Firearm Tools

[GTN]

I have a bunch of basic tools but nothing of good quality/fitting tools. Flat blade screwdriver slip if you don’t have the correct fit. For hex and torx I only have allen head wrenches that slip also.
What do you use?

 

[dsdmmat]

Fat wrench had a bit kit

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Engineering-Gunsmithing-Screwdriver-Construction/dp/B001C63M7O/ref=asc_df_B001C63M7O/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=663361396684&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12724964639083789386&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010012&hvtargid=pla-434585942338&psc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-frw-KSegQMVnC2tBh2BKwrlEAQYBCABEgKrwPD_BwE

 

[thisIslandEarth]

Shooboy 5 tip gunsmith hammer. Masterful work of art. I think the craftsman no longer makes these but I *might* have an extra floating around.

Shooboy

 

[FP1201]

Brownells offers their magna-tip (1/4" bits) with a huge selection and "kits" with varying numbers and types of bits, even specialty sets such as a set to work on Ruger Single Actions.
Wheeler offers some excellent tool sets including bit sets and punch sets. Roll Pin punch sets are a must, cupped head punches as well for pins with rounded heads. They also have specialty kits of different levels for Guns such as AR15 type rifle.
Lots of times the difference between a hobby level and a professional level job are the Tools.

 

[GTN]

Fat wrench had a bit kit

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Engineering-Gunsmithing-Screwdriver-Construction/dp/B001C63M7O/ref=asc_df_B001C63M7O/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=663361396684&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12724964639083789386&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010012&hvtargid=pla-434585942338&psc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-frw-KSegQMVnC2tBh2BKwrlEAQYBCABEgKrwPD_BwE

That’s one I was looking at but do I really need 54 flat bits? I need more hex and torx

 

[dsdmmat]

That’s one I was looking at but do I really need 54 flat bits? I need more hex and torx

It has hex, torx as well as Philips

 

[Bustedknees]

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Sticks-T...9005246&hvtargid=pla-1597674812348&psc=1[/URL

 

[Podmonkey]

A good punch set with a brass and plastic head mallet is essential.

 

[Mk44]

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Space-Saver-Screwdriver-Set/dp/B000RZG5NY/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3TX05AZU2ECMW&keywords=wheeler+gunsmithing+tools&qid=1694301536&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=wheeler+%2Csporting%2C113&sr=1-7

 

[FP1201]

It has hex, torx as well as Philips

T-15 Torx does most of the scope ring screws, thin and wide for receiver screws and buttstock bolts, mostly the really small screwdriver bits cover a lot of ground, but of course depends on the gun being worked on.

 

[GTN]

A good punch set with a brass and plastic head mallet is essential.

Got those

 

[GTN]

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Space-Saver-Screwdriver-Set/dp/B000RZG5NY/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3TX05AZU2ECMW&keywords=wheeler+gunsmithing+tools&qid=1694301536&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=wheeler+%2Csporting%2C113&sr=1-7

I like that one

 

[GTN]

Just curious why kits have so many flat bits in them
86 pieces has 54 flats
26 piece has 11

 

[C3D]

Those wheeler bits suck.

The definitive gunsmith screwdriver set is the Chapman:

#8900 Gunsmithing Set | Chapman MFG

8900 is a 24 hollow ground screwdriver bit set with Phillips bits, Slotted bits, SAE Hex bits, and ¼” drive spinner. For gunsmiths, firearms, weapons, lanterns, sewing machines and fishing reels. Our slotted bits have straight parallel sides for maximum screw surface contact. USA Made in Durham, CT.

chapmanmfg.com

 

[C3D]

Also you need a set of punches. This is a pretty good economical set that I keep on the bench (Grace punches are in the drawers):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B3HR86G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Acer-m14]

Fat wrench had a bit kit

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Engineering-Gunsmithing-Screwdriver-Construction/dp/B001C63M7O/ref=asc_df_B001C63M7O/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=663361396684&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12724964639083789386&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010012&hvtargid=pla-434585942338&psc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-frw-KSegQMVnC2tBh2BKwrlEAQYBCABEgKrwPD_BwE

i got that set ..

was a gift from a co worker that knew my dad .. and got me into reloading

and some roll pin punches too ..

