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Screwdrivers for Gunsmithing
nononsense
Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
I wanted to post on the original question but I haven't had the time with my workload. So, here is a drop of additional information regarding screwdrivers for gunsmithing.
From Forster Products website:
The right tool and the right quality for the job. Whoever said..."...a screwdriver is just a screwdriver" obviously wasn't a gunsmith. Every gunsmith knows that using the right screwdriver for the job saves time, effort, and saves damage to valuable firearms and accessories. Forster offers a collection of specialty screwdrivers designed specifically for the unique screws encountered so frequently in the gunsmithing profession. At the same time, these quality manufactured, hollow ground screwdrivers are versatile enough to be adaptable to many other uses, as well. Twelve (12) different specialty screwdrivers are available individually. Eight of the most commonly used screwdrivers from that collection have also been bundled together as a convenient set.
A Guide To Gunsmiths' Screwdrivers
Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set
Fig. 1 Choose screwdrivers designed specifically for the mounting of scope sights and other common gunsmithing requirements. Gunsmiths' screwdrivers will be properly dimensioned to handle those unique tasks. Nothing is more frustrating than a bruised scope mount, a distorted screw, or the white metal showing through the finish of an expensive scope which has been subjected to a damaging mounting job. (Note: Our screwdrivers are not the double wedge type, swedged on a punch press as shown in figures 2, 3 and 4.)
Fig. 2 & 3. A design such as this will damage your work if the screw is difficult to remove.
Fig. 4 The double wedge type transmits its torque to the top of the screw slot. With such a small area contacting the screwdriver, the screw will be scored or one of the sections of the screw head will break off if heavy pressure is applied. This wedge shape also tends to back the driver out of the screw slot.
Fig. 5 illustrates what happens when too narrow and thin a blade that is too narrow is used.
Fig. 6 The Forster screwdriver in fig. 6 is ideal. The torque is applied at the bottom of the slot where the screw is strongest. The blade fills the slot. The blade is the same width as the shank as shown in fig. 1. It has the same radius so it will not damage your work or mark the screw.
Here are a couple which represent the proper screwdrivers or 'turn screws' as they are usually referred to:
Yes they are expensive but they are best suited for the job when you're working on really expensive British or European firearms. Sure others will work but these are the best.
The sets of bits and handles can cause a few problems because of the fit of the bit into the handle. It needs to be a little loose but sometimes it gets to be ridiculous when working with tiny screws and small slots. Damage is inevitable. That's when you switch to the solid screwdrivers.
Fine shotguns often require a completely different set of turn screws because of the narrow slots used in the screw heads. Many of us got started by modifying existing tools but have graduated to the better offerings from Europe for fit and function.
Here is a link to an excellent article by STEVEN DODD HUGHES:
http://www.finegunmaking.com/page36/page16/page16.html
STEVEN DODD HUGHESc2010
Best.
From Forster Products website:
The right tool and the right quality for the job. Whoever said..."...a screwdriver is just a screwdriver" obviously wasn't a gunsmith. Every gunsmith knows that using the right screwdriver for the job saves time, effort, and saves damage to valuable firearms and accessories. Forster offers a collection of specialty screwdrivers designed specifically for the unique screws encountered so frequently in the gunsmithing profession. At the same time, these quality manufactured, hollow ground screwdrivers are versatile enough to be adaptable to many other uses, as well. Twelve (12) different specialty screwdrivers are available individually. Eight of the most commonly used screwdrivers from that collection have also been bundled together as a convenient set.
A Guide To Gunsmiths' Screwdrivers
Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set
Fig. 1 Choose screwdrivers designed specifically for the mounting of scope sights and other common gunsmithing requirements. Gunsmiths' screwdrivers will be properly dimensioned to handle those unique tasks. Nothing is more frustrating than a bruised scope mount, a distorted screw, or the white metal showing through the finish of an expensive scope which has been subjected to a damaging mounting job. (Note: Our screwdrivers are not the double wedge type, swedged on a punch press as shown in figures 2, 3 and 4.)
Fig. 2 & 3. A design such as this will damage your work if the screw is difficult to remove.
Fig. 4 The double wedge type transmits its torque to the top of the screw slot. With such a small area contacting the screwdriver, the screw will be scored or one of the sections of the screw head will break off if heavy pressure is applied. This wedge shape also tends to back the driver out of the screw slot.
Fig. 5 illustrates what happens when too narrow and thin a blade that is too narrow is used.
Fig. 6 The Forster screwdriver in fig. 6 is ideal. The torque is applied at the bottom of the slot where the screw is strongest. The blade fills the slot. The blade is the same width as the shank as shown in fig. 1. It has the same radius so it will not damage your work or mark the screw.
Here are a couple which represent the proper screwdrivers or 'turn screws' as they are usually referred to:
Yes they are expensive but they are best suited for the job when you're working on really expensive British or European firearms. Sure others will work but these are the best.
The sets of bits and handles can cause a few problems because of the fit of the bit into the handle. It needs to be a little loose but sometimes it gets to be ridiculous when working with tiny screws and small slots. Damage is inevitable. That's when you switch to the solid screwdrivers.
Fine shotguns often require a completely different set of turn screws because of the narrow slots used in the screw heads. Many of us got started by modifying existing tools but have graduated to the better offerings from Europe for fit and function.
Here is a link to an excellent article by STEVEN DODD HUGHES:
http://www.finegunmaking.com/page36/page16/page16.html
STEVEN DODD HUGHESc2010
Best.