7 Best Gunsmith Screwdriver Sets Of 2022 (Buying Guide)
Every gun owner is guilty of using regular screwdrivers lying around in the house on their firearm. Using traditional screwdrivers may lead to a disaster and damage your gun. Because conventional screwdrivers are not fit for use on your rifle.
Hence, if you are a gun owner, you should consider purchasing a specialized screwdriver set built just for your gun. But there are tons of similar toolkits available in the market, and it's easy to get confused on which one you should get.
So, we have done in-depth research on the top seven best gunsmith screwdriver set for your benefit. With the right screwdriver set, cleaning and maintaining your firearm becomes a lot easier and more comfortable.
This insightful article will help you to find your preferable toolset to make your gunsmithing job smoother.
What Is A Hollow Ground Screwdriver?
A hollow-ground screwdriver has a concave shape, making it perfect to fit the screw slot. And a regular screwdriver has a narrow flathead tip that fails to provide proper engagement into the screw slot.
On the other hand, the hollow-ground screwdriver's shape has an appropriate dimension that allows smooth insertion and maximum contact into space.
How Do You Grind A Screwdriver?
You will need a spinning grinder for this task. Lay your blade at an angle against the grinding wheel. Make sure to align the blade to the wheel to duplicate the angle to maintain the blade's original taper. Keep grinding until you get your desired size.
However, keep in mind not to let the blade get too hot. If the edge turns red, stop or slow down. Then repeat the process on the other side to get an even sharp tip on both sides.
How To Choose The Best Screwdriver Set For Gunsmithing?
More and more people are keeping guns in their households nowadays. In fact, 44 % of US adults said that they live in a gun household according to Gallup's 2020 data on American gun ownership.
There are many reasons why guns are becoming more common nowadays. Some of these reasons may include safety and hobby. Guns provide confidence for security and thrill for gun hobbyists. However, having problems with gun components is unavoidable sometimes. That's why having the right tools for repairing these problems is a total must.
One of the must-haves in gun repairing or gunsmithing is a gunsmith screwdriver set. If you are looking forward to buying your screwdriver set soon, read on as we talk through the different things you should consider when purchasing this item.
01. Material
Screwdrivers are usually made of two materials namely metal and plastic.
Metal is used for the screwdriver shank and bits. When purchasing a gunsmith screwdriver set, make sure that the metal material will not rust or wear down quickly. They should also be durable to avoid breaking. Some good types of metals or steels for screwdrivers you can choose are:
- Chromium Molybdenum Steel (Cr-Mo)
- Chrome Vanadium Steel (Cr-V)
- Carbon steel (CS)
- S2 tool steel
Plastic is used for the handle of a screwdriver. Every screwdriver head is effective and the best type of head depends on the user's preference.
If a plain plastic screwdriver head seems to be slippery for your hands, you can opt to buy a screwdriver set with rubber. The rubber will help with grip and easier twisting.
Gunsmith screwdriver sets with good materials are more expensive, but it is sure worth every penny. It can last long and guarantee good results.
02. Quality
A good quality screwdriver should have a good grip, adjustable torque or twisting setting, and a deep socket that has interchangeable bits or tips.
Grip
Screwdriver handles should be able to provide a good grip for the user. The grip should go well with your hands. This way, you can use it more comfortably and conveniently.
Torque or twisting force
Using a screwdriver with excess or strong torque can damage screws of firearms. It is true that you need to tighten every screw inside the gun for safety. However, tightening them too much can damage the gun components.
Choose a gunsmith screwdriver set that has adjustable twisting force application for different gun screws. Not only will you avoid damages to your gun, but also lets you turn the screw more easily.
Socket
The available sockets in the screwdriver set are also a sign of quality. Guns have different screws. Choosing a gunsmith screwdriver set with only one socket and a few bit sockets may not be enough for tightening every screw inside different types of guns.
The more socket and socket bits are better for a gunsmith screwdriver set.
03. Driver
The gunsmith screwdriver set you choose should have a dependable and sturdy driver. The driver is the part of the screwdriver that receives the force. In short, it is the handle.
Choose a driver with a non-slip design so you can have a better grip on it. A driver made with rubber material is also effective for maintaining the grip.
04. Bits
There is no perfect number when it comes to screwdriver bits. But the general rule is the more, the better.
Make sure that your gunsmith screwdriver set has these bits.