 

[Mosinitis]

Just curious why kits have so many flat bits in them
86 pieces has 54 flats
26 piece has 11

There are more slot size variations in length and thickness. Right fit is important to avoid stripping the slot. I always take time to find exact match and put less wear on screws.

 

[GTN]

Those wheeler bits suck.

The definitive gunsmith screwdriver set is the Chapman:

#8900 Gunsmithing Set | Chapman MFG

8900 is a 24 hollow ground screwdriver bit set with Phillips bits, Slotted bits, SAE Hex bits, and ¼” drive spinner. For gunsmiths, firearms, weapons, lanterns, sewing machines and fishing reels. Our slotted bits have straight parallel sides for maximum screw surface contact. USA Made in Durham, CT.

chapmanmfg.com

View attachment 209609

I have that in my car shooting supplies. Maybe I should just move it to my bench

 

[GTN]

i got that set ..

was a gift from a co worker that knew my dad .. and got me into reloading

and some roll pin punches too ..

Ive got a couple sets of punches

 

[GTN]

https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Sticks-T...9005246&hvtargid=pla-1597674812348&psc=1[/URL

I like those but man are they pricey

 

[Vapor]

I've had the wheeler bits literally crack and crumble. I like the wheeler torque wrench just fine. I have a vortex torque wrench whose bits are vastly superior but only went up to 50 in lbs.


I used the vortex bits with the fat wrench when I need more in lbs.


I also have another set or two of bits.

You needed hollow ground bits.


I also have vise grips and clamps I've improvised pads on to use as mini presses. I have some brass punches, an automatic center punch, pliers, and rubber mallet I use as well.

I also have the wheeler scope leveling kit.

 

[Bustedknees]

I like those but man are they pricey

I wasn't sure I liked em till I used them. They're a non-clutch torque and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to see the lb. increments, but I had zero trouble doing so. I've also seen them at Runnings in with their scope case. there's different kits to choose from also. But I'd definitely buy them again!

 

[Bustedknees]

My small tool collection.

 

[Jmac00]

I have two Wheeler kits.

One is the F.A.T. Wrench, for scope mounting. it has lapping compound, ring centers and a bunch of bits.

One is the Wheeler gunsmithing tool kit. it has a bunch of bits, hammer punches and a plastic anvil

 

[kev74]

The kits are nice, but its helpful to know how to modify either a screwdriver or a screwdriver bit to fit the screw you're working on.

Usually screwdrivers can be modified with a file. The bits are usually harder and need a grinder.

 

[C3D]

The kits are nice, but its helpful to know how to modify either a screwdriver or a screwdriver bit to fit the screw you're working on.

Usually screwdrivers can be modified with a file. The bits are usually harder and need a grinder.

Jack Rowe was one of the all-time masters of old world gunsmithing, but the thought of making a custom screwdriver to fit each specific screw on a gun is very quaint.

 

[kev74]

Jack Rowe was one of the all-time masters of old world gunsmithing, but the thought of making a custom screwdriver to fit each specific screw on a gun is very quaint.

Not for every screw, but it's nice to be able to when needed.

I've got one tip I've modified to fit Smith& Wesson side plate screws. Out of the many others I have, none fit the way I liked. Other screwdrivers I've modified to fit a specific screw.

 

[Varmint]

I have that in my car shooting supplies. Maybe I should just move it to my bench

Car shooting?
I have a hedgerow full of cars… I thought I might be the only guy testing rounds on engine blocks

 

[GTN]

Car shooting?
I have a hedgerow full of cars… I thought I might be the only guy testing rounds on engine blocks

Noooo lol
I just keep a box of stuff in the car. Targets, clothespins, muffs, stapler and that tool kit

 

[FRANKIE]

As @ FP1201 stated,
Brownells Magna-Tip are top notch. No equal and they offer nice little dedicated kits in nice wooden storage boxes.
I use a thin bit set when working on Browning superposed. For that Browning application you will not even find the correct bit in the wheeler 89pc. They are the highest quality bits I have ever used. @ Kev74 is 100% that modification is correct to almost all of these bits for the perfectionist.