Ultra low profile screwdrivers - photo

[Altair]

Ultra low profile screwdrivers.




Previously:

Screwdriver bit sorting machine - GIF
1891 ratchet screwdriver - GIF
Autofeed screwdriver - GIF
Socket stubby screwdriver - photo
How screwdriver bits are made - GIF

[WmRMeyers]

Have you ever run into Chapman Tools? https://chapmanmfg.com/ They're not quite as low-profile as those you show, but they have a great variety of points, ratcheting handles, and they have a ball stop to keep them from popping out of the toolholder. My dad gave me my first set about 50 years ago. Some time in the past 30 years it spent some time in a box full of water, and they're damaged, but still usable. Sometime this year I hope to buy a new full Master Set, since I now have a safe place to keep them. They are not cheap, but worth every dime!

Bill in OKC

[mklotz]

Have you ever run into Chapman Tools? https://chapmanmfg.com/ They're not quite as low-profile as those you show, but they have a great variety of points, ratcheting handles, and they have a ball stop to keep them from popping out of the toolholder. My dad gave me my first set about 50 years ago. Some time in the past 30 years it spent some time in a box full of water, and they're damaged, but still usable. Sometime this year I hope to buy a new full Master Set, since I now have a safe place to keep them. They are not cheap, but worth every dime!


Bill in OKC

The Chapman sets are beloved of gunsmiths since they contain a generous selection of properly ground slotted screw bits of width to fill the slot and prevent cam outs. Although not a gunsmith I've had a set for decades and they deliver that perfect soupçon of satisfaction every time I use them.

That said, there are times when the length of the bits makes it difficult to get into tight spaces. That's why I was delighted to stumble upon this set...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

The individual bits are about half as long as the Chapman bits. The bit+wrench thickness is about 0.6" as versus the 1.16" of the Chapman bit+wrench. Also, the wrench ratchet can be reversed via a toggle as opposed to the Chapman where the bit must be removed and installed the other way round.

Overall, a bargain at $18; highly recommended.

[NortonDommi]

Have you ever run into Chapman Tools? https://chapmanmfg.com/ They're not quite as low-profile as those you show, but they have a great variety of points, ratcheting handles, and they have a ball stop to keep them from popping out of the toolholder. My dad gave me my first set about 50 years ago. Some time in the past 30 years it spent some time in a box full of water, and they're damaged, but still usable. Sometime this year I hope to buy a new full Master Set, since I now have a safe place to keep them. They are not cheap, but worth every dime!

Bill in OKC

Daughter 'borrowed' mine 10 years ago and keeps forgetting to bring it back. Super handy.

[WmRMeyers]

Daughter 'borrowed' mine 10 years ago and keeps forgetting to bring it back. Super handy.

Ummm, the "correct" answer is to gift her the set she took, and buy another set for yourself... or two, or three!

Bill

[chapmanmfg]

Thanks so much for recommending our tools! As you probably know we're a small shop (about 15 of us!) and the vast majority of our new sales come via word of mouth from existing customers. I really appreciate you plugging our tools and for supporting USA manufacturing.

Thanks again,
Joel
Chapman MFG

[WmRMeyers]

Thanks so much for recommending our tools! As you probably know we're a small shop (about 15 of us!) and the vast majority of our new sales come via word of mouth from existing customers. I really appreciate you plugging our tools and for supporting USA manufacturing.

Thanks again,
Joel
Chapman MFG

Joel, if your stuff wasn't good, I wouldn't recommend it. What I have here is a Kit #6320 with 7 of the bits missing. I recently ordered individual Phillips bits P1, P2, P3, & P4, not that there's a place for them in the box. Just wanted those around. As I've time and money, I'll be replacing the ones that are missing, which are Allen head, mostly. I've got to do a good inventory.

Pretty sure I've mentioned that I've had these for quite some time, perhaps nearly 50 years. And they weren't new when I got them.

[chapmanmfg]

Wow, that's an antique set, and it looks like it has had a lot of use! People love those old red cases even though if you drop one everything falls out. I wish I could get more of them and come out with a vintage set, but the manufacturer went out of business sometime in the late 80's which was when we switched to the plastic yellow cases. I don't think the yellow cases look as cool but at least they stay shut when dropped!

Joel

[desbromilow]

thanks for the lead Marv!!! I borrowed a set of chapmans when I first started in gunsmithing - they were great to use, but unfortunately never got a set of my own - back on the list

[mklotz]

thanks for the lead Marv!!! I borrowed a set of chapmans when I first started in gunsmithing - they were great to use, but unfortunately never got a set of my own - back on the list

When you do get one, don't cheap out and get one of the sets that doesn't include the screwdriver handle and extension. Both are as useful as the bits themselves. Note that the ratchet can be used on the extension to provide a ratcheting, high torque screwdriver - that and a little heat and a shot of Kroil will loosen most any small fastener.

This slightly less expensive package didn't exist when I got mine...

https://www.amazon.com/Chapman-MFG-8...46&sr=8-3&th=1

This is the one I have although mine came in a somewhat different box...

https://www.amazon.com/Chapman-MFG-6...s%2C146&sr=8-5