Screw Drivers for Brass Screws
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
For years I have searched for the perfect screwdriver to drive brass screws for locks and hinges in furniture. The screwdriver should have parallel sided bit, bits that perfectly fit the slots in #2 through #6 screws and a round handle that can be turned one handed.
The first screwdriver to nearly meet these requirements was the Grace, available from Lee Valley. However, the largely square handle could not be easily turned with one hand..... while the other held a door or whatever.
The dimple in the ferrule of the Grace can be drilled out and the handle removed. A replacement handle results in a good driver, Picture 1.
Alternatively, a handle can be turned and a bit holder installed, Picture 2.
Bits can be reground to fit the screws of interest. I used the side of a 60 grit wheel. Or, Magna-bits can be purchased from Brownell gun smithing supplies. Part numbers 210-5, 210-4, 150-3 and 150-2 closely fit #6, 4, 3 and 2 screws respectively.
