which Magna-Tip super set to buy

[Sedalia Dave]

Brownells has their Magna-Tip sets on sale. Is the 22 bit set sufficient for Cowboy guns or should I get one of the other sets?

[Kid Rich]

I think I have one of the bigger ones but I also ordered the thin bit set in order to work on some of the old Winchesters.

Probably should be fine for Cowboy guns.

kR

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Yes, get the 58 bit, super set and the thin bit set.

Handles-Get the large one for torque-

Get the medium one for faster work.

The sets are on sale....

American made with lifetime warranty on the bits.

OLG

 

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

Yes for sure on adding the thin-bit set.   Many of our European and Japanese guns have fine screw slots!

 

Good luck, GJ

[Will Kane]

They also have a set specifically for Ruger single actions. 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

I have found the slot size in Rugers to vary a good bit.

That's where the 58 bit super set w/thin bit set, 'shines'. 

 

OLG

[Chili Ron]

Howdy,

if you go to the overall wire search and search for magna-tips or magna tips or magnatips

the various lists will show.

If you just buy any set you may be getting tips you NEVER use.

As for handles, different folks have different fingers.......

You may already own handles that will work fine.

Have at least two to cut down on switching around.

and most all manufacturers buy screws in batches and sometimes the slots change.

I see no point in buying 85 tips and only using ten.

And get a Brownells catalog. they carry neat stuff.

Best

CR

 

[Major Crimes]

Brownells have opened an Australian online subsidery and so I have been shopping. Unfortunately I ordered this before the special

 

MAGNA-TIP Set No. 1 - Complete assortment of 24 Bits (#445-00, #445-0, #445-10, #445-20, #445-30, #445-1, #445-2, #445-3, #445-4, #445-5, #445-6, #440-1, #440-2, #440-0, #185-00, #185-0, #185-1, #185-2, #185-3, #185-4, #185-5, #185-6, #185-9, #185-10), plus MAGNA-TIP Handle of your choice, the Field Case and Bench Tray. Click Here to view Handles.

 

 

[Driftwood Johnson, SASS #38283]

Howdy

 

I have built up my set of Magna Tips over a bunch of years. I probably started with the 22 bit set. Be sure you get this style of box, not the paler box that does not hold as many bits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you look at the specs for most of the bit sets, you will see the bits they include. The way the naming code works is bit # 120-3 is approx .120 wide by .030 thick. If you look at most of the sets you will see that none of the bits listed go down as far as .010 thick or .020 thick. I don't know exactly what bits the Thin Bit set includes, Brownells does not list it. But I have found the bits that are .010 thick and .020 thick, particularly in the narrow widths, to be very useful in general firearm disassembly. The widths I have found most useful are .120, .180, .210, .240, .270, .300, .340, and .360. With most of those, in addition to the ones provided in the sets, I go with the -1 and -2 thicknesses. With the larger ones I may just go with the -2 and -3 thickness.

 

There is another code with a 445 prefix and I have never been able to figure out just what they stand for. So the 22 bit set is probably a good starter set, but I would add a -1 and -2 to the smaller widths in the set. You can order single bits while you are ordering a set.

 

Be forewarned, the -1 and -2 bits are easy to bend or break if you over torque them. Replacements are free, no questions asked, but do be judicious in how you torque the thin bits. It is not a bad idea to have a spare on hand for a couple of the narrow ones, to tide you over until you get a free replacement. I have the standard handle and the stubby handle in my set. The stubby handle is great for limited access, and you might want to have two bits chucked up while you are working.

 

I must have gotten the hex bits and the Philips bits when I first ordered my set. From my standpoint, the hex bits and the Phillips bits are useless for gun work. I never use them and they are taking up space in my set that could perhaps be better devoted to a different bit.

[Sedalia Dave]

Thanks for all the info.

[Cat Brules]

I bought the 58-bit set.  I also got the "law enforcement armorer's" handle (consider buying 2), rather than the "regular" handle because that larger one is just too big and clumsy.  The stubby handle is just not usable to me.  I made my own tiny handle by buying a magnetic bit holder with a hex shaft, drilled out (make sure the hole is straight) a tiny Brownells plastic driver handle (sold separately).  I put shot in the overly long hole to take up any extra space, I filled the hole with epoxy, covered the bit driver shaft with epoxy, then pushed in the bit driver shaft (fill the bit holder with tissue first).  Clean up the surplus wet epoxy off your new bit driver and your fingers with household vinegar and paper towels.  Check for straightness again.  Let the epoxy set for 24 hours.

