My struggle with screwdrivers

I have been in maintenance for almost my whole life. Long before I ever popped the back open on my first Pocket Watch I had worked with all sorts of screwdrivers. Imagine my surprise when I had reoccurring problems with something as simple as a screwdriver.

My first set bought new were a “French” 9 piece set I bought from Esslinger. I thought it was a pretty good set at the time. I also bought several tool lots off E Bay that had various screwdrivers. I ended up with a complete set of “Bestfit” screwdrivers along with a bunch of others.

I have had to sharpen tools in my profession so I thought it would be no problem to keep the screwdriver blades in good shape. How wrong I was. I could not seem to keep a good tip on the smaller sizes. I also noticed the “French” set with the single end (set screw) were very susceptible to damage and even twisting of the end. I adjusted the way I sharpened them with no better luck. I used a finer stone (Arkansas) in hopes I would get better results. Not only did it take longer; it didn’t pay off in longer lasting tips.

Several times I almost posted about this here; but alas I didn’t want to look like an ***** (I AM a NEWBEE, but even I should be able to sharpen a screwdriver).

In any case, I am posting now because I was surprised to find an answer to my many screwdriver problems!

I bought belt knife sharpening system made by Work Sharp called the “Ken Onion”. I bought it to keep a good edge on my knifes. It is excellent to sharpen knifes. The belts come in many grits that will serve any need.

As I was using it one day I decided to try and shape up the edge on one of my screwdrivers. I used a very fine belt. IT WORKED! Both fast and easy. I just wanted to post this little message in case there is anyone else having the problems I have had in the screwdriver department.

stay away from inexpensive screwdrivers
buy good set it will last you your life time
I have the 30081-A05 set best for what I need
Also get into a habit of sharpening your tools before each use.
here is good tool to have
http://www.esslinger.com/horot...-fixture-msa-01-500/

Thank You for your sugestion Peter.

I paid about $75 for that "French Set". What brand do you use?

I finally broke down and bought one of those tools you posted a link to but did not have a stone wide enough to roll it on. I used some spacers on each side of the stone and did get a good angle on the tip with that tool. However I would have to spend a bunch of time sharpening my screwdrivers before I could actually work on a watch. I found it time consuming and frustrating.

Perhaps I was not doing it right. I have often thought what a value it would be for me to spend a day watching you. Even simple things can be complicated in this "art".

Thank You again Peter!

check some youtube videos on sharpening screwdrivers and tweezers
I have the Bergeon 30081 screwdriver set.

The value of knowledge

A ship engine failed, no one could fix it.
Then they brought in a man with 40 yrs. on the job.
He inspected the engine carefully, top to bottom.
After looking things over, the guy reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer.
He gently tapped something.
Instantly, the engine lurched into life.
The engine was fixed!
7 Days later the owners got his bill for 10k.
'What?!' the owners said
'You hardly did anything.
Send us an itemized bill.
” the reply simply said Tapping with a hammer. $2
Knowing where to tap? $9,998
Don't Ever Underestimate Experience.

Kevin, I'm with you on this one.

I was a machinist for a few years when I got out of the service in 1967, and believe me, you had to know how to sharpen the different tools. The screwdriver was the least of my worries.

Then I started taking these movements apart, and what a difference when I tried to sharpen one of these smaller screwdrivers.

I now have both the french, and the Bergeon 30081-S sets. I'll take the French set any day. However I also just purchase the inserts for them. They are not at all expensive, and you have the right one every time. I do use the tool Peter suggested, to clean them up, but when they get dull and the corners are rounded, I replace them and get back to work!

Regards,
Larry

Great Story Peter!! In fact I think I will use that story on my boss and see if I can get a raise--LOL

Larry, you should look up that Work Sharp Ken Onion tool on You Tube. I am telling you with the very fine belt you can really straighten out a screwdriver.
BTW Larry, where do you buy your replacement blades for your French set?

I use my lathe with a diamond dust stone
I also use a jig that goes on the T rest , This system will sharp every screwdriver I have and my graver to I like my French screwdriver set& my Bergeon 30081-S set. I have some junk sets that I still use. They have there problems but they hold a good edge and that's what counts right !!
Just my two cents

Kevin
I make my blades from blue round steel and they work good I buy the steel on they bay,so cheap

Kevin,

The tool Peter suggests is simple and works perfectly but a special stone is not really necessary; just use a piece of flat glass and some 400 grit silicone carbide paper (wet-n-dry) with a little clock oil. This way you will get beautifully dressed screwdrivers every time. If the ends get rounded, grind them flat with the same abrasive set up, in fact, you should probably always start by dressing the ends. Additionally, the finished blade end should be sized to fit well into the slot of a screw of like diameter, without sliding around or slipping out.

William

quote:

Work Sharp Ken Onion tool

Kevin,

I wish you hadn't pointed out that tool. I just bought one

Hi Kevin,

Don't feel bad... I've been at this for about 4 years now and still consider myself a newbie; got a lot to learn I have had the same struggles you describe. What has worked for me is a dental tool sharpening stone with a little bit of clock oil. The stone feels like a polished granite and has virtually no roughness or texture to it. I use the holding tool Peter has shown and roll that across the surface of the stone. The real trick is to get the screwdriver face to lay parallel with the stone. If it is not parallel to the stone it will sharpen the end at an angle.

Thanks to everyone for your great suggestions. I should have posted about this sooner. I have never thought of many of these solutions. At Least this thread will come up in a search for the next new guy that is struggling with this issue.

As for now, all my screwdrivers are in GREAT shape! I can get the perfect angle and sharpness with that Work Sharp Ken Onion tool in just a few seconds. I run it on slow speed and with a very fine belt.

Mort; you will have to let me know how it works for you.

Thomas, that is a good idea about buying the rods and making the blades with that. Do you have to temper them? I thought I might try using drill bits.

You know, I only use about 3 sizes of my 9 piece set of screwdrivers (the smallest of the set 60, 80 and 100). The larger sizes get used rarely and therefor retain the original ends.

William, I think you are talking about what I call "emery cloth" It is a fine sandpaper with a cloth back. GREAT IDEA

Thank You once again for all the help (and understanding)!

I do temper the screwdriver tip ,when I first make them I run the lathe on high speed works real good

Hi Kevin,

The paper I was talking about is HERE and it's mostly used for automotive finishes.

William

Horotec screwdrivers are i think the best ,,i do sharpen screwdriver blades but not to often i try and keep extar blades the horotec blades are 1.75 each but a quailty blade lasts many times longer than a cheap one if used correctly..so many blades are broken when the correct size is not used,, try and use a screwdriver that is as close to the width of the screw as possible dont try and lossen a screw with a .80mm blade when a 1.40 will also fit the same screw head.

Kevin, I will look into it, thanks.

I get my blades from Jules Borel & Co. I have had them for a couple of years now, so not sure what they cost now. I also use the French blades with my Bergeon set. I do have the blades for the Bergeon set, but like I said I like the French better AND they are cheaper also.

If you have a problem finding them I still have the part numbers for them.

Regards,
Larry