why don't mechanics use 'gunsmithing screwdrivers'?

[Squid]

http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/guns-guns-guns/81281-gunsmithing-screwdrivers-whats-difference.html

I asked my mechanic buddy and he is like "Snap-On is the best"(for automotive) and that is about all you get out of him on that issue.

Most mechanics I've know wont hesitate to spend a lot of extra money for ANY improvement in commonly used hand tool like screwdriver.

And why don't you see hex-key or torqux-star on guns? I thought they were new, better etc. Because gun makers are loath to use new-fangled?

[radkoch]

Mainly because most flat tip screwdrivers end up being prybars. LOL. My own choice is hollow ground blades but for the most part most places that sell mechanic tools don't carry them

[brianinca]

You can put more torque into a slot bladed screw than a philips, which is why you want a hollow ground blade - so you don't bugger up the screws. If you look at a lot of old firearms, you can see what was done by mechanics tools.

Automobiles are made to be mass produced and assembled with power tools or by robots. Fasteners on a car are very different from fasteners on a firearm, even a modern mass produced firearm. It bugs me my CZ 75 has philips screws in the grip - and they come loose!

Hex and torx fasteners are used on firearms components, especially scope rings and other attached items. As for new/better, the first torx bit tool I had was called a Mac Cracker back in '85 or so, because the original 128K Mac's had deeply inset torx fasteners. The torx fasteners were to keep people out of their own computers, as Apple is noted for STILL doing.

Torx are a way to get the torque of a slotted head screw with the fast assembly time of a philips type fastener. I woudn't want a nice over and under shotgun with torx fasteners, so the firearms companies must be listening to their customers.

Regards,
Brian in CA

[Rule .308]

I could not tell you about domestic or asian cars but european stuff really does not have too many applications where slot head screws are the norm. Cooling system hose clamps do have a slot in them but typically they are hex head as well and we just use the appropriate sized socket to service them. As the other guy said, for the most part, screwdrivers are used as pry bars in our business. In fact the pocket screwdriver that most of us carry is usually refered to as a "pocket prybar" and the times that you actually use it to turn as screw is the rare exception to the rule.

[RazzB7]

If I use a flat blade screwdriver on a car, it is usually to pry on something. I have hollow ground flat blade screwdrivers for my gun work.

[9mmrevolver]

Do u guys know where to get the hollow ground in singles. I've used the ones that come with multiple head and they suck.

[xpbprox]

Snap is not the best, no doubt they make killer air tools but their screw drivers are no better than craftsman. I've worked at places where guys are loaded with tool truck tools and place where guys have craftsman and Pittsburg. Both places are gtg tools all did the job. IMO buying snapon is like buying a colt M4.

Only tools I'll spend $$ on are pneumatic tools, power tools, torque wrenches

[dls]

Mechanics like Snap-on or MAC... Electricians prefer Klein or Greenlee.. I guess there are tool brands gunsmiths prefer too and some people like Craftsman, Kobalt or Husky for some reason.

[TKM]

Fords aren't exactly bolted together with parts from the Performance Center.

[valley82]

If you destroy a Snapon or Mac tool the truck will deliver a new one to you very convenient if you work in a shop everyday. I own a refrigeration contracting company, we drive all over SoCal on a daily basis so stopping by a sears to swap out a broken tool is no big deal. And yes flat blade drivers become pry bars very often. As far as gun smithing drivers go do they come with a no questions asked lifetime replacement warranty? I've taken some obviously abused, jacked up tools back to sears and exchanged them for new, no problem.

[kcstott]

The two reasons mechanics buy Snap on, or other branded named tools.

One: They are above average to very good.

Two you can buy them on credit. Have a boat load of tools dropped off in your new $10,000 tool box an make payments till the stuff is paid off. No credit check needed.

Thats why. Snap On makes buying their tools very easy.

When you're a tool maker and you need the best it take years to build up decent tools. Long to build up the best. and no credit taken either. You either pay in full or you don't get squat.

[gunboat]

When working on older weapons with their variety of types and sizes of screws it is just easier for me to "make your own" . Generally, decent inexpensive screwdrivers suffice.
my tuppence

[Manolito]

There were only two tool maufacturers that were allowed down in the reactor compartment when I worked them and that was Snap On and Craftsman. Had to do with the type of chrome plating that didn't flake and leave a hot spot in the reactor.
I don't know the best screwdriver but I have three drawers in my box full of screw drivers.

[-hanko]

Do u guys know where to get the hollow ground in singles. I've used the ones that come with multiple head and they suck.

Brownells'...made in US with a great guarantee. Midway is a possibility, but the fit and finish and warranty are not as good.

I actually use my gun drivers for auto stuff, but only for screws and not prying.

-hanko

[RazzB7]

The two reasons mechanics buy Snap on, or other branded named tools.

One: They are above average to very good.

Two you can buy them on credit. Have a boat load of tools dropped off in your new $10,000 tool box an make payments till the stuff is paid off. No credit check needed.

Thats why. Snap On makes buying their tools very easy.

I don't know who told you that. My Snap-On account is like any other loan I've ever gotten. I had to fill out an application and go through an approval process. The up side to that is that it reports on my credit report.

One of the big reasons I buy Snap-On is convenience. The truck is here every week and they have a "no questions asked" warranty.

Another big reason is they're pretty good tools.