Slotted Screw Drivers

Classtime · January 08, 2025, 02:53:12 PM

My Craftsman 1/8 and 3/16 just don't feel right on my Jigmasters and Senators. Wiha is popular here but what sizes for a complete service.

jtwill98 · January 08, 2025, 04:23:13 PM

I'm not certain of the size you'll need but you should probably look for a set of hollow grind (concave) straight screwdrivers.

They are so many for these, I found a very good one for Mitchell reel screws at HF on the end cap, that not only fit the slot but also the width for $1.

If you already have a screw/s removed, take one or more to the local hardware/tool/box supplier and look for good fitment.

BTW, most battery operated tool bits are hollow grind.

Classtime · January 08, 2025, 04:49:30 PM

Standard hardware store slotted drivers (craftsman) are not even close. The handle lock screw "needs" a narrow blade that is rather thick. Same with the bridge and side plate screws due to them being inset within the side plate. I could be wrong but I think I only need two for my Penns.

Edit: seems the side plate screws and the bridge screws are different sized slots.

foakes · January 08, 2025, 05:52:15 PM

Quote from: Classtime on January 08, 2025, 04:49:30 PMStandard hardware store slotted drivers (craftsman) are not even close. The handle lock screw "needs" a narrow blade that is rather thick. Same with the bridge and side plate screws due to them being inset within the side plate. I could be wrong but I think I only need two for my Penns.

John is correct, "hollow-ground" screwdrivers are needed.

But you don't need to spend a fortune, however quality and materials are very important.

Picked up this little set last week from Horusdy, an excellent Chinese tool manufacturer —- with a main distributor based in Australia. $13.99 + tax, free shipping.

Works on Penn Senators solidly and perfectly.

I have hundreds of screwdrivers —- the Craftsman's are used for work on vehicles —- on firearms and fishing reels —- only hollow-ground screwdrivers.

Nothing more frustrating or discouraging then seeing a goobered screw slot on a scope mount or a quality fishing reel

Best, Fred

Classtime · January 08, 2025, 07:24:27 PM

That looks like a great deal on nice screwdrivers. If you were to choose the three slotted screwdrivers for your Jigmasters, and Senators for the handle screw, side plate screws and bridge screws, what would be the perfect Three?

foakes · January 08, 2025, 07:35:35 PM

Quote from: Classtime on January 08, 2025, 07:24:27 PMThat looks like a great deal on nice screwdrivers. If you were to choose the three slotted screwdrivers for your Jigmasters, and Senators for the handle screw, side plate screws and bridge screws, what would be the perfect Three?

The (2) smaller ones work on everything from 1/0's to 16/0's
—- 5 & 3.

Best, Fred

Classtime · January 09, 2025, 01:31:36 AM

Thanks for playing along as I scour for more input from these forums. Requirement number one is that they are hollow ground. Then ther best fit in the slot is determined by the thickness AND the width. Somewhere on the forum is a tuneup of a Surfmaster and the expert reelman remarked that a Bald Eagle 0.034 was a perfect fit for the "non-handle-side inner spacer screw". And there was another post by Fred (foakes) about a great deal on set of Bald Eagle screwdrivers that were the equal to Brownells. Bald Eagle sets are currently not to be found.

If someone with a set of Brownells and a Jigmaster/Senator has the time, it would be useful to me and possibly others if that someone would test the best fit for the 4 (I think there are only 4) ideal sizes to work on these Penns and post them here.

The handle screw, the flat head side ring screws, the face plate screws, and the bridge screws.

Brewcrafter · January 09, 2025, 02:12:26 AM

Classtime - While not the exact info you requested, hopefullly this helps. I was lucky enough to get a set of the Bald Eagles from Grizzly when Fred alerted everyone; and I have friends who since have been looking for them and they are indeed "unobtanium" but perhaps you can find a similar budget set (or go for the Brownell$). And while you may only have 4 screw sizes on the reels mentioned, let me assure you I use all six of these on various reel projects. And note, the width of the blade is not necessarily related to the thickness of the blade. For example in the set of Bald Eagles the third screwdriver has the thinnest width, but is the 3rd in terms of thickness. In blade thickness left to right they are: .019, .024, .030, .034, .040, .045
I hope this helps, and if you (or anyone else) runs across a similar budget set of decent quality, please share! - john

jtwill98 · January 09, 2025, 03:45:20 PM

There are many gunsmith screwdriver sets from Wheeler, Knipex, Grace, Forster, etc. that should cover your needs.

Some are quite pricey, so if they don't fit you budget then perhaps the 1/4in Hex Shank Magnetic Flat Head Drive bits being sold online or in local shops might fit your needs.

Do a quick search on Amazon for "1/4in Hex Shank Magnetic Flat Head Drive". There is one item that has 12 pieces that has bits in size from 2.5 to 10mm for less than $13 dollars. Combine them with a 1/4" magnetic bit screwdriver handle for $6 and you should be set. There are also kits available.

So many options, that's why I suggested taking the screws with you to a local box shop and test fitment.