Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set?

[fpatton]

I bought a set of screwdrivers that the vendor said were made up especially by Grace for the Pietta/Uberti revolvers. (Apparently, they were sent some screws as samples to work from.) I have no idea if the story is true, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well they fit the screws in my flintlock pistol project.

They do seem well-made. I used to do some watch repair, and quickly learned the value of a properly fitting screwdriver!

Fred

 

[Artificer]

It just dawned on me that I forgot to mention at least one good set of jeweler's screwdrivers. I actually wound up buying two and I have used every one in both boxes over the years. I think the only time I used them on guns was for clean out screws on Navy Arms UnCivil War Smith Carbine repro's.

However, I have used them many, MANY times to tighten or replace screws in my own eyeglasses as well as for others, and to replace tiny screws in shooting glasses and other uses. I also purchased a couple sets of "eyeglass repair screws" that did not cost much. Then I asked an Optometrist if I could buy a few each of the most common tiny screws for eyeglasses. I keep them in my traveling tool chest and have dipped into those screws on quite a few occasions over the years.

Gus

 

[Rifleman1776]

Even though I keep a changable tip screwdriver in the shooting box for modern guns, I usually use screwdrivers I have shaped myself. I'll pick up old screwdrivers at flea markets, pawn shops, etc. If I need a speciality size I'll go to the grinder. I also will heat and hammer them into speciality picks and scrapers. Usually good steel and cheap.

 

[Scota4570]

A potential problem with making screwdrivers, and I have made many, is getting the temper right.

IF you just grind them to shape they will be too soft. If you harden and then draw them by eye, it is luck to get it right.

Too hard and the blade breaks possibly gouging the gun. Too soft and the blade bends messing up the screw slot.

For drawing objects of varying thicknesses, like screwdrivers and springs a lead bath is probably the easiest way. IT gets to be a lot of work.

Better to buy a big set of known good screw driver bits, IMHO.

 

[ord sgt]

I started out with the starter set of bits from Brownells. Over the years , more and more bits were added. I use the set for both muzzle loaders and modern rifles.
Top notch gear from Brownells.