Gunsmith tools

[Danjet500]

A number of members have asked over the years as to what tools to use when working on your guns. I've found a manufacturer that supplies such tools, among others. Some of you may already be familiar with them. American made, reasonably priced and recommended by Jay Leno. Take a look.

https://chapmanmfg.com/products/5589-ultimate-gunsmithing-set

 

[Dan in MI]

I have had a Chapman set since the early 80’s. Also a screwdriver set from Sinclair about the same era.

 

[gnappi]

I need my Chapman screwdriver, a few different vices, vice grip pliars, Dremel tool, bronze hammer, diamond files / paste and the spring clamp for the Ruger gate spring. Oh and a few pieces of soft suede.

Anything else I discover that I need I can improvise on.

 

[NikA]

Just had my wife buy me a set of these for Christmas. Thus far, I can say it sure is nice to be using slotted bits with proper heat treat unlike all the Chinesium sets I've had over the years.

 

[turd]

Thanks for the post.

 

[jimbo1096]

I have the set. I have no complaints whatsoever.

 

[eveled]

Being a tool nerd, these threads are always of interest. Nobody ever complains about Chapman bits, so the quality is there for sure.

I didn’t like that they are proprietary and chose to stick with the more standard Wheeler gun smith set. I am very happy with it.

 

[Randyzzz]

Hmmm. I’ve got the Grace Ruger set and it works well for me. But I would like a bit-type set. May have to get on of these. I have used a Wheeler set and I wasn’t that impressed.

 

[WAYNO]

I have many sets, as well as many individuals. Some name-brand sets are not so good, and some cheaper tools have been great. I never know what to expect until I actually use the product.

My best screwdrivers are an old Bonanza set. I don't know if Forester took them over, but when I google Bonanza screwdrivers, Forester is what pops up, and they look very similar.

 

[NikA]

I didn't like that they are proprietary and chose to stick with the more standard Wheeler gun smith set. I am very happy with it.

I'm not sure what you mean by proprietary here, they are normal 1/4" bits with extra features (end knurling and ball detents vs magnetic retention). The bits can be purchased outside the set and work with any 1/4" driver with sufficient bit depth.

 

[eveled]

I'm not sure what you mean by proprietary here, they are normal 1/4" bits with extra features (end knurling and ball detents vs magnetic retention). The bits can be purchased outside the set and work with any 1/4" driver with sufficient bit depth.

Good to know.

When I looked into them I was under the impression they only worked with their handles.

Thanks

 

[wproct]

I have a set of Wheeler Engineering tools that I've owned for probably 20-25 years and have had no problems. I think it consists of 50+ pieces.

 

[Sam Summey]

A number of members have asked over the years as to what tools to use when working on your guns. I've found a manufacturer that supplies such tools, among others. Some of you may already be familiar with them. American made, reasonably priced and recommended by Jay Leno. Take a look.

https://chapmanmfg.com/products/5589-ultimate-gunsmithing-set

I rely heavily on that little red wrench shown in the kit in conjunction with Wheeler Master driver set. Get a rusted in peened in screw a "big boy" leaning on top of the screwdriver in conjunction with that little wrench usually does the trick or the bit breaks.

 

[protoolman]

I also have an old Bonanza set that seems to be the best quality I've seen. I also own Cahapmans. I have had Chapman bits break that were too hard so maybe a bit brittle.

 

[KS25-06]

Brownell's has the best set with interchangeable bits, and all kinds of extra bits that you can purchase. Have used them for over 55 years. Tried Graces first, very easy to break, same with Chapmans. Went to Brownell's and have never seen a reason to change. Used to grind the Grace tips round after they broke and use them to push out pins where needed.

 

[Johnnu2]

What he said... almost exactly...

J.

 

[Randyzzz]

It’s interesting how many of the positive comments come reguarding sets that are much older. I remember the best Phillips screwdriver I ever had was an old “Roscoe” from the local Ace hardware bargain bin. That was in the 70’s. I’m sure many if not most of the 70’s and 80’s production tools are fantastic. But new stuff? A lot of it just isn’t the same. And the brands don’t matter. Craftsman to SnapOn. The new production stuff can’t hold a candle to the vintage tools.

