I was at a pawn shop a couple of weeks ago and saw a lightly used Brownells screwdriver set mixed in with the tools. I asked the salesman what he wanted for the 'little' screwdriver set. He asked $10. I didn't even try to haggle. When I got home I checked Brownells web site. It is the full set that sells for $130! Made my day. It was missing the label inside the lid but Brownells sent me one for free. Winner all around!!!!
Screw Drivers
- Thread starter Highstandardguy
- Start date
Great deal! I've had a Brownell's set since the late 70's and they're still in perfect shape. Yes, I do use them regularly :wink:
contender
Ruger Guru
I need to find that pawn shop! 
Great score!
Great score!
Chuck 100 yd
Hunter
Way to go. I have had mine for 30 years or more also. Most used tool for gunsmithing in the shop.
OP
I just had to share my good fortune. It's great to be able to pick the correct width bit for a grip screw and then be able to select the right thickness. Life is so much easier with the proper tools.
Carry_Up
Single-Sixer
Hollow ground screw drivers are the right ones to use and the Brownells set is a good one. If you are working on your own carefully maintained firearms there should be no problems with the bits. The first time you get someone's rusty heirloom on your bench you will find out that there isn't a bit that actually fits the way it should when it comes to breaking loose rusty screws. Fortunately you can purchase individual bits, which I would recommend and the grinding tool to fit them to a particular job. Be sure the tip of the bit bottoms out in the slot of the screw. Larger bits will "feel" tight, but only touch the top edge of the screw slot. Good Luck,
carry_up
carry_up
OP
Thanks Carry_Up and understood. I had to 'make' a bit for the grip screws on my Beretta 950 BS because the slots are so narrow.
Carry_Up
Single-Sixer
Speaking of narrow bits, Brownells offers a special set of "narrow" sizes. Most of the time these are necessary to work on shotguns. Many expensive models use a large head screw, often engraved, with a very shallow slot. And more often than not these screws are rusted or stuck. The narrow bits will usually work in these special screws, but you still will want to have the ability to grind your own.
The narrow Brownells bits come separately because as they state, the blades are too thin to stand up to a lot of torque. But, we don't have a choice in the matter. Heat and penetrating oil should be next to your driver bits. Another typical spot for off-size screws and heads is in single action revolvers. Think before twisting!
carry_up
The narrow Brownells bits come separately because as they state, the blades are too thin to stand up to a lot of torque. But, we don't have a choice in the matter. Heat and penetrating oil should be next to your driver bits. Another typical spot for off-size screws and heads is in single action revolvers. Think before twisting!
carry_up
