Is it possible to repair a screwdriver tip?

[Fourspeedwagon]

I bought some old Perfect Handle type screwdrivers. Two had damaged tips, one was quite minor and I was able to clean it up with a file. The other has a fair sized chip in the blade. My brother has been known to grind the tips... really doesn’t work well though. They end up too fat/angled or only useable as a junky chisel. Has anyone been successful at reshaping a blade?

 

[crugg65]

Yes I’m pretty successful with them but don’t use a bench grinder on mine. You have to give them a rough shape if pretty bad. I use either a stationary bench belt sander or a angle grinder with a 4 1/2x 7/8 sanding discs plus pad to give them shape. Careful not to “blue” the metal to overheat them;wet rag does good to cool tip. Then clamp screwdriver in vise and break out with your two favorite files plus file tangs; use your ******* cut to give it more better shape(yes I’m not a English major and more better will give me an “F”) and then finish it off with your mill cut file. Easy Peazy! You be the judge if too much is broken off and have a appropriate slot head screw to try it out[emoji6]


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[jd_1138]

Could grind it down to a point and use it as a hook or pick. Could bend the end of it, too.

 

[The Cobbler]

I actually had to make screwdriver blades in school metal shop. wow, brings back memories...
I have re ground some flat screwdrivers on bench grinder, but not spinning at full speed. I just turn it on and shut it off before it builds full speed. work it as long as you can then repeat. I find I have more control that way

 

[ganymede]

I've done many. I always use a ******* file for the bulk of it then finish with a second cut file.
If it's chipped and the chip is big then I'd do the rough work with a grinder and then finish with files.

 

[jakemac]

I use my Belt/Disk sander and a bucket of cold water to keep the tip cool.
No problems rebuilding screwdrivers yet.

 

[Davefr]

It depends on the style tip. Slotted is easy. Just don't ruin the factory temper with too much grinding/heat. (lots of light passes seems to work best)

Phillips or Torx would be pretty touch. Sometime a phillips with cam out damage can be lightly touched up but I've never been able to restore them to like new condition.

 

[Fourspeedwagon]

Thanks guys- I’ll give it a shot. Also wasn’t certain if it being off center was going to be a problem or if I should narrow both sides to keep it centered with the shank.

 

[ganymede]

Thanks guys- I’ll give it a shot. Also wasn’t certain if it being off center was going to be a problem or if I should narrow both sides to keep it centered with the shank.

All sides should require some work.
If you remove material from just the tip it'll be to fat and wide to fit in screw slots.

 

[Bob P1]

Anything is possible with patience!

 

[jakemac]

Anything is possible with patience!

Not so sure about that. I've been patiently waiting for decades for my hair to grow back and I'm still bald.

 

[Milton Shaw]

I have thought about spin welding an insert bit on to a Phillips but have not tried it yet in my Atlas lathe. Seems like that would be the only way to rehab a Phillips bit, it's too complicated a grind to try and fix it myself.