[Smithy]

I bought an 89 piece screwdriver kit made by Wheeler a few years ago and it suits my needs.

What ever you do, please get yourself the above screwdriver set or check out Brownells on line for their smithing screwdrivers. Craftsman screwdrivers are some of the finest, but NOT for guns. They have a tapered bit and gunsmith screws are all flat sided and picky about what their turned with. Unfortunately I know this the hard way with more than a few screwed up gun screws. Smithy.

 

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by Waveform
Looking at screwdriver sets I think the Wheeler set will fit my budget. The set Brownell's has looks awesome and weldermyass described it better than Brownell's does but at over $300 I'll have to leave that one for the pros. I'm going to get a better hammer/mallet and perhaps a full set of punches. And a better vise too.

Wave

Hang on a second. You don't have to buy the Brownells "Every thing possible" kit of gunsmith screwdrivers. I started out with a very inexpensive smaller set and then as time went on I was always adding to that set. Specialty drivers like the single action screws for a Bisley with it's hex drive and split drive for the ejector rod housing screw. Then there's a bit for the ejector rod latch assemble of a Ruger SRH cylinder. And various other specialty bits. Some where along the ride I added a set of torx bits, allen bits, long phillips bits that are made to fit through a recoil pad and reach the screws there. It's taken me awhile but I have a fair amount of their total production now, but I'm still missing several other bits that as of yet I've not come accross the need for. In fact, when I get a new gun, I check my bin of bits and see what is needed for that particular firearm. I then order a hollow handle driver and bits for just that gun. That way if I need to work on a SRH I grab the SRH screwdriver which will have all the bits I need for that one gun. So yes I do have duplicates, buy I don't run the risk of misplacing them since they are set up for each different gun. Works like a champ and I didn't have to go to the poor house to get it. Brownells doesn't care if you order one bit or fifty, just get the ones you actually need. But do start with a small starter set to get you going. Smithy.

 

[Smithy]

Speaking of hammers: The tool that I have found indispensable for gunsmith work is my Cook lead Hammers. I use to have one and two pound hammers, but found that I could do everything I needed to with just the one pounder. I have about three handles so I'll have three hammers to choose from at any one time. When they are worn out, I simply get the mold out and cast a new head for a brand new lead hammer. Soft but solid blows on whatever you're working on. You may give a look here to see if it's something you could use.

Lead Hammer Mold Set ( Extra Small 1 lb. ), AS SEEN IN POPULAR MECHANICS, September 2009, FREE SHIPPING!

From this company you can get all the way up to a four pound hammer, although I doubt you'd need that in gunsmith work. They've been a lifesaver for me (no finish scratches). Smithy.

 

[Smithy]

I would caution any of you who are considering the brass punch set in the wooden box.

Brownells offers for sale a punch set with either aluminum or steel handles. They come in three different sizes and use replaceable steel punch pins. The replaceable pins not only come in the three different diameters, but also come in a "starter pin" length of 1/2" of the "full punch" length of 2". Simply put a pin into the holder and screw it down into the handle and you're set to go. If the pin brakes, no problem, simply get another and replace it and off you go again. For small sizes, this is the only way to go. Smithy.