Tuning Help me find a good set of screwdrivers to work on airguns.

[JAMz]

So Its been ages since I had a Weihrauch. My other guns all have Allen screws in their stocks so I had no issues. Now, that the HW35 have slotted screws I need to get a nice set of hollow-ground screwdrivers to have at hand when needed. What do you use?

 

[Moog]

I have a gunsmithing set of screw drivers made by a company called B-Square that I bought a very long time ago that work very well on all my guns including my Weihrauch air rifles. I don't know if this company is still in business. Go to Brownells.com. This company specializes in gun smithing tools and should have a screw driver set that will meet your needs.

 

[Adam]

Wera Lasertips

 

[RedTide]

Take a look at these.

Wheeler Engineering 55-Piece Hex And Torx Screwdriver Set: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/wheeler-engineering-55-piece-hex-and-torx-screwdriver-set?ds_e=MICROSOFT&ds_c=Shop%7CPromo%7CPromo%7CMed%7CBlackFriday&gclsrc=ds

Wheeler Engineering Deluxe Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/wheeler-engineering-deluxe-gunsmithing-screwdriver-set?ds_e=MICROSOFT&ds_c=Shop%7CManu%7CShooting%7CLow%7CGeneral&gclsrc=ds

 

[Feinwerk]

The gold standard for gunsmithing screwdrivers used to be Chapman, with the large, modular selection of bits and the ratchet that slips over the shank of the tool, allowing you great torque and control while also easy to push down on the handle. I bought a set similar to this after scratching one of my guns while trying to use a standard slot screwdriver.

 

[1BadDart]

I have the set in the second link Redtide posted. So far it's had just about anything I need to work on my rifles. The kit is a little cheaper on Amazon, about $66.

 

[SpringGunner]

Pricey but they are the best out there. I've had mine over thirty years and never broke a bit. They won't deform the slots and have enough variety that there is always a bit that is a perfect fit. Paul



https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-sets/magna-tip-super-sets--prod417.aspx

 

[sillymike]

Another vote for the Brownells 

 

[MacGyver]

Another vote for the Brownells

Ditto. 

 

[Deepbass9]

I'm rolling the Chapmans like Feinwerk.

 

[Odoyle]

Midway on the cheap on sale right now and even comes with a FREE gun vise too.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019482664?pid=298551

 

[JAMz]

I ended getting a custom ordered Chapman 5589 with an added a row of metric bits plus a short extension and 1/4 drive socket. Great product and best customer support. Plus I got the chance to support an American company and get to chat with really nice people. Thank all you the recommendations.

 

[BeeGee11]

WOW you guys spend a fortune on bits. Those have to be the most overpriced bit sets that I've ever seen. Maybe....if you just want the convenience of getting it all in one shot.

 

[sillymike]

Don't know about you guys, but personally, I cannot stand a buggered bolt head.

• Spending a few $ to have a screwdriver bit in the correct width/thickness is well worth it.

 

[springer]

I have both Chapman and Brownells. I find the larger and thicker Brownells grip allows greater downforce and leverage against stubborn screws. The smaller and lighter Chapmans give slightly better control for delicate work. The best tools make the job go better.

 

[Rimshot]

IIRC gun smith screwdrivers are referred to as a Hollow ground screwdriver. They do not tapper like a conventional screwdriver.

 

[Andy.Marshall]

I strongly support the use of Chapman-type hollow-ground screwdrivers. They help keep the heads in pristine shape. Any tapered screwdriver will deform the head. I wish the previous owners/service folks who owned the air guns I have had always used the right-sized hollow-ground blade screwdrivers! So many of them have badly damaged screw heads. I am finally getting around to ordered replacement screws for most of them. Some I might have to machine myself.

As for getting enough force to remove the screw, a drop or two Kano Labs' Kroil Penetrant, followed by a 24-hour wait to let it find its way into the smallest gaps, and you should be able to remove almost any screw with very little effort. If that doesn't do it, I will resort to a heat gun (NOT a blowtorch) to warm the metal and soften any gummed-up oils that the Kroil might not have taken care of. The heat gun is preferred over a torch as it won't get the metal hot enough to mess with any temper, and won't get hot enough to harden any gummed oil.

This has been my experience, at least.

 

[bandg]

I've used a Wheeler set for many many years with no issues. As to heat, using a soldering iron allows one to put heat precisely on a screw head and often works where a heat gun might damage surrounding material. Definite +1 on the Kroil-it's great stuff.

 

[Jamesbythebay]

Wow. I did not know about Chapman screwdrivers before. These look super nice. I'll probably end up getting one of these sets. Thanks!

James