Members Mockingbird Posted May 3, 2017 Members Report Posted May 3, 2017 What's your preferred screwdrivers for machine maintenance? I have to replace a hook and base for a cylinder machine, and all my screwdrivers are too long to access the screws with enough clearance. I've seen right angle ratchet types and just using mini screwdrivers on youtube videos being used. For those that have been through a few, what did you settle on? Quote
Members gottaknow Posted May 3, 2017 Members Report Posted May 3, 2017 All of my screwdrivers are SnapOn brand. The tips are hardened which work nicely on hardened screws. For tight spots, I prefer 1/4" insert bits. I apply torque with a box end 1/4" wrench. If need be, I wedge a screwdriver on top of the insert bit for downward pressure. I also use SnapOn insert bits, they last the longest. I've also built many custom tools where nothing is available for a specific task. Regards, Eric Quote
Members JD62 Posted May 3, 2017 Members Report Posted May 3, 2017 Gottaknow said almost word for word what I was thinking! Howd you do that? Quote One day at a time my friends John
Contributing Member fredk Posted May 3, 2017 Contributing Member Report Posted May 3, 2017 Never be afraid to cut or file a tool to suit the job. Most tools are made for general purpose use. Just cut one down & re-handle to suit your job. I have a vintage racing car; most of the tools I need are no longer available so I just cut, file and weld up tools to do the work Quote Al speling misteaks aer all mi own werk..
Members dikman Posted May 3, 2017 Members Report Posted May 3, 2017 A long time ago I bought a small ratchet handle that takes 1/4" bits and found it very useful on sewing machines. Quote Machines wot I have - Singer 51W59; Singer 331K4; Seiko STH-8BLD; Pfaff 335; CB4500. Chinese shoe patcher; Singer 201K (old hand crank)
bikermutt07 Posted May 3, 2017 Report Posted May 3, 2017 Wiha has some really well made screw driver sets. Top quality stuff. Quote I'm not paying 80 bucks for a belt!!! It's a strip of leather. How hard could it be? 4 years and 3 grand later.... I have a belt I can finally live with. Stitching is like gravy, it's only great if you make it every day. From Texas but in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Members trash treasure Posted May 3, 2017 Members Report Posted May 3, 2017 Get a set of Chapman gunsmith screwdrivers - Wouldn't be without them : https://chapmanmfg.com/collections/slotted-flathead-sets/products/8900-standard-set-12-slotted-bits Quote The model number giveth, and the subclass taketh away ......... Sometimes
Members Mockingbird Posted May 3, 2017 Author Members Report Posted May 3, 2017 Get a set of Chapman gunsmith screwdrivers - Wouldn't be without them : https://chapmanmfg.com/collections/slotted-flathead-sets/products/8900-standard-set-12-slotted-bits "Great for firearms, weapons, dental and lab equipment, sewing machines and fishing reels" ...and it comes in pink! Thanks for the suggestions, mini ratchet with lots of bits worked out well. Quote
Members gottaknow Posted May 3, 2017 Members Report Posted May 3, 2017 This is about half of my SnapOn screwdrivers. I keep a duplicate set in our Seattle factory so when I fly over to help out or teach, I don't have to put my tools into checked baggage. Saves a ton of time at airports. In the old days, (pre 911) I would just carry them on in an attaché. Some of the handles in the picture have been around since the 80's, with the blades being replaced when they begin too get dull. I always start out an apprentice mechanic with a set as well. I like their electronic series because they are not flared out at the blade tip. There are a lot of places on machines where the taper won't fit down a set screw hole. I buy those in 1/16", 1/8" and 3/16" blade width. The larger screwdrivers have a hex built in just below the handle. You can use a box end wrench to apply some serious torque to pop a stubborn screw loose. Regards, Eric Quote
Members SolarLeatherMachines Posted May 3, 2017 Members Report Posted May 3, 2017 When I was living in Europe, and learning to wrench over there, I was introduced to Beta tools. All German made, and super nice. I really line the grips and the quality is second to none. Dealers are hard to find, but they have a tool for dang near everything. http://www.peerless-betatools.com/products/details/1294-3X100-SCREWDRIVERS-HEADLESS-SLOTTED Quote Alexander
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