- Flat bits
- Allen bits
- Philip bits
- Torx bits
All of these bits are the most important for gunsmithing.
Make sure to also get these bits in different sizes and styles.
05. Extension
The shafts or shanks of screwdrivers in a gunsmith screwdriver set can be relatively short. While short screwdrivers are excellent for transportation, they are not very easy to turn.
Buying a gunsmith screwdriver set with a shaft extension allows you to use a longer screwdriver. Longer screwdrivers are easier to use and turn.
06. Case
A gunsmith screwdriver set is composed of various bits and accessories. These are small and can get lost easily when not stored properly. Therefore, it is highly advised to use a durable and specialized case for the screwdriver set.
A good case will keep every part of your screwdriver set safe from getting lost. It will also keep them organized for easy access.
Make sure that the case is made of high-quality plastic material so water or other pieces of dirt can't enter. Having water or dirt trapped inside can cause corrosion or rust to your screwdriver set.
07. Warranty
When buying items like a gunsmith screwdriver set, it is advisable to ask for a warranty and know the warranty conditions.
The warranty will protect you from the repair cost of factory flaws of the product. It also allows you to get replacements when necessary.
It's crucial to buy a screwdriver set that suits your firearm's need to ensure the best care. We have reviewed some of the best gunsmith screwdriver sets so that you can easily choose one for yourself.
1. Wheeler Engineering Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set
Wheeler makes sure customers can get the best use of their product by ensuring standard quality and versatility.
Flexibility
If you own multiple firearms, it will be difficult for you to find one screwdriver set that is fit for all of your guns. Luckily, this company offers bits for every type of firearm.
The manufacturers tested the screws on more than a hundred modern and traditional guns to ensure that you never run out of bits.
Durability
The engineers have used the highest quality material to produce this durable screw set. To ensure that, the company utilizes standard quality S2 steel hardened to 56-58 Rockwell "C."
Features
Regular-shaped screws fail to provide the best grip. Hence, this company offers hollow-ground bits. The concave shape of the screws allows precise insertion into the screw slot and offers maximum grip.
Tools
All the parts come in a robust hinged storage case that allows you to store everything efficiently. There are 54 hollow-ground flat bits fit for multiple firearms.
You will also get 3 Torx and 15 specialty bits perfect for challenging burred and busted screw slots.
Additionally, you will also find four Phillips, 8 Allens, and one hex-to-square drive adapter.
Pros
- Ground-hollow bits
- Serves multiple purposes
- Sturdy set
- Convenient storage
- Ensures good grip
Cons
- Challenging to open and close the toolbox
- Expensive
2. Wheeler Space Saver Screwdriver Set
Wheeler's space-saver screwdriver is the best product for you to take on your range and field trips.
Size
With only 9.8 x 1.8 x 8.2 inches, this tool kit allows you to carry it without any hassle. You can pack it in your bag and use it on your field trips.
Tools
The kit comes with a set of 26 different bits carefully chosen to meet your firearm maintenance needs. You can find Philips, Hex, and Torx bits in this one small screwdriver set.
Feature
The standard 2 inches long Philips bit is excellent for recoil pad installation. And you can use the hex bit in square drive sockets as small as ¼ inches without any trouble.
The magnetic hollow handle makes this kit the top pick for meeting your gunsmithing needs.
Affordable
You can buy this highly versatile gunsmith screwdriver set at a very reasonable price. If you are skeptical about purchasing big expensive sets, then this is the right toolkit for you.
This small set contains several different bits that you can use on multiple firearms. So, by spending just little amount, you can get numerous benefits.
Pros
- Small size
- Easily portable
- Less expensive
- Takes small space
- User-friendly
Cons
- Less durable
- Bits size not labeled
Also READ: Top 11 Best Universal Gun Cleaning Kits (Buying Guide)
3. Grace USA Original Gun Care Screwdriver Set HG8
You can never go wrong with the Grace USA screwdriver set. Its authentic wooden design and durability will leave no room for disappointment.
Material
Its manufacturers use the best quality material to satisfy customer's expectations. The company makes the square shanked blades using prime quality steel alloy that has Chromium and Vanadium.
Besides, the screwdriver handles are also made with great care using the best quality Maine hardwood that offers a non-slippery grip.
