What kind of screwdriver do I need?

[sdelivery]

Start your search for "Wiha" (sic spelling) screwdrivers.

Absolutely Bone Head, He will find some of the finest screwdrivers made.
They are pricey until you use them then you see the actual value.

 

[pontiac428]

Hozan is a Japanese brand on par with Wiha, as an alternative.

You might want to search for gunsmithing screwdrivers. Machine screw slots are more square, and need a close fit with the driver. That's probably why you prefer the hollow ground tip. All machine screws used to be this way, but the hex took over between world wars. So now it's just common to see them called gunsmith's screwdrivers.

 

[Eddyde]

I bought one of the Chapman gunsmithing sets about 30 years ago and use all the time, never broke or twisted any of the bits.

#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

 

[pontiac428]

I bought one of the Chapman gunsmithing sets about 30 years ago and use all the time, never broke or twisted any of the bits.

#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

$46 for a large set like that, made in USA? Nice!

 

[mikey]

+1 for Chapman.

 

[Mill Lee farm]

I really like my Wiha. Lucked out on an Amazon warehouse deal on a set! Like 70% off! The package was torn up and one handle was cosmetically marred a tinge.
Have had them maybe 4-5yrs now and really like the tips and feel
+1 on old chapman
I have some of dad’s from his Xerox tech days. Definitely a different build. Production quality and hardness seems above normal. No idea if current stuff is the same quality?
(unfortunately I destroyed a couple as a dumb kid…)

 

[WobblyHand]

Another +1 for Chapman. Still made in USA. Think I've had the #8900 set for around 40 years. Still can buy replacement bits for pretty cheap money, like $2 or so. Bought some JIS #1 & #2 bits - they work great on both Japanese and Chinese equipment, Phillips doesn't. Highly recommended. Good selection of bits. Super satisfied customer.

The flat blade screwdrivers are all hollow ground.

 

[ChazzC]

I need to replace an old jeweler's slotted screwdriver because I managed to put a twist in it. I use it to adjust one of the bearings on my little watchmaker's lathe. The blade was a simple hollow-ground slotted style, about 1/8" or 5/32" wide.
I'd like to replace it with one that fits the whole width of the adjusting screw which is 1/4", near as I can tell. And I'd like to keep the hollow-ground construction because the screw slot depth is fairly deep, maybe 3/32" deep but the slot thickness is narrow, maybe .020" - .030" thick.
I was looking around gunsmithing screwdrivers, which I know nothing about.
Can anyone suggest a specific type of screwdriver that would fit my needs? The hollow-ground build of the one I twisted helps with getting the blade into the full depth of the adjusting screw.
You can *just* see the head of the screw I'm talking about, see the blue arrow.

Brownells has a wide selection of hollow ground 1/4” hex bits, including thin blade versions. Not inexpensive, but high quality and properly hardened & tempered. Here are the sizes in the set so you can see if they have what you need:


The bits can also be ordered individually, but why would any of us do that? If you do order the set, I strongly suggest that you also order an empty storage case, along with one of their "Law Enforcement Handles" (mid-size handle with a stubby shaft, much easier to control) and maybe a grinding stone so you can touch up the tips if you damage any. You'll probably need to call them to see what they have in stock as their website isn't the best for details (I think they purposely do this so that you'll buy they catalog, and pay for shipping it to you).

 

[WobblyHand]

https://chapmanmfg.com/ The #8900 set is $46. Comes with a decent handle and an awesome little ratchet.

At https://chapmanmfg.com/products/slotted-insert-bits, you can see individual bits still only $2! If you have any questions, call them, they are pretty nice. These bits at $2 are a bargain. I don't know how they make them with the knurling, the ball bearing detent and the nice machining and blueing for this price.

 

[rodm1]

I second Brownells if you get there bits they have a lifetime warranty.