holding small screws

[ken king, King DesignParticipant @kenkingkingdesign]

Not very technical, this, but where can I find a small blade screwdriver with means of holding 8BA or 10BA brass c'sunk screws to allow me to enter them into hard-to-reach holes ? In the past I've seen split-blades which jam into the screw slot, and other drivers with tiny spring claws, but haven't managed to locate any of them. Alternatively, a means of magnetising brass would be great !

[ken king, King DesignParticipant @kenkingkingdesign]

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

This one is in the USA so postage is more than the cost but it should get you started on google…

**LINK**

Neil

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Superglue? Bluetack?

[Jon GibbsParticipant @jongibbs59756]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 10/03/2016 11:13:53:

This one is in the USA so postage is more than the cost but it should get you started on google…

**LINK**

Neil

RS do the same screwdriver by the looks of it…

**LINK**

Jon

[Gordon WParticipant @gordonw]

If the position is not very difficult I just use a bit of paper, bent to suit and the screw stuck in. When the thread bites tear off the paper strip.

[AjohnwParticipant @ajohnw51620]

I've used a number of things including grease and marmalade. Depends on the screw size but I use angled tweezers. I obtained them from GiantCod but they have gone now but the same styles are available here

**LINK**

I also use a set of these screwdrivers but managed to do better on price

**LINK**

I wasted my money on various type before buying these. The blades are really hard and grip well. I keep meaning to make a small jig to hollow grind the tip on a dremel but haven't broke enough yet.

John

–

Edited By Ajohnw on 10/03/2016 11:55:43

[AjohnwParticipant @ajohnw51620]

Mmmm Qiucktest's postal charges have gone up since last time I used them.

John

–

[Dave DanielsParticipant @davedaniels93256]

These are what I use:

**LINK**

I have used them on small screws but on the smaller UNF/UNC screws. I do know they work on 2-56 UNF but I suppose it depends on the slot width. Never knowingly used them on the BA sizes you mention.

Dave

 

 

Edited By Dave Daniels on 10/03/2016 14:06:56

[ken king, King DesignParticipant @kenkingkingdesign]

Thank you all for your inputs. I'm going with the R.S. tool, .020" tip width.

[AjohnwParticipant @ajohnw51620]

On microscopes I've had to go down to M1 and sometimes have to work under a desk magnifier. The main problem with the tweezers is dropping screws. Trouble with the forum – last time I looked at quicktest they didn't have the normally closed ones so just ordered some. Also the screw holder type out of curiosity.

The ones I bought originally came as a set of 3. 2 pretty sharp ones one of which is angled and another. I find one or the other fine for any size that I can't do easily by hand.

They can also be great for getting splinters out. GiantCod used to sell to model aeroplane makers etc hence the need.

John

–

[John ShepherdParticipant @johnshepherd38883]

I keep promising myself some of these:

**LINK**

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Follow the thread "Small Screw Gripper" on this site.

BobH

[Dinosaur EngineerParticipant @dinosaurengineer]

Posted by Dave Daniels on 10/03/2016 14:04:42:

These are what I use:

**LINK**

I have used them on small screws but on the smaller UNF/UNC screws. I do know they work on 2-56 UNF but I suppose it depends on the slot width. Never knowingly used them on the BA sizes you mention.

Dave

Edited By Dave Daniels on 10/03/2016 14:06:56

[NJHParticipant @njh]

I certainly recommend the screw placer recommended by John Gibbs. It works a treat, is long enough to get into difficult places, and has saved my temper ( and sanity ! ) many times ! Please note though this is a screw PLACER – it PLACES the screw in the correct position to start it – it is not designed to drive it home – once started swop to a normal driver.

Norman

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

This link for a uk source..if it's small enough.

**LINK**

I looked up various surgical screwdrivers with spring jaws… but the cheapest UK one was £97 + delivery + vat. Obscene price for a simple tool with a fibre handle and a lump of surgical steel..

[Author]

Posts