Chapman #8900 screwdriver set

[Mitch]

Just received this as a gift. Any input as to their suitability on Colt revolvers?
Are all colt screw sizes included?

[dfariswheel]

Chapman drivers "can" be used, but they really aren't gunsmith screwdriver bits, and none of them are great fits in Colt screws.
In my experience, the Chapman bits will damage the tops of the screw slots.

If you want the best for your Colt's, buy the following sizes of Brownell's Magna-Tip driver bits and one of the Law Enforcement model screwdriver handles.
The extra thicknesses are to account for variations in the screw slot. These bits should fit all Colt revolver screws:

.150-2
.150-3
.180-2
.180-3
.210-2
.210-3

[cubguy]

Thanks for the List, I have been wanting to add a few screwdrivers to the work bench!

[Frank237]

The small amount of money invested in a QUALITY set of bits from Brownells will pay huge dividends over the years...by NOT buggering up screws, slipping out of the slots and scratching the finish, etc.

I know a Winchester colelctor who has probably lost a few Grand over the years through his continued use of absolute GARBAGE screw drivers on his expensive and rare Winchesters....The CLASSIC example of "Penny wise...DOLLAR foolish".

[semperfi71]

I started out in 1972 with a set of small screwdrivers bought at the Marine PX. Through the years I used them as bought and re-shaped and reground the points as the needed it. In the process I buggered a lot of screws. Thankfully not on any guns of real value.

Then I bought two sets of Grace, touted in a lot of ads, magazines, and online purveyors as "great" firearms screwdrivers. They broke a lot of tips and I burred a lot of screws.

Then I bought several sets of Chapman and Pachmayr. Same story, interestingly they broke tips a lot.

Then I bought Brownells Magna-Tip entire set of about 50? bits with the standard and "police" sized handle. I paid $145.00 I think. This was as I began to buy more quality and collectible revolvers.

The Brownells set has had two of the smaller, thinner bits warp but not break. I do not know of a better quality screwdriver set. Meaning I have not heard of one and since I am satisfied with Brownells I quit looking.

[JudgeColt]

I bought the biggest set Brownell's had years ago, and have since bought the super thin tip set for old shotguns to add to it. Anyone who disassembles guns should have the "Master" set. The price is "cheap" if one damages an expensive gun with ill-fitting screwdrivers.

I have a Chapman set that is over 50 years old, which I used for decades before I bought the Brownell's set, and its metallurgy seems to be nearly as good as the Brownell's set, but there are only a few bits so the Brownell's set was needed.

[kenhwind]

I find the larger bits in the Chapman set to be usefull, as well as the allen bits. For general use ir isn't too bad. But I also have the Bonanza gunsmith screw drivers set, the Grace screwdrivers as well as the Brownells; which I have several gun specific as well as the box and some bits.

I will admit that the Brownells Master Set is the way to go. Me I just need to remember to add a few bits each time I order from them.

When it comes to gun screwdrivers I'm not sure you can have to many. You all know like owning COLTS

[Mitch]

Thanks everybody, especially Dr. D. for listing the correct Colt screwdriver sizes. My Magna-Tips are on the way from Brownell's right now! (I'll use my gifted Chapman's for OTHER stuff.)

[oberon]

I have had a Chapman set for years and have had no problems. The literature that was supplied with the kit was specific in terms of using Chapman's bits to make custom sizes and applications. Heck, they're a buck apiece. For the kind of work I am apt to do, they work just fine. I forget which kit I got, but it is the one with more pieces. It has the driver handle, extension, a ratcheting box-end that fits the bits, and a couple dozen bits. It was something like $19.95 when I bought it, which was the main attraction at the time.

[Bisley]

Hello, I agree with oberon..rarely does a driver fit..even if it is listed as such, perfectly, without a bit of grinding or filing..at least that has been my experiance. One thing I like about Chapman..you can make custom fitted drivers by using high quality Allen wrenches of the proper size.
Once, had to fit some very narrow slotted European screws..used cut-off Allen wrenches & surface grinder for a perfect fit.