Screwdrivers and Parts?

[Jaywalker]

I need a reasonable set of of hollow-ground screwdrivers, or probably replacement-heads for a driver tool. I know Brownells probably carries them, but I wonder if there are any other places who might have good (not great), inexpensive gunsmith tools. They don't need to be pro level, since I won't be using them for much more than mounting scopes and such.

I could also use some 6-48 Allen head screws to attach Weaver mounts - I've never really trusted slot head screws to come out once I've Blue Loc-Tited them in.

Any ideas?

Jaywalker

 

[4 eyed six shooter]

You are going to pay a slight premium for any gunsmithing screwdrivers you buy. Foster also makes a set of hollow ground screwdrivers. Brownells is a great deal because if you break or twist one of their bits, all you have to do is call them and they will ship another at no cost with no questions asked. You can get their basic starter set and then add bits as needed. It pays to have good quality screwdrivers that fit the screw you are trying to remove. A well fit screwdriver is worth it's weight in gold because it will remove the screw without damage the great majority of the time. Brownells also sell a grinding wheel so that you can change the thickness of a bit. A good set of screwdrivers is well worth the cost and if properly used will last for many years.
Good Shooting, John K

 

[Mike Irwin]

Lyman and Dillon both make good sets, as well.

You can get them mail order from any number of sources.

You can also normally find one, the other, or both at gun shows.

 

[Jaywalker]

Okay, thanks. I guess $30 won't break me for a set of hollow-ground Mangna-something from Brownells, since I'll have no gunshows between now and when I want to mount a scope on a new Thompson Center Classic I just bought. (My trusty S&W hollow-ground screwdriver doesn't fit the receiver screws and the rifle's too pretty to screw up.)

Jaywalker

 

[4v50 Gary]

This year I picked up a set of Pachmayrs with replaceable tips from Walmart for about $12.00. This must have been somewhere in the midwest. This is the best price I've seen for this stuff since the mid '80s.

 

[LoneStranger]

Jaywalker;

As for the 6-48 allen setscrews you should be able to go to just about any decent hardware store and if they don't have them they should be able to order them in.

If you order them they will likely come in some minimum quanity.

 

[Jaywalker]

Okay, I'll take one look at Wally World to see if they have any - that would be fine if they do.

Brownell's (B-Square) have 6-40 for Weaver mounts, but the tag on the mount package says 6-48. I guess that means they're a little longer than 6-40?

Jaywalker

 

[LoneStranger]

Forget Wally World for hardware. They are more likely to know the spec's on an esoteric firearm than have 6-48 allen setscrews.

ACE, TrueValue, DoItBest, or similiar chain is your best bet.

6-48 means that the screw is a #6 size with a thread pitch, # of threads, of 48 threads per inch. A 6-40 will only bugger up your reciever.

A wiseman would be real slow when running in setscrews if there is any question of proper size. Any resistance STOP and try the other size. Now would not be the time to be the Manly Man and Force It.

 

[Jaywalker]

LS,

Thank you very large. I'll be very gentle.

My Wal-Mart does carry something they call a set of gunsmithing screwdrivers for $12.87. I'll go over tonight and check them out.

Jaywalker

 

[Jaywalker]

I got the Pachmayr set at Wal-Mart for $12.87. Not all stores have them, I found out by first going to one that didn't.

It's a screw "driver" set in a plastic box. The driver has a magnetized tip, 12 hollow ground bits, 8 hex (Allen) bits, three torx, and five Phillips. It's what I was looking for. Thanks.

Jaywalker

 

[Jaywalker]

I've used this screwdriver set now for about three months, and I have to say it isn't very good. Last week, I managed to break a small slot driver bit when tightening a screw in an aluminum scope ring, and the ring wasn't anywhere near tight.

I thought that might be just an abberration, so I put the broken bit in an envelope to send back to Pachmayr - I thought they'd be interested that a piece (probably) missed being heat-treated (and would probably replace it for my trouble).

Yesterday, though, something else broke. This time it was a hex head bit that rounded itself off inside another scope ring screw. I finished the job with the little key the ring makers include in the package.

Yeah, I know, I only spent $13, but I don't expect tools to break when used this gently.

BTW, I asked my gunsmith about the Brownells Mag Head drivers, and he said "Brownells will tell you when they break that it's to protect the screws, rings, and scopes." It looks like they won't be much better.

Jaywalker

 

[Old Fuff]

Jaywalker:

I've had Brownell bits break, But you send the broken one back they'll replace it.