Chapman screwdriver set?

[ImARugerFan]

I'm considering one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Manuf...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1205501109&sr=1-1

or these:

http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Manuf...ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1205502363&sr=1-2

I know the brownells are highly rated, but I can't afford to spend that much for the amount of gunsmithing I do. Anybody use/like/dislike the chapman sets? USA made and the amazon review said the did free replacements on broken bits. I like the ratchet tool, could come in handy when you need a little extra torque. My current need is for a Winchester Model 94, but I'm sure I'll put it to use for my other guns in the future.


I am alternatively considering buying the '94 specific set from brownells for $17.40, figuring once I need to take apart another gun I could buy the bits for it.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=25474&st=080-087-009&s=41903
Thanks.

 

[engr]

I have owned one of these sets for over 20 years and it was the best $24 I have spent on gunsmithing tools. I am not a gunsmith just a hobbist so I can not answer the day in day out use issues, But mine is well built and does the job.

 

[neal7250]

I've had one for years. I keep it in my range bag, to keep the wife away from it

 

[rcmodel]

I have used Chapman screwdrivers for about 30 years.

You just can't beat them without spending a whole lot more money on a Brownell's Magnatip set.

The thing I like about both Chapman & Brownell's is that you can order individual replacement blades for very little money.

The 8900 set is the one to get.

Here's a link to the company.
http://www.chapmanmfg.com/

rcmodel

 

[evan price]

I have a set of the ratcheting right angle replaceable bit Chapman sets. They are great. Only problem with them is they don't like to be used off-axis or you can split the handle.

 

[JNewell]

I have had several Chapman bits break or bend. Bending is one thing...when they break, you wind up with big scratches and buggered screws. I have been turning screws on guns for 35 years. I know you guys don't want to hear this, but considering the cost of guns and rebluing, it seems to me the extra cost of a Brownells set, which you can expand as budget permits, is a better choice. YMMV...

 

[eliphalet]

Had mine over 25 years now with great results, and no problems.

 

[Clark]

I really like my Chapman set, except for some things:
1) two bits broke on first use
2) the inside of the box has a bad odor.


But the assortment is great.

 

[Rebailey]

Screwdrivers

I've had a set of Brownell's Magnatips for 25 years. Fifteen of those years I owned a gun shop. I've broken two bits in that time and Brownell replaced both free. There's nothing like having good tools for the job. They will last you a lifetime. With any set you buy make sure you have the correct bit for the job, not too small or not wide enough. That is the secret to not breaking them.