 

[Yaworski]

When I bought my first pistol forty some years ago, I bought a set of "gunsmith screwdrivers" that I didn't need since my Dan Wesson came with a tool. I still have most of that set. Only most because I foolishly lent them to my brother and things often never came back from his home.

I was given a Chapman set as a gift about thirty years ago. Still in use.

I do have a gigantic set of bits that I got from Midway USA. It came with a handle.

In each of my shooting bags, I have a cheap interchangeable bit driver. I found that they work well because the slotted bits are hollow ground and don't slip out of the slot.

I have many extra tools as well: grip screw bushing driver, buffer tube wrench, punches, roll pin punches, mallets, pliers, probes, and so on and so on and scoobie, doobie, do on.

I have too many tools.

 

[jgt]

I have the Bonanza set, but then bought Brownell's set for the Marlin. later got one each for the Colt and Smith & Wesson. Those cover every gun I have needed to use a screwdriver on. Brownell's replaces broken or twisted blades no questions ask.

 

[Fox Mike]

Needed a set in a hurry and got this at Harbor Freight.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I have a big Wheeler set.

 

[eveled]

I used an old mount for a TV, it fits my Wheeler set perfectly. I can pull it over to pick the perfect bit then push it out of the way.

 

[eveled]

I had to make a bigger spanner bit to take apart a Mossberg BullPup. The other bit is for the takedown bolts that are made to turn with a coin.

 

[peachhead]

I have a big wheeler set on my bench and a small wheeler set that goes in my go box. I have a chinesium set on my bench that actually works very well for the most part.
I have two Grace sets and unfortunately I have to be very specific about what I use them for because they will twist and break easily. I have been pretty disappointed in that, but they are good for certain things.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I have the big Wheeler set. Wish I could find the little one that goes in the empty hole. Out of production for a good while.

 

[contender]

I, like Sam & many others here have a pretty good selection of tools & such for gun tinkering,, (or gunsmithing for Sam & a few others.)
I have tools from Most of the known names & such, and also odd ones from wherever. From Snap-on, Brownell's, Wheeler, Chapman, Craftsman, MAC, etc.

But the biggest thing is learning how to NOT break a tool, or use it for a purpose it wasn't intended for.
Even the very best, top quality tools can break or bend. Yet,, properly used, a much lesser quality tool can do the job if the proper skills are applied.
Stuck screws? Use a penetrating oil to start with. Add heat and/or impact type of tool to break the stuck tension adhesion.
Biggest problem,, people get into a hurry trying to fix something. Soaking in a penetrating oil is one of the best ways to remove a stuck screw in general,, all while using the correctly fitted screwdriver blade, AFTER the oil has had time to work.

 

[gnappi]

>>SNIP>>

"But the biggest thing is learning how to NOT break a tool, or use it for a purpose it wasn't intended for."

Along those lines, in the Navy we were told that it was a court martial offense if we modified a tool. Dunno if they actually would bring someone up on charges but it emphasizes the point that tools were not to be destroyed for a single purpose.

 

[eveled]

I have the big Wheeler set. Wish I could find the little one that goes in the empty hole. Out of production for a good while.

That stinks, but you honestly aren’t missing much. Its metric allen and torx bits. A 1/2” socket for some reason and a 1/4” adapter

That spot is perfect for keeping track of small parts or extra bits.

 

[Richard76]

>>SNIP>>

"But the biggest thing is learning how to NOT break a tool, or use it for a purpose it wasn't intended for."

Along those lines, in the Navy we were told that it was a court martial offense if we modified a tool. Dunno if they actually would bring someone up on charges but it emphasizes the point that tools were not to be destroyed for a single purpose.

I work at a mine under MSHA regulations and it is a citation if during their bi-annual inspections they find a tool that has been modified. hand or electric.

 

[Dan in MI]

I think the biggest problem is using generic screwdrivers versus hollow ground.