r/canadaguns • u/checkyourfilter • 1d ago
Fix my gun / Modding Hand tools for regular maintenance
I have a .223,.22LR, 7.62x39 and a 12 gauge. Do I need any kind of speciality screwdrivers for cleaning? I'm in the trades so I have a lot of different sized screwdriver bits but I don't know if I have any super small ones. The only thing I don't have is a torque screwdriver, should I buy a kit with the torque screwdriver and a bunch of different sized heads?
2
u/Muted-Garden6723 1d ago
Depends on the model, some guns you can take apart with regular tools, others you’ll need speciality screwdrivers
2
u/cmiller82 Rouge River Arms 23h ago
Buy one of these:
https://www.wheelertools.com/gunsmithing-tools/wrenches-and-screwdrivers/
They are non marring bits, and they come in every size you'll ever need. Not everyone that works on their own guns needs this kit, unless you work on lever actions or old shotguns, then it's manditory!
2
u/Beers_n_Deeres 21h ago
The flat blade screw drivers meant specifically for firearms are different than the common hardware store variety.
The edges of the tip of the blade are parallel and essentially fill the entire slot to prevent marring.
Regular flat blade screwdrivers are tapered to the end which means that they only grab the screw at the widest point of the driver that makes contact, which ends up marring the very top edge of a screw slot.
Not saying I don’t use my Klein screwdrivers from my tool pouch on firearms, but it’s best practice not to.
And use a brass punch for pins, you can buy a full set for cheap from princess auto.
1
u/Johnny-Unitas 1d ago
Take a look at what fasteners they have. Check the manual or YouTube videos. Buy accordingly.
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u/Opening_Pizza 1d ago
Torque wrench set for sure. A plumb bob and magnetic and/or rail levels will help you set up scopes and muzzle brakes. A bore laser sight is pretty handy for rough sighting in a scope. A one piece cleaning rod. A bore guide makes it easier to clean your barrel with less mess.
1
u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 1d ago
Torque limiter, brass and steel punches, a set good-quality hex wrenches in both SAE and metric, Torx bits, screw bits - ideally hollow ground for the slot bits, rubber mallet, nylon hammer, brass brushes, nylon and steel picks, bubble levels. Of course there’s a lot of other gadgets and tools depending on which model of gun you have.
1
u/LananasCourageux 23h ago
A big tip is a wide variety of widths of hollow ground slotted screwdrivers. You want the head to match the width of the scre's drive and to match the parallel interior walls to prevent buggering them up.
A rubber mallet has come in handy a few times.
A piece of carpet underlayment helps protect wood parts if you need them in the vice.
1
u/Lumindan 1h ago
I bought a Pro Fat Wrench Screwdriver Set a hot minute ago and it's basically helped me break down pretty much everything I own when cleaning.
But realistically a torque set with the right heads should be fine.
Definitely a game changer imo
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u/looloopklopm 1d ago
Yes! A torque screwdriver set is a godsend to know you're torquing (and not over torquing) things properly. You'll likely need different amounts for your scope rings, rails, chassis bolts, etc and it's super nice to just be able to dial the number and go.