Blunting the tip on screwdrivers?

[wileeeeeey]

I've just bought some Bergeon screwdrivers which I haven't used yet but will be using them later on today/tomorrow on a BB58 but I've seen a comment on another forum relating to a DJ28 which has confused me. I usually use a Wera screwdriver.

"Be sure to sharpen the blade correctly and blunt the tip so the blade doesn't bottom out in the slot. Otherwise the blade will try to cam out of the slot and mar the screw head.

On a new blade, blunting the tip should be all that's needed."

This probably reads as self explanatory to most here but has gone over my head. Do you need to blunt the tip on new screwdrivers? If so, how?

[stefmcd]

Rubbing the sharp edge at 90 degrees on an oiled whetstone should blunt it.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using TZ-UK mobile app

[MartinMW]

Yep, I use a wet stone to do mine and it works well.

Double sided #400 grit one side 1000 the other.

Thanks
Martin

[walkerwek1958]

I use a fine diamond file plate to dress the ends of screwdriver blades when they chip, but I replace blades frequently. I pay around 50p/ blade from Cousins, on old watches with very thin slots ( and stuck screws) they chip easily, I then redress them and use them for ETA movements with wider screw slots.

For bracelet screws, which have wide slots, it makes sense to dress the blade to get a snug fit. I disagree with the previous comments, ideally the blade should touch the bottom of the slot but should be a snug fit, the end should be a squared off at 90 degrees and not worn. Provided the screws aren’t stuck with loctite the screws should come out with minimal force, if too much force is needed use some heat to soften the loctite.

Sadly, the Bergeon myth is exactly that these days, the quality of some tools in Bergeon packaging is mediocre to say the least. Paying for Bergeon screwdrivers is a waste of money, I have a set of A&F that I’ve had for years. Replacing blades frequently is more important, I use A&F or generic ‘Made in France’ blades from Gleaves.

[wileeeeeey]

Thanks guys. I did try and find A&F screwdrivers as I saw them mentioned on an old thread here but when I was on the Cousins site these were only a little more so I thought I'd match it with the other stuff I've accumulated. You're right re the packaging - Cousins boxed them well for transport but Bergeon seem to package them like they hope you'll knock or break them. Their spring bar tools come in better packaging and even that isn't great.

[walkerwek1958]

Bergeon spring bar tool’s the best, that’s money well spent. Some of their specialised tools are good too, but they’re always expensive.