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I need to take the big and little top tang screws out of my 1932 ’94
Without taking my rifle to Home Depot, a bad idea in New Jersey, how do I find the right tool so I don’t bugger my tang?
I like the Wheeler screwdriver kits since they give you a wide assortment of bits to choose from.
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/wheeler-screwdriver
As long as you use a hollow ground blade that fits the slot correctly you shouldn’t have a big problem. If the slot has been buggered up previously it can be a challenge.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
As long as you use a hollow ground blade that fits the slot correctly you shouldn’t have a big problem.
Hollow ground blades are the trick, that fill the length of the slot as much as possible.
Online
Another option is the Magna-Tip kits available through Brownell’s. I have been using them for more than 20-years now, and they have held up very well. I have the 58-bit Super kit, and it goes with me to all of the gun shows that I attend.
http://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=Magna+Tip&ksubmit=y
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I’m also a fan of Brownells screwdrivers, most folks don’t know this but they have a lifetime replacement policy on their tips. If you break one, call them tell them the size and they will replace it.
On a side note, Winchester pretty much used the US standard for screws; as an example, the pre 1900 US standard for a 6-48 was a head diameter of .198 – .201, and a slot width of .030 – .035. So if you start checking Winchester screws you will find most of the 6-48 screws will fit within that range.
So the FE cap screw, Trigger spring retaining screw, mag plug screw, 92 guide screws all have 6-48 threads, and all have a head dia between .198 / .201 and a slot width .030/.035.
What does this mean to Winchester collectors? Once you understand the screw dia/thread pitch to head dia slot size, you can go thru the Brownells catalogue and get just the bits you need, which would be about half a dozen to cover all your Winchester needs.
V/R
Mike
Have the 28 pc. Brownell Magna-Tip set and while the bits work well for pre-64 M70 front and rear trigger guard screws and the magazine cover hinge plate screw and forend screw, they do not seem to be a perfect fit. Has anyone figured out what are the best Magna-Tip bit sizes for these applications?
Thanks
Ted
The best thing to do is to is measure the screw head OD, then use a feeler gage to determine the screw slot width. Take a look in the Brownells catalogue and select the best bit for this application. Optimally you want a bit that’s .010-.015 smaller than the OD of the screw, that way you minimize the chances of scratching the gun metal around the slot.
Let me know if I can help you more
V/R
Mike
I like the Brownells screwdrivers as well. I have the full length screwdriver set including screwdrivers #3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, & 16. These sizes have worked well for me in the past and I havent had any problems with them in terms of getting the right fit.
The Magna-tips kits are nice and lots of folks use them. I dont like them because they are magnetized and they cause me more problems than what they are worth, I felt like I have less control over the screw and they want to stick to everything. However, they do come in handy on small screws that are difficult to get started because the magnet holds them in place. My dad preferred them because they helped with unsteady hands and because it was easier to carry one driver and lots of bits. To each is own.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
Chris, What would be the magna bit numbers for the equivalent full length screwdrivers you suggested. Or should I just give Brownells a call and ask them. I am just primarily looking for straight slot driver tips as I have every possible tips for Phillips and so on.
Thanks
Steve
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