Posted 8 years ago
Celiene
(71 items)
5 & 7/8 long. Nicely weighted. Fits perfectly in my hand, great shape. The metal part is all one piece (Cast steel?). The 2 wood handle parts are fitted to the metal part perfectly. Seem to be held on with one rivet that goes to both sides, one side of the rivet has been ground down. You can balance it perfectly on your finger on the upper rivet.
Is this homemade? Does it have a particular name because of its construction? Any idea of age? (I love this screwdriver.)
Was it commercially made? It must have been made for women! It fits like it was custom made for me & my size hand!
One exactly like this wandered into my tool collection decades ago. The blade had obviously been used more as a chisel than a screwdriver, but I recognized the quality.
Celiene,
A well made screwdriver for sure! I've seen a lot of old screwdrivers and tools in my Grandfather and Fathers' shops, but never one like this. I'd definitely be interested in knowing how old it is as well.
The one that fell into my tool box was maybe in the late 50's & been well used as a chisel then. I'll venture a guess at 40's or before. It was so well made, with the wood fit & all, I couldn't believe anybody could abuse such quality so much.
Definitely commercial as I've got the same one in my tool drawer. I love it !
Thanks, all! I always though maybe 30's. I can't imagine it being manufactured and not marked. The wood is so smooth and beautiful after all the years of hand oils. It smells great, too. The metal smells like it was forged yesterday.
WAIT! I think it IS marked. Up near the neck. I've been looking at this line that kind of goes around it like a swirl 1.5 times around it, finally looked through a loupe. I think I see letters! I think I can see the words The? Lock? and maybe Rochester? I can't find a pencil to do a rubbing!
I thought it was just knicks in the metal.
OMG - I can't believe I never googled to find this before! It's called a 'Perfect Handle' screwdriver! I always thought it was hand made and OOAK!
http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=5979.30
OMG again. China makes them now. Called Lee Valley Drivers. But this guy also notes the antiques are still prized. I'm keeping mine! Thanks All!
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/woodworking-blogs/chris-schwarz-blog/new-lee-valley-precision-screwdrivers-seeking-grace
"H.D. Smith & Co. company of Plantsville, Conn. Usually these are referred to as “perfect handle” screwdrivers. They are single drop-forged pieces of steel with a wooden handle that has been riveted into place. And they are tougher and more comfortable than any screwdriver I’ve used."
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/joinery/h-d-smith-screwdrivers-%E2%80%93-not-neighborly
Actually, the handle design is perfect for torsion. (beginning to forget English !). Of course the quality of the steel & alloy is the test. I had no idea there were that many makers. Was all their handle fits so perfect ?
Very nice Celiene!
Thanks All!
And just for reference, I'm pretty sure Lenox and Irwin also had screwdrivers with a similar handle design.
But remember not for electrical use! zzzap
I had been wondering about these old screwdrivers I have. I have 2 like this but different sizes. mine aren't as nice as this and a bit black on the wood like a greasy black color. I used to get these old things all the time. some old tools I don't even know what they're used for. the 2 screwdrivers I have like this I don't remember where I got but until not long ago they had old white stickers with 25c (no sign for "cents" on keyboard so I'll just use c) also have wrenches and other old heavy blackened tools)
JrDavis - you can post your tools on this site.
Jr, for the ¢ , try holding Alt and add 155 (Using the separate number keys on the right side of your key board).
If that works on your pc, try Alt plus 0128(Same number pad) for "€".
I'll confirm this later as I have two 'somewhere' in my garage. They were often issued with the toolkits for British motorbikes (BSA?) and cars (MG?)
I can confirm that the steel is very hard and tough. I tried drilling through the handle to replace the wooden side pieces that had broken off. A normal HSS twist drill just skated off!