Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: toolman on September 21, 2020, 05:56:42 PM

Title: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: toolman on September 21, 2020, 05:56:42 PM
Can anyone tell me what i have here with the shank protrusion? Double wood scales flat tip, single rivet 6 inches long. No Markings.

Thanks
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: lptools on September 21, 2020, 06:19:02 PM
That is a cool looking screwdriver!! I wonder if it was made by a previous owner? The shank looks like a bit for an air chisel!! Just my 2 cents, Lou
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: toolman on September 21, 2020, 06:35:02 PM
Thanks for the reply. It does indeed resemble an air chisel bit, but the size and shape are off. It appears to me it was factory made, and not re-purposed or home made. My wags have been, A possible captive screwdriver shaft with missing linkage, and a Possible special purpose factory, or machine repair (Special Purpose) tool, with the bulge being a stop or a guide???Don't Know! PS: will try to take and post side view soon.
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: Papaw on September 21, 2020, 07:20:48 PM
H D Smith made one similar in their Perfect Handle screwdrivers, I believe. Can't find mine, nor the photo .
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: toolman on September 21, 2020, 10:54:24 PM
Thanks Pawpaw, HD was my first thought as well. I'm still looking, but so far no cigar. I have another thought, based on the absence of markings, and that is possible military contracted tool ? Still Looking. :smiley:
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: Northwoods on September 22, 2020, 03:36:03 PM
Because the tool is so short--but made for relatively heavy work--doesn't it seem that we have a crosspiece/guard that would serve the same purpose as that on a hunting knife?
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: toolman on September 22, 2020, 05:37:01 PM
Thanks,I  had not given any thought to that NW, but anything is possible. It could also be something as simple as decoration, or a thumb stop for leverage, i guess?
After collecting for many many years, i now seem to be drawn to the oddball ugly ducklings, as the research is the enjoyment for me. "Still Looking" :smiley:
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: mikeswrenches on September 22, 2020, 09:01:24 PM
I had one like that a few years ago. Unfortunately I sold it so I can’t go look at it. I’m pretty sure it was not a Smith though.

Mike
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: leg17 on September 23, 2020, 04:15:26 PM
That big rivet does not look like HDS.
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: toolman on September 23, 2020, 05:33:33 PM
Good to hear Mike, Thanks. At least i now know i don't have a freak or a one-off.

I agree Leg17, my long search (still active) has turned up nothing for HD.

Still Looking :grin:
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: Northwoods on September 25, 2020, 10:17:52 PM
Here is another.  Claims to be Smith Perfect Handle.
But also says it is unbranded.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-HD-Smith-Perfect-Handle-Style-6-1-2-Ornate-Screwdriver-Unbranded/114427138572?hash=item1aa463920c:g:r3EAAOSwnYdfbUAa
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: toolman on September 25, 2020, 11:50:23 PM
Great Find Northwoods, Thanks! I agree that H-D is waaayyy miss used, kinda like vintage verses antique is, Lol. What is your gut feeling on this (shank out cropping), for lack of better words? How about You Papaw? Anyone else?


Thanks
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: Papaw on September 26, 2020, 11:50:52 AM
I still think it is H D Smith, but can't prove that. The " outcropping " looks like a way to allow the user to put more downward force on a stubborn screw.
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: wvtools on September 27, 2020, 08:33:09 AM
I had another brand similar to Smith one time that I think had a shaft lift that one.  It is not coming to me.  i will try to forget about it.  That is when I usually remember the name.
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: lptools on September 27, 2020, 08:40:57 AM
Well, at least the ebay seller posted "H D Smith Perfect Handle STYLE"
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: wvtools on September 27, 2020, 08:42:26 AM
I did an EBay search on wood handle screwdrivers.  i think Tobrin is the brand i was thinking of, but I do not think that was it on the one that looked like this one. 

Pexto SolBar screwdrivers have two big rivets like on the handle on this one.  It is not in my 1925 Pexto catalog, but I think that could be the brand based on the rivet similarity.  Does anybody have any earlier Pexto catalogs?
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: Northwoods on September 27, 2020, 03:35:09 PM
Well, at least the ebay seller posted "H D Smith Perfect Handle STYLE"

That's what they all say.  ;-)
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: lptools on September 27, 2020, 07:22:34 PM
I know, you have to watch those ebay sellers  :cheesy:
Title: Re: Strange Screwdriver Shaft, What is it?
Post by: toolman on September 28, 2020, 01:55:14 PM
Thanks Guys!...I appreciate the tip wvtools, and will go down that plexto road now.