Gunsmith Screwdrivers

[Randy Roberts]

Good choice Mike, same set I have. With any luck you will not need it, often.

[James L. Martin]

That's the same one I have used for over 25 plus years.

[Kensal Rise]

While a well-chosen Magna-Tip bit is a wise way to mate the proper tool to the proper screw slot, a CLEAN slot is essential.

Before attempting any work on a century-old screw/pin, please take the time to thoroughly clean 100+ years of oil, grease and dirt from the slot! A common safety pin or push pin works well for this.

This way, the proper bit fits properly and to the BOTTOM of the slot for optimum interface and torque application.

[JJ Roberts]

I made special screw driver bits out of allen wrenches for use with my drill press to remove stubborn screws,from older guns,use PB Blaster penetrating formula first. J.J.

[Richard Flanders]

Cleaning screw slots with anything harder than a round toothpick can easily lead to scratches. I learned that the hard way. Soften the goo with something then use a toothpick or two or three or ten, if necessary. Using a pin of any kind is a very bad idea. They love to jump out of the slot and scratch the receiver.

[Kensal Rise]

Originally Posted by Richard Flanders

Using a pin of any kind is a very bad idea. They love to jump out of the slot and scratch the receiver.

Sorry to tell you this Richard, but the push pin I've used for decades hasn't harmed a thing so far. Of course I use it with care. And... toothpicks tend not to get all the crud out for me. Then again, I've had a lot of bad ideas in my life...