Screwball ratcheting screwdrivers...S/V Tool Co.
- Thread starter davethorik
- Start date
LMS
Well-known member
I have something similar and really like it. I don't reach for it all the time, but there are times when it's hands down the best tool for what I am doing. I got it in 1981 at the International Machine Tool Show. I'll try to take some pix.
SilverDeck
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- Joined
- Jun 7, 2016
- Messages
- 481
Great find Dave! By and large I think most people dismiss this tool as a joke, but the ones that do have never tried it. I was a skeptic too until I found one at a yard sale. Extremely comfortable on the wrists to use and you can generate pretty good downward force with your palm to help budge stubborn fasteners (like damaged Phillips heads). It's great to see one in the original packaging!
a guy cleaning out his grandparents basement gave me one of those from the 70's as well, in original packaging, where it is a clear tube and stores vertically with the extra bits. I've never taken it out of the pkg or used one. it's on the novelty tool shelf for display next to the sidewinder ratchet...
LMS
Well-known member
That's the one I have - no need for me to post the pic now. I still use it all the time.
I'm with you on the Sidewinder ratchet....what was I thinking when I bought that thing? It's practically worthless. As for the Screwball driver, it's a fairly useful, relatively handy tool. I remember using it as a kid, and like I said, my dad still uses it regularly. He's got some arthritis in his hands and fingers. As a result, normal sized, cylindrical driver handles are difficult for him to hold onto. The oversized ball handle on the Screwball makes it a lot easier to hold and grip. It's not a bad tool for light to medium household jobs. It's certainly not a Snap On ratcheting driver, but it will get the job done in most normal use circumstances. I wouldn't necessarily lump the Screwball driver in with the Sidewinder ratchet.
Jim C.
B17E1943
Well-known member
Found one of these yesterday.
Interesting article about the inventor with some original ads, and a Chicago Tribune article:
http://harveycountyvoices.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-tool-with-all-features-missing-in.html
Interesting article about the inventor with some original ads, and a Chicago Tribune article:
http://harveycountyvoices.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-tool-with-all-features-missing-in.html
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wkndwarrior29
Well-known member
Cruzan80
Well-known member
Easy-Driver for me. Have a couple of the regular balls, and one oval/extra deep.
elidas
Well-known member
Just got one in a vintage Craftsmen box I picked up. I was going to throw it into the crappy screwdriver bin. After reading all this I'll give some use!
Sawdustmaker
Well-known member
My wife gave one for Christmas back in the 70's. Have used it extensively, still use it from time to time. Love it. Not a novelty, but a very useful tool.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I gave my dad one of those for Christmas in about 1978. He had arthritis, and it was easier for him to use than a conventional screwdriver.
I'm getting what feels like arthritis, and I'm thinking my stash of ball drivers is gonna come in handy!
four.cycle
Well-known member
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Happy to bump this thread with a Screwball Ratchet Driver find from the flea this morning! No bits. Ratchets well in both directions and it will take any standard hex bit. That little blue thing is the switch. Now drooling over Dave's pristine NOS example though!
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RTM
Well-known member
Picked this one up from my buddy, more complete than my first one.
And the listing of the set's "bits" on the label, I have the All Purpose, Keystone, and the 1/4" & 3/8" drive Socket adapters, and a couple of chewed up bits.
And the listing of the set's "bits" on the label, I have the All Purpose, Keystone, and the 1/4" & 3/8" drive Socket adapters, and a couple of chewed up bits.
d42jeep
Well-known member
I found this rolling around on my garage floor. Apparently I didn’t care enough to find it when I dropped it. If anyone needs it please let me know.
-Don
-Don
If you don't get any other takers, Don, I'll take it. I have one ball with a pair of cracks in the red half. No signs of spreading, but I'm always up for a "spare".I found this rolling around on my garage floor. Apparently I didn’t care enough to find it when I dropped it. If anyone needs it please let me know.
-Don
d42jeep
Well-known member
Cool. I think I sent you one a few years ago. Consider it yours.
-Don
-Don
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d42jeep
Well-known member
My wife spotted this Screwball ratcheting screwdriver in a $1.00 bin at a Carson City moving sale yesterday. The sliding cover that holds the bits in place was frozen in place but a shot of silicone spray freed it up. The slotted bit was present and I added a couple of Phillips bits. 
-Don
-Don