Well after about 30 years I've decided to repalce my Forster/Bonanza set. Rather I have ruined about all of them(small tips anyway). For a take along I use a simple Chapman. So what is a good set out there now days.

I've used the set you mentioned and find the Brownells fixed tip screwdrivers to be much better.

Brownell's. Either the magna tip or fixed.
I use the magna tips almost daily.

The tips have a lifetime warranty. Break it and they ship a new one free.
The only ones I've had break are a few of the thin bits and some of the smaller standards.

I've used almost all brands over the years and found that a good bench-made screwdriver can be better than any bought one IF made properly of the proper steel. The IF part is what disqualifies most bench-made ones however and so I've used mostly bought ones since the early '70s.

IMO Brownell's is the best of the bought ones, by far. I use the Magna-Tip ones and have broken virtually every size and thickness over the years, the little thin ones many, many times. So now you ask, why do I like 'em if they break?

It's because they break, I'd rather have them break then bend. I have the special dressing stones and reshape the broken ones as well as grind special shapes and widths for special applications. I recommend them highly.
Regards, Joe

The Brownell's Magna-Tip is a great set. If you lose/chip/break or "fit" one ... it can be replaced at minimum cost.

I have two of them. One is some 20 years old and has been used for EVERYTHING. Best investment in basic hand tools.

The fixed tipped screwdrivers can be used to tighten screws with a key or wrench.You don't have that option with a the maga tip screwdrivers.

From Brownells site on their mag tip handle.

#81 - Rugged, and hand filling with a powerful magnet for fast bit changes. Plus, the magnetism transfers through the bit, to hold the screw against the bit. The handle is made from a tough, nearly unbreakable plastic, while the steel, hex shank accepts a small wrench for added leverage

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
The fixed tipped screwdrivers can be used to tighten screws with a key or wrench.You don't have that option with a the maga tip screwdrivers.

Really???

I have found that the tips will take a 1/4 combination wrench very nicely. In fact, I use them in conjunction with the drill press or the mill when I can't get a screw loose. Put the tip in the chuck, place it in the screw slot and with down pressure on the quill, turn the tip with the wrench. Never had one fail yet to come loose.

I'm a pure ametuer compared to others who have voiced their opinions here but here's another vote for Bronwell's - IMO make the best set money can buy.

quote:

I have found that the tips will take a 1/4 combination wrench very nicely.

An extremely flexible set of screwdrivers (the Mag Bits) that I've used in conjunction with all kinds of rachets, wrenches, power & hand tools, too.

With an extention (or two) you need to watch what you're about, too 'cause they'll pop heads right off screws if ya give it too much juice.



Gee, Why do I know that?

I recently purchased the Brownells Mag tip with the LE hollow handle. You can store 3 tips in the handle which makes it a great self contained travel "set" for a single gun.

I am going to purchase a solid handle for general use.

The quality of the tips is unbelievable!

Well going with the mag tip since I'm no longer in the bluing business just working on mine looks to me like the 22 bit would cover most of what I do. Or would the 44 pay off?

quote:

Brownell's

I've come to have a lot of respect for this group!

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
The fixed tipped screwdrivers can be used to tighten screws with a key or wrench.You don't have that option with a the maga tip screwdrivers.

Which screws require tightening so tight that a wrench is needed?

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:


Which screws require tightening so tight that a wrench is needed?

Shootaway has a problem with loose screws.

Get the 44 bit Brownell's and be done with it. Anytime I have ever ordered a new bit the first thing they ask is if I broke it as they want to replace them free. I tell them honestly if I broke it or if I just want another one for whatever reason. I only ever break the tiny ones like everyone else.

quote:

Originally posted by Charles_Helm:

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:


Which screws require tightening so tight that a wrench is needed?

Shootaway has a problem with loose screws.

haha, kinda like hitting the "screw" on the head

Screwdrivers: Good topic: I have absolutely no respect for screwdrivers...I've bought the most expensive and the cheapest...You gotta keep reshaping the business end anyway, so if a brand turns out to be crap, I grind/forge them into scrapers, special sizes, etc.

I used to buy mine at Sears (return policy) "You can't reshape these" My answer..."They didn't come with directions?

The "Snap on" lasts only a little longer than
Ace Hardware "Made in China"...If they break, heat the tip a little (yellow) If they bend, heat red and quench in oil,

I must have at least 100 screwdrivers in various state of "sizing/modify"....like paper towels, they're expendable.

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
The fixed tipped screwdrivers can be used to tighten screws with a key or wrench.You don't have that option with a the maga tip screwdrivers.

Which screws require tightening so tight that a wrench is needed?

Big bore action screws and open sight screws.

Thanks everyone. The 44 bit set is on order.

I recently bought the Wheeler screwdriver set that is sold by Midway. I like them.

I also have the Wheeler torque handle for the screwdriver bits. I tend to overtighten everything, so the torque feature really comes in handy.

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:
Thanks everyone. The 44 bit set is on order.

Well.... I guess you have your bases covered. I was going to suggest that you just buy the tips that you need. I am sure that I use fewer sizes than others, because I spend most of my time on Mausers, but I found that I rarely if ever used most of the odd shaped ones that I come in the kits.

When I purchased the Mag tip driver and tips I bought several of the tips I most often use. After seeing the quality I am beginning to think that it was a waste of money. I doubt I will wear out of break any of these fast enough to need a second spare.

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe:
Screwdrivers: Good topic: I have absolutely no respect for screwdrivers...I've bought the most expensive and the cheapest...You gotta keep reshaping the business end anyway, so if a brand turns out to be crap, I grind/forge them into scrapers, special sizes, etc.

I used to buy mine at Sears (return policy) "You can't reshape these" My answer..."They didn't come with directions?

The "Snap on" lasts only a little longer than
Ace Hardware "Made in China"...If they break, heat the tip a little (yellow) If they bend, heat red and quench in oil,

I must have at least 100 screwdrivers in various state of "sizing/modify"....like paper towels, they're expendable.

Duane I would guess that you have tried the Brownells? I only ask because I am very impressed with the mag tip screwdrivers. Comparing the Brownells screwdrivers to the Sears Craftsmans that I have had is like comparing a Duane Wiebe Mauser to a Rem 710.

The steel that the Mag Tip "tips" are made out of seems to be comparable to fine grain 4130 or the like.

JBrown: Truthfully, I have not tried them...maybe I should! Thanks for the tip(not a pun) Duane

Duane

The individual tips are $2 or $3 each. You might add one on to your next order just to assess the quality.

The "feel" of the steel reminds me of the auto racing engine fasteners that are supplied by companies such as ARP.

I am going to email Brownells with a suggestion that they check their computers to see which gunsmith accounts have never purchased Mag Tip drives or bits. If a smith has never purchased their tips or drivers Brownells should drop a sample tip into the gunsmith's next order. It would sure increase sales.

quote:

Originally posted by Charles_Helm:

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:


Which screws require tightening so tight that a wrench is needed?

Shootaway has a problem with loose screws.

and here i thought he was the loose screw on the end of the recoil pad

I first bought the Brownell's set of mag tip screwdrivers, then later bought the Wheeler kit and seem to have most of the slots covered. But I do keep a bunch of fixed blade screwdrives that I grind for the slots that don't have a bit that matches.

Don