Forster gunsmithing screwdrivers, got them from Brownells before they went completely weird over ITAR. But I imagine screwdrivers can still be shipped to Canadians. Good general use set specially made for metal screws. Mine are all slot heads.
BROWNELLS - MAGNA-TIP® BIT SHAPING STONES are handy for 'adjusting' any slotted screwdrivers.
SPECS: ¼" (6.35mm) shank. 25,000 rpm. Large - 1-9⁄16” (3.97cm) dia. x ½" (12.4mm) thick. # 091-001-000WB
Small - 5⁄8" (15.0mm) diameter x ½" (12.4mm) thick. # 091-001-625WB
SPECS: ¼" (6.35mm) shank. 25,000 rpm. Large - 1-9⁄16” (3.97cm) dia. x ½" (12.4mm) thick. # 091-001-000WB
Small - 5⁄8" (15.0mm) diameter x ½" (12.4mm) thick. # 091-001-625WB
