Screwdrivers

A short video about how to properly select and maintain a watchmakers screwdriver

[JR-jvkl]

Excellent presentation and explanation - thank you

[brucemccreary]

I recut my screwdrivers to hollow ground configuration and have ended up with lots of screwdrivers. I use an optical comparator (15X made by Peak in Japan) to measure the slot in the screw then a small head micrometer to measure the screwdriver. I try to find a correct fit and if I can not I will get out a new screwdriver closest to the fit on the large size and hollow grind to fit. I also bead blast the end of the screwdriver with fine grit glass beads so the driver maintains a good surface connexion with the screw. One can now buy miniature torque wrenches if needed for tightening small screws otherwise; I do what was done to tighten screws in the video.

[spacemissing]

I'm not a watchmaker, but I have done some work on my own pieces
under the supervision of a skilled and experienced professional.
My main problem is that some screws have incredibly narrow slots,
such that using a screwdriver of the correct width is impossible.
Of course a driver tip can be ground thinner, but then it becomes excessively fragile.

[JohnAnderson-wvnr]

As a watch repairer of 53 years i have seen and replaced some badly mangled screws
Which could have been easily avoided with properly sharpened screwdrivers
John Anderson
West sussex
England.