I have used both Grace and Forster over the years. Forster will last for years, I am still using some that I bought 25 years ago. They are the best heattreated ones I have found and when they break I simply regrind them to fit the slot.
Jim Wisner
Posts: 1494 | Location: Chehalis, Washington | Registered: 02 April 2003
In general I like the ones with 1/4" bits. The handle isn't that big of a deal, even though A larger handle is nicer because it giver you either more power or more control. Steel ones are better than aluminum because they are usually a tiny bit thinner which gives you needed clearance.
What you don't go cheap on is the bits, get a tool catalog from a mechanic from a company like snap-on, matco, cornwall, etc and buy all their bits from tiny to large, then you are pretty well set for everything from scope screws to action screws.
Posts: 7777 | Location: Between 2 rivers, Middle USA | Registered: 19 August 2000
I have a B Square set that cost ~$17. The shaft turns on the handle, so I replaced the biggest piece, and I have lost the most used bits, and the case was always flipping over, so I replaced that with a low sided cup.
I have a Brownells full set and I am not really all that impressed with them...the old wood handle or red plastic handled Forsters? or Grace? are just as good..they all break and I just regrind them and heat treat them and that works sometimes and sometimes if doesn't..Heat treating is tricky if your in a hurry....
Posts: 42226 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000
Grace, besides being made in my hometown, they are very good. At an sportsman dinner I won their gunsmith tool kit, 8 brass punches, brass hammer, and 8 woodhandled screwdrivers in a nice zip-up case. Grace USA 231-264-8133