Durability
The company uses high-quality materials to produce the screws that offer a tolerance of +/– .002. You will never experience twists or chips with the shanked blades hardened to R/C 52-56.
Plus, the black oxide finish of the edges guarantees high durability.
Features
Its custom-made hollow-ground bits are perfect to fit plug screws, floor plates, scope screws, and myriads of other gun screws. A nickel-pasted steel ferrule finish of the Maine wood handles offer ease of use.
You can also use this comprehensive set for traditional woodworking, housework, industrial and mechanical work.
Besides, the kit comes in black and brown to satisfy customer's color preferences.
Size
The 8-piece screwdriver set comes with a bench block. This kit takes up very little space weighing only 1 pound and items size of 1.5 x 8 x 12 inches.
Pros
- Durable
- Not limited to gunsmithing use
- Comes in two colors
- Easy to use
- Takes less space
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- It doesn't offer many bits
4. WEAVER 849719 Deluxe Gunsmith Tool Kit
Weaver's Delux gunsmith tool kit offers an impressive range of bits and punches, perfect for your gunsmithing needs. With this set, you can get professional-level gunsmithing experience.
Storage
The product comes with a high-quality latched hard shell storage box. The blow-molded compact case allows its users to sort and assemble all the bits and pieces into one place.
It makes organization and transportation ten times easier for you.
Features
This kit includes the best quality steel punch sets of various sizes. The manufactures construct multiple-size punch sets to fit a variety of pins.
Additionally, the hammer consists of both plastic and brass faces that enable proper adjustments.
Accessories
Now, this gunsmith set contains 88 pieces of components that will give you a professional-grade finish. It includes a nicely designed hex bit driver topped off with a magnetic tip for easy use.
Also, it has a lengthening attachment that allows it to reach tiny deep places.
Size
The package size is 14.4 x 9.6 x 3.1 inches. It will fit right into your workstation and won't take too much space.
Also, its weight makes it the perfect kit to take on trips.
Pros
- Professional level components
- Affordable
- Comes in a compact storage box
- Versatile
- Easily portable
Cons
- Steel punches are less durable
- It doesn't have roll pin punches
5. Wheeler Professional Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set
Whether you are replacing a trigger, separating stocks from the receiver, or mounting an accessory, this professional gunsmith screwdriver set by Wheelers got all grounds covered.
Storage
This screwdriver set comes in a strong and durable storage box. The non-slip case with an over-molded handle allows you to store every part conveniently. You don't have to stress about losing crucial bits.
Durability
The manufacturers use high-quality S2 tool steel to make the product the best in the market. You can use it on the most rigid screw on your firearm and still face no difficulty with this prime quality set.
The company offers highly durable products by hardening the steel to 56-58 Rockwell C.
Features
To give the best experience to their customers, the company carefully manufactures concave-shaped bits. The hollow-ground shape of the bit enables users to reach the most challenging screw slot.
This concave structure of the bits makes your work easier by allowing maximum engagement in the screw slot.
Items
Overall, this 43-piece screw set has a bit for meeting every gunsmithing need. It contains 21 flat hollow-ground bits, 10 Allens, 4 Phillips bits, and 5 Torx bits.
You will never fall short of bits in your workbench with this toolkit.
Pros
- Hollow ground bits
- Organized case
- Strong exterior
- Very affordable
- Effortless process
Cons
- Blade edges can be sloppy
- Bits can bend on high pressure
6. Weaver Compact Gunsmith Tool Kit
If you want the best gunsmith screwdrivers to address all your everyday maintenance tasks, Weaver's compact gunsmith tool kit is the right product for you.
Storage
You can store all the essential items in a rugged latched storage that comes with the product. The hard-plastic case makes transportation easier.
Blow-molded accessory chambers help you to keep all your stuff secured and organized.
Tools
The 36-piece kit includes 16 flat bits and 8 hex bits that are highly durable and comfortable to use. Moreover, the kit also contains three Philip bits, two extended length bits, and one magnetic bit.
There's also a hex drill adapter to make your gunsmithing job easier.
Size
Despite having varieties of tool bits, this kit weighs only 2 pounds. Moreover, with a product size of only 10.5 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches, this will take only a little space in your work area.
The convenient size makes it the perfect kit to take on day trips and shooting clubs.
Features
The high-quality hex bit driver with a magnetic tip finish makes this kit one of the best sets. Besides, it also consists of numerous tool bits that come in handy for different types of fasteners.
