FAQ: Toolkit for Equipment Repair

[magic_moose]

Anyone know the size of the tiny screwdriver or am I going to have to take my spare point with me to Sears when I get it?

Personally, I always think custom screw drivers are the way to go for any precision work. Got in the habit of this when I was working with old or accurate replica rifles which either had hand cut screw slots or some very odd size no longer commonly made.

For tip screws, I just get the smallest screwdrivers with a nice solid handle at the hardware store. about $2 each. (I hate the twizzling ones in sets, and they usually have crappy steel for the blades)

About 2 minutes work with a fine file produces a very precise fit for whatever screws I'm working with.

[FordFencing]

Towel. (To work on for catching tip screws and springs which are otherwise prone to bounce away.)

[dognapper0]

Instead of a towel, I like to use a magnetic sheet. I found some at a craft store, but I'm sure you can get it online. It's nice because when you're re-assembling the tip, the screws stick to your screwdriver very well, reducing he chance you will drop them. If you do drop them, you have a work bench that actually holds onto them.

[EldRick]

Brownell's offers sets of high-quality screwdrivers that must contain every size ever manufactured.

[brtech]

Because size and weight are important in my kit, I have just three screwdrivers:

• A tip screwdriver - I use a 1.5mm Wiha
• A small screwdriver handle with bits - Husky 8 in 1 (Home Depot or Swordmasters). This is what I use for body cord pins, Uhlmann style cord clips, etc
• A large screwdriver with bits - I use a Craftsman 6 in 1. This is a very sturdy tool with the double ended bits. I keep thinking I'm going to switch to the 1/4" single ended bits, but I haven't yet

About the only time I consider adding a screwdriver is that Ted Li carries this medium sized slot driver that is EXACTLY the right size for the body cord shell screws. Whenever I use it, I admire how well it works. My 6 in 1 Craftsman isn't quite right, but it does the job.

[cmedalis]

Instead of a towel, I like to use a magnetic sheet. I found some at a craft store, but I'm sure you can get it online. It's nice because when you're re-assembling the tip, the screws stick to your screwdriver very well, reducing he chance you will drop them. If you do drop them, you have a work bench that actually holds onto them.

You can also use one of those magnetic-based bowls sold in hardware stores, or as alternatives:
* glue (several) strong magnets to the base of a steel bowl from the kitchen aisle in your fave discount store
* use flexible magnet from the back of fridge-magnet advertising (seen on your local yellow pages, etc...) These work well for most dropped screws and springs.
* buy a sheet of flexible magnet at your local office / craft store. you can find self-adhesive sheets at these places that you could use as a covering on a section of the bench
* use a magnetic knife storage bar (again from the kitchen supply section) to hold screwdrivers in place above the work bench. has a benefit of magnetizing the screwdrivers over time.