Hollow Ground Screwdrivers in the UK?

The only time I use hollow ground blades is for rounded heads on screws - otherwise the wedge shaped blade is the right profile for the job on flat head screws. However they have to be fitted to the screw slot, and from your description, I'm guessing your blades have not been fitted correctly.

Many people buy screwdrivers, find the blades chew up the slots or have the blade cam out of the screw, and blame the quality of the screwdriver. But it's much more likely to be the fit of the blade, and quality issues are more about longevity and how robust the blade is, rather than the fit out of the package. Blades don't come universally fitted to the slot - that has to be done by the purchaser, and watchmakers do this all the time as part of their daily work. I have more than one set of screwdrivers because different brands, and mostly different eras of watches tend to require different blade profiles - vintage watches tend to need thinner dressed blades, while modern watches tend to need wider profiles to fit the slots correctly.

The wedge shape should go fairly deep into the screw slot, but the blade should not touch the bottom of the slot - should be approx. 0.05 mm above the bottom of the slot. Of course the blade size should be the same as the slot length, so don't use a 0.80 mm blade for a 1.4 mm slot...

Buying a hollow ground blade will not negate the need to properly fit it to the slot - in fact because of the way these engage in the slot it's even more important to fit them properly. If a blade fits the slot right out of package, that's just pure luck...

Cheers, Al

I don't know of many (or any really) watchmakers who use hollow ground blades for all their everyday work. As I said I use them, but only for specific situations, like this:



The Panerai Luminor cases use rounded head screws to hold the crown guard on:



To prevent marring of the screws I use HSS hollow ground blades from VOH in my screwdriver:



I also use a torque sleeve on the body of the screwdriver to enable more force to be applied:



Works well, but the fit of the blade in the slot is nearly an interference fit...I just don't find it necessary to use these on flat head screws.

How are you holding the bracelet? Do you have it in a bracelet vice to hold it steady? If not, then I would look into that first, but it's your money so if you want to try the hollow ground blades, go for it. I would expect Cousins might have them or could get them, or you can order direct from VOH - at least I have done that in the past. They make the best screwdrivers available IMO.

Cheers, Al

I'll just say it again - not if it's fitted properly. I use wedge shaped blades every day for removing and installing countless screws, and if properly fitted you can apply an abundance of torque without cam out. I don't have to apply a lot of downward pressure, but I do this for a living and have a lot of experience, so that is also a factor - dealing with small screws the way you go about things is slightly different, and requires more feel than dealing with larger screws does.

Cheers, Al

Once again, Cousins would likely carry them if anyone in the UK does. I'm not really aware of anyone else in the UK that sells watchmaking supplies and tools...

Uh, for a 1.8 mm screw, you use a 1.8 mm driver...

Has anyone tried Berrylium screwdriver blades?

Yes, I have replacement blades in Beryllium

I can't say what the reason is - because they don't know any better I guess? But I did say above in my first reply:

"Of course the blade size should be the same as the slot length, so don't use a 0.80 mm blade for a 1.4 mm slot..."

So use a 1.8 mm screwdriver if the slot/head is 1.8, and take a small file and knock the sharp corner off each end of the blade at a 45 degree angle. Don't remove a lot, just a bit...once again all part of fitting/preparing a blade for use.

Cheers, Al

www.hswalsh.com are based in the UK. They have a couple branches, one in Hatton Garden the other in Birmingham. Their website offers plenty of stock and quick delivery. Would recommend them.

In regards to screwdrivers I've purchased a set of Bergeon ones a while back but never used so can't comment on quality compared to others. They are a reputable manufacturer of watch tools, more than sufficient for hobby use.

Bergeon do make some good tools, although they tend to rest on their reputation a bit too much. Of course in many cases they don't make the tools, and are just a distributor...my Horia Jewelling set has a Bergeon sticker on it, and for sure Bergeon didn't make the set.

Many vintage Bergeon tools are of excellent quality, but some modern items, like their screwdrivers, leave a lot to be desired. When it comes to screwdrivers they are overpriced for what you get. Certainly good enough for hobbyist use, but Horia and VOH screwdrivers are both better than Bergeon in my view.

If someone is looking for a basic set of screwdrivers, and you don't want to spring for a full VOH set, this Horia set is very good quality and a great price - I have used my set for years...

http://www.jewelerssupplies.com/product5317.html

For those in the US, Casker is a god place to deal with - they are god people.

Cheers, Al