Gunsmithing Gunsmithing Driver Bits

[eleaf]

Can anyone recommend any driver bit sets for gunsmithing? I had 2 bits break today, one when trying to torque down a stock/action screw that broke inside the screw head and wouldn't come out (which had to be brought to the gunsmith to back the screw out without me tearing up my brand new, never fired gun), and another which broke while trying to back out a base screw to change bases on my .308. Fortunately getting out the broken portion of the bit was pretty easy on this particular screw.

I'm tired of cheap tools that break when you need them most.

What bits/tools won't break when trying to torque down those tiny little screws?

I don't do any fancy work on my guns, but things like changing stocks and scopes/rings/bases etc.

Thanks

 

[Solothurn]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

Brownell's have held up better than anything else I've used.

 

[eleaf]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Solothurn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Brownell's have held up better than anything else I've used. </div></div>

Do you have a link to a particular set?

 

[packratt]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

I don't think anyone makes great screwdriver bits. The smallest slotted bit in my Snap-On set has been replaced 3 or 4 times.

 

[rockn30809]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

I've got a Chapman set from Midway. They are way better quality than the Wheeler stuff and cheeper than Brownells. They don't offer the large selection of speciality bits like Brownells though.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

Had the wheeler kit...well I still do but I've broken at least 3 bits in the kit....

 

[Walt K]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

I have and use both the Brownells and the Midway sets. For a moderately priced set go Midway. I think they might on sale right now at Midway. Not sure, look around the usual big name outfits. I'm guessing the Brownells might be better (stronger). But for ligth to medium duty the Midway may do. The Brownells set is expensive. Prehaps the Midway set on sale might be a good start.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

The Brownell's stuff is good. I've used it for years.

On another note though, there is also a different tangent. If anyone has a connection with Aircraft Mechanic's, there sometimes is a deal that can be made for Titanium screwdriver tips. They use many different head configurations, but for the most part you're going to be grinding and customizing the bits anyways.

 

[Walt K]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

The "Wheeler" (Midway Brand # 223-597) 72 piece set is on sale now for $59.99

Walt K

 

[kbrady]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

You might think the bits are cheap because they keep breaking when doing what seems to be light work, but some are engineered to break in order to keep from doing damage to what your working on. Now that might seem like an excuse, but even professionals occasionally strip screw heads, break bolts and things like that. I for one would rather break a bit that I probably have more than 1 of instead of ruining a fastener on a firearm.

Kelly

 

[nashlaw]

Re: Gunsmithing Driver Bits

I have the Chapman kits(3 of 'em) to take to the range. The big Brownells is for my bench.

Works out well.