[Frank V]

Does anyone collect the S&W screwdrivers that were put in the box with the guns? I have seen some old ones that look really nice, but am not collecting then. Are they valuable? Thanks Frank

 

[DHENRY]

Yes to your questions, Frank.
There's some good information on the 'sight adjustment tools' (as the experts call them) in 'The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson', 3rd edition, by Jim Supica and Rich Nahas.
Some of the less-common, prewar types have traded hands for
$ 1,000, +/-. :shock:
Don

 

[Tusker]

Frank~ this will give you a couple ideas.

The one missing from this photo is like the one shown with this pre-MDL 27 below. They were flat tipped with a knurled aluminum handle, and came with the early mdl 29's as well.

 

[Frank V]

Tusker, thanks for the information & time taken showing us the different Sight Adjustment Tools. The ones I have are similar to your #4 & I even have one similar to the one pocket carried 30 years. I'm printing out your picture for reference. Thanks Frank

 

[Tusker]

[/quote]

tusker are those what you call hollow ground screw drivers?

No--- Hollow ground is such as shown in the one I carried for 30 years "60's/80's", the ones with the FLUTED handles. The Early ones were NOT hollow ground, just a FLAT blade tip. I believe some of the early Fluted handled ones were flat tipped as well. DON?

 

[DHENRY]

I hear ya', JR...
Sorry for the delay. :?
Here's a photo of the screwdriver/sight-adjustment tool that tusker's referring to.
It came with this 1960 M-29 'no-dash', in the clamshell box.
The handle is fluted, but the shank ends in a straight-tapered tip.
Most all the others were hollow-ground.
I never understood why S&W used a tapered tip for that short time, but then again, there's a lot of S&W lore I don't underatand! :lol:
Hope this is of some help.
Don

 

[Frank V]

I think the couple I have are hollow ground, but they aren't all that old. Thanks guys this is getting interesting. Frank

 

[Tusker]

John, sets abound out there and I have used several over the years. In the end, I picked up a nice set from 'BROWNELLS a few years back and have been very happy with it. Not cheap, but is something like a 100 piece set,? or maybe that is what I paid. More guns are ruined by non proper fitting screwdrivers than about anything else. A close second is improper use. Pick the tip that FITS the screw, and BE CAREFUL. Taking your time is also a good idea. The value of our good guns has gone through the roof, you don't want to ruin one with a ill fitting screwdriver. Cheap screwdrivers will let you down BIG TIME. :roll:

 

[DHENRY]

John,
The B-Square folks make a good, affordable set, with the magnetic handle and shank.
Makes keeping track of tiny screws much easier.
You'll be glad you got that set.
Don

 

[RJordan08]

wow this is some great information does anyone know where I could find one for sale. I would love to get one for my dad for his birthday.

 

[DHENRY]

RJordan08,
I believe Brownell's would be an excellent resource.
Get 'em on the web.
Best,
Don

 

[max4073]

I have a screw driver that came with a K-38 that looks just like #2. How much do you think it would be worth? Thanks in advance.

 

[DHENRY]

max4073,
Condition is everything.
I've seen 'em at $ 75 and I've seen 'em at $ 175.
No rust, no scars, no chips and no pliers-scars...that's what collectors want.
Even so, when you need one to fill out a set you own, you can't always be assured of finding a perfect example.
So many of them went into tool drawers, tackle boxes and garage sales.
Don

 

[max4073]

Thanks for the help Dhenry.
The one I have is about 95%.
Hmm... :idea:

 

[DHENRY]

Latest one just sold on eBay for $ 102.00.
Appeared to be in excellent shape.
One year ago, a comparable would have brought $ 75, +/-.
Don

 

[bgrafsr]

I was told that S&W did not refer to them as screwdrivers, but as sight adjustment tools. They are not supposed to be used on sideplate screws, but only on the windage screw on the rear sights.

 

[Quarter Cherokee]

S&W Screwdriver?

Oh, yeah, I had one o' them last night. Tasted nasty. Orange juice, vodka, ice and stirred with the barrel of a Model 29. Had an after-taste of Hoppes # 9. I don't mind sniffin' that stuff, but I sure as Hell don't like the taste.

 

[BlackAgnes]

Here's one, pictured herein elsewhere, supplied with my post-war transitional kit gun--next to a conventional model for comparison. I'd bet not many collections include one like this!

Tim

 

[AzTenX]

Hi Frank,
Here is a link to an expert commentary (with photos) on S&W sight adjustment tools (screwdrivers) from the other S&W site that I wrote some time ago. It covers the period from 1881 to present.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/blogs/fire ... ivers.html

 

[AzTenX]

Here's one, pictured herein elsewhere, supplied with my post-war transitional kit gun--next to a conventional model for comparison. I'd bet not many collections include one like this!

Tim

Tim, you are exactly right. The narrow blade black knurled SAT from the post war transitional kit gun is one of the most rare SATs known to exist.

Doug