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I bought a set made by Pachmayr but the tips are extremely brittle and break when I try them on some of the older guns I have.These are solid shanks they don't have interchangeable tips.

What do you use and recommend?Thanks.

Glenn

I like Brownells. I have about a million different tips and some of the non interchangeable tipped jobs that I've ground down to match certain screws.

Pachmayr is [bleep].

Yep, spend the money for the
Brownells Magna-tip set. Chapmans are OK, but they are brittle as well.

Brownells is best. Great quality and an unbelievable selection of bits. Pricey, but worth every cent.

I have been using Grace screwdrivers for years. Good stuff.

http://www.graceusaguntools.com/screwdrivers.htm

http://www.cabelas.com/gun-smithing-grace-usa-gun-care-screwdriver-set-3.shtml

Those sure look like the real deal. But I would think that set leaves you needing a lot of other tips for scopes mounting, etc. What do you do about that?

I used to work with a guy who's B.I.L. owned Grace. He worked part time for him. He got me a set of those Grace screwdrivers. I really wasn't impressed. All they are, are reground common screwdrivers. I have them scattered about in my reloading room, and some in my range box. Most of my Bonanza screwdrivers, are in my range box, as well.

But when it comes to serious work on guns... I reach for my Brownells screwdrivers. I prefer the non-magnetic ones without the interchanbable tips... Although, I have the standard set of interchangable tips, as well.

When it comes to tools... The best may well be the most expensive, But I've never known anyone who regretted buying the best. And I know a lot of guys who bought the cheaper sets that regretted buying them... YMMV

I use Bondhus allen and torx wrenches, both the T handled and folding ones. Quality stuff as well.

I bought a Chapman set many years ago. Replacement bits are hard
to come by. Today I would buy from Brownell.

Each type has it advantages, and it comes down to quality and personal preferences. I use my Brownell's set a lot, but I've never felt completely comfortable with the separate bit held in the shank. Doesn't have a solid feel. Sometimes the magnetic version is handy, sometimes it's a PITA. I much prefer the feel of the Grace screwdrivers with their wood handles, no slick plastic to slip in your hand. I also inhertited a Midway set, and have had too many bits break. They don't seem to be the quality of Btownell's.

Now my real challenge is grinding the tips. I have never gotten good at it. How the heck do you keep the sides parallel, and have it come out even at the desired thickness? Mine usually come out uneven.

Paul

Love the set. I had to wait about a month because they were back-ordered, but it was definitely worth it.

I have no use for separate bit heads, let alone magnetic. My Grace's have lasted for years when put in the right hole.

Consider treating yourself to a Brownell's set. They're bit drivers, maybe not boutique but really nice quality and with many sizes to fit about any head well. Conversely, bit quality from Wheeler, Pachmayer, B-square - varied from poor to piss poor for me and proved not worth the hassles.

Would like the feel of rigid drivers, but just not practical space-wise or cost-wise.

Thanks for all the replies.I still use the Snap-on and Mac screwdrivers that I got years ago(auto mechanic).
The Pachmayrs were a big disappointment .
I dislike insert bits and took a hard look at both the Grace and Brownells.I will be getting solid shanks.

I notice that Brownells sells the Grace brand so I doubt that I can go wrong with either.
Good discussion guys.

Glenn

The Brownells can be added to,any good supply house sells the bits. And they can shaped as needed.

I mount a lot of scopes, and I get VERY frustrated when tightening the scope rings and I pull the driver off and the bit sticks to the screws and then drops on the floor. (Always in the MOST dark and inaccessable place...)

I'm sure magnetic bits have their place, but they have disadvantages, as well... That's why I prefer the solid shank drivers... YMMV

Another user of the Brownells Magna-tip set.

Ken

For standard shank and tip screwdrivers, the hollow ground Forstner's have served me well.

One can never have enough screw drivers on hand.