 

This homemade driver handle is strong and very useful, and the filler shot gives it a good weighty feel.

 

i also bought the Thin Bit Set.   Very useful.  Brownells has replaced 4 of the thin bits for me and several bits from the regular set over the years.

 

Oh yeah, be sure to order the latest Brownells catalog.  It's $5.00 now, and is shipped separately.  It is filled with exceptionally useful information and with unique, usable products.

[Griff]

Buy once, cry once.  Go big... you'll eventually need 'em.

[Blackey Cole]

I started with magtip screw drivers from brownells and carry one in my cart but found a t handle works better for me I switched to graced old west screwdrivers for home use I tried the brownells Allen screw drivers but they broke too easy just like the bits.  I broke a grace driver and had one that had a loose handle called grace they sent replacements out right a way no charge no need to send the bad ones back like brownells.  I got tired of calling brownells hearing that their bits are designed to break before a screw and being told to return the broken bit(S) on my dollar then they would send out a replacement.  I like brownells for other things just not their bits and screwdrivers.

[Driftwood Johnson, SASS #38283]

4 hours ago, Blackey Cole said:

 I got tired of calling brownells hearing that their bits are designed to break before a screw and being told to return the broken bit(S) on my dollar then they would send out a replacement.  I like brownells for other things just not their bits and screwdrivers.

 

I have never been told to return a broken bit to Brownells. I call them up and tell them what broke or bent, they send me a new one. No questions asked.

 

Regarding the thin bits, yes they will break if you put too much torque on them. They are very thin at the end. If a screw is that stubborn it may be rusted in place. It may need some penetrating fluid to help loosen it up.

[Blackey Cole]

DJ do you have a shop? That might be the difference. But I was told that they design them to break before a screw I admit I don't recall breaking any gun screws but have broken sever bits and Allen screwdriver tips to use a reg tip to loosen the very screw they weren't rusted the were tighten by mongo the gorilla.  I ll stick with grace drivers as I like there policy better.  If brownells would replace there bits without requiring the broken one being sent in I would probably buy more of their tools.

[Driftwood Johnson, SASS #38283]

I don't have a shop, but I have the C&R discount. Maybe that makes a difference.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

The Allen and Torx bits are very common on modern guns. I use mine very often.

I have NEVER even been question by Brownells when I have called in about replacing a broken a tip. They just send it out.

OLG

 

[Father Kit Cool Gun Garth]

With Father's Day coming up, my wife has asked what I would like to have.

Other than that, I'm thinking a Magna Tip Set from Brownells. I know they sell a specific set for the Ruger Vaqueros; however, they were out of stock the last time I checked. If I get that set when it's available, what other set would I need to fill in the gaps for my Henry Big Boy Silver 38/357 and my Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme?

I know Henry makes their own set; however, they are a bit pricey, and not Magna Tip.

 

 

Your suggestions would be appreciated.

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

Check brownells again, both the Ruger single action set with and without an included handle are in stock today.

 

Much better than Grace IMHO and 20% of the price.   

 

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-bit-sets/ruger-single-action-screwdriver-prod25459.aspx

 

Good luck, GJ

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

1 hour ago, Father Kit Cool Gun Garth said:

With Father's Day coming up, my wife has asked what I would like to have.

Other than that, I'm thinking a Magna Tip Set from Brownells. I know they sell a specific set for the Ruger Vaqueros; however, they were out of stock the last time I checked. If I get that set when it's available, what other set would I need to fill in the gaps for my Henry Big Boy Silver 38/357 and my Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme?

I know Henry makes their own set; however, they are a bit pricey, and not Magna Tip.

 

 

Your suggestions would be appreciated.

Buy once-cry 1 time.

Get the 58 bit maga-bit set and the thin bit set and you are covered for 99.9% of all guns made today.......

OLG

 

[John Henry Quick]

19 hours ago, Griff said:

Buy once, cry once.  Go big... you'll eventually need 'em.

 

 

  What he said.  I bought a "Winchester" set and they are soft junk.  Whatever you do, steer clear of them.