Additionally, you will find lengthening attachments that make unreachable areas easy to reach.
Pros
- Small size
- Lightweight
- Easy storage
- Contains varieties of bits
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Can expose you to lead
- May break if used on a rusty screw
7. Chapman MFG 5589 Ultimate Gunsmith Screwdriver Set
Chapman MFG 5589 Screwdriver Set is the dream set you deserve for your firearm.
Feature
All the hand tools in this kit are interchangeable, giving you 200+ combinations to work with. This company went one step ahead by introducing special bits that are perfect for your valuable screw.
Moreover, the manufacturers designed the bits in a way that they would break before damaging an irreplaceable screw.
Tools
This set features 2 Phillips and 7 start Torx screws. It also comes with the Chapman midget ratchet, which offers more leverage than a regular large screwdriver.
You will also find a pocket pack for the rachet and a spinner perfect for delicate screws in this kit. The set also has 10 Allen Hex and 12 flatheads.
Materials
The company makes and assembles all the tools in the USA from American sourced high-quality materials.
Additionally, manufacturers use prime quality US alloy steel and use heat treatment with black oxide rust inhibitors for a delicate finish.
Versatile
As mentioned before, this kit serves more than 200 combinations, making it highly flexible for different use. The non-magnetic set is safe for use on electronics and PC boards.
You can also use it to fix your sewing machine and compound bows.
Pros
- Interchangeable tools
- The bits offer multipurpose usage
- High-quality
- Bits for special screws
- Hand-assembled and inspected
Cons
- Not affordable
- Cross-thread can be hard to remove
FAQs Regarding Gunsmith Screwdrivers
Q. What is our suggestion for an inexpensive set?
But if you are looking for an inexpensive set that will get all your regular gunsmithing works done smoothly, our suggestion would be the Weaver Compact Gunsmith Tool Kit.
This affordable, lightweight screw set is perfect for your day-to-day jobs and trips.
Q. Who makes the best gunsmithing screwdrivers?
Chapman Mfg. The company goes one step ahead to address issues faced by all gun owners. They introduced bits for a specified torque for the customer's convenience only. You can use small bits for less torque and bigger ones for higher torques.
Moreover, the company's thoughtful initiative to produce less brittle special small bits to save irreplaceable screws is a hit. If you have one valuable screw on your gun that you know is irreplaceable, you can use the unique little bits.
Manufacturers designed the bits in a particular way so that they break before causing any damage to your valuable gun screw.
- Wheeler
- Chapman
- Craftsman
- Weaver
- MULWARK
- Klein Tools
- HORUSDY
- DEWALT
- OEMTOOLS
- IRWIN
Q. What can I use if I don't have a screwdriver?
You can remove flathead screws using the tip of a knife or scissors. Also, you can use a coin if the screw slot is wide enough. Pliers and tweezers come in handy for emergency purposes when you don't have a screwdriver.
However, the substitutes might not give you the best results and finishing when it comes to gunsmithing. You can use those alternatives in case you have no other options.
But, to reduce the probability of any accidents, you should use gunsmithing tools.
Q. How do you remove a tiny Torx screw without a screwdriver?
Tiny Torx screws can be challenging to remove without a proper tool. But if you are short of a device, you can try using some alternatives like a knife, metal nail file, pointy scissors, or tip of a tweezer.
Use the tip of the knife to turn the screw counter-clockwise. Insert the knife into the tiny slot at an angle to get more engagement. While using a metal nail file, you must be careful not to damage the screw.
You can similarly use tweezers and scissors to remove the screw.
Q. Is there a difference between star and Torx?
Star and Torx bits are a bit different but also similar in some ways. The Torx bit has a six-start pattern to it, which initially addressed the issue of come-outs. This bit is a licensed and trademarked screwdriver that requires approval and license for mass production.
The Star bit is also similar in pattern to the Torx bit. It also has a 6-point star shape structure. But the star bits are just improved non-licensed versions of the Torx bit. Its manufacturers designed them carefully in a way that they can fit well to a Torx bit.
One notable difference is, the Star bit has knurled ends that allow proper finger tightening.
Conclusion
That's all you need to know about the best gunsmith screwdriver set available in the market before buying one. Hopefully, you can find your dream set from among these best-selling sets.
