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The Vaco super screwdriver and a few clean up finds.

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Mickey O

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Oct 25, 2009
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Chicago, IL
Here's the Vaco reversible screwdriver I was talking about earlier, with this screwdriver and two "blades" I think you could replace all of your screwdrivers for 80% + of the time, I used it doing service work for years where you want your toolbox as light as possible, one of my favorite tools.


vaco-rsd.jpg



Finger tip wrenches, someone was selling a set in the classifieds a while back and I said I'd post some pics when I ran across mine, here they are:

finger-wrenches.jpg


Two vintage Craftsman ratchets that I didn't even know I had, a 3/8" and a 1/2" (same as my "$1 Cman ratchet find"), so they are new to me again, might have been my fathers, not sure, both are working fine.

vint-cman-rats.jpg
 
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cruiser808

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Wow, Mickey. You're always fully of surprises. Where can I get one of those great USA Vaco screwdrivers?
 
OP
M

Mickey O

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Messages
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Location
Chicago, IL
cruiser808 said:
Wow, Mickey. You're always fully of surprises. Where can I get one of those great USA Vaco screwdrivers?
Click to expand...

Klein owns Vaco now, not sure if they are still using the Vaco name, I know there were the same ones branded Klein. They used to make a variety of blades, two different slotted, two different phillips, phillips and slotted, etc. Used to get them at HVAC supply houses but I'm not sure if they make them anymore, here's a few links I found (one in Europe). I did find a lot of want ads for them while searching.

Link 1 (Ireland)


Link 2 (Alexandria General Supply, no picture, right part number for one of them, not sure which one)

Xcelite's version on Amazon

vaco-rsd-ad.jpg
 
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Mickey O

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Location
Chicago, IL
DetroitDIESEL444 said:
I have the duro-chrome version of the vaco one. it looks to be the same manufacturer.
Click to expand...

Probably is, they were both in Chicago. I just can't believe they're getting hard to find and that they possibly don't make them anymore leaving me with only 2 to last the rest of my life.
 
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cruiser808

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Mickey O said:
Klein owns Vaco now, not sure if they are still using the Vaco name, I know there were the same ones branded Klein. They used to make a variety of blades, two different slotted, two different phillips, phillips and slotted, etc. Used to get them at HVAC supply houses but I'm not sure if they make them anymore, here's a few links I found (one in Europe). I did find a lot of want ads for them while searching.

Link 1 (Ireland)


Link 2 (Alexandria General Supply, no picture, right part number for one of them, not sure which one)

Xcelite's version on Amazon

vaco-rsd-ad.jpg
Click to expand...

Thank you kind sir. :bowdown:
 
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cardiffgiant

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Nov 29, 2010
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The vaco screw drivers rock. I've had one for about 15-20 years that has gotten me through every major project. I got it when I was a teenager from my step father who has his own HVAC business.

We haven't been able to find them for a very long time and I've been searching for some to give him for Christmas (which is when I came across this thread). I found 2 on ebay, but they were going for $25 with 4 days left :shocking:

I guess we're not the only ones that appreciate them!
 
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owlafaye

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Dec 7, 2015
Messages
1
Location
Wa. state...SW near Columbia river/Pacific ocean
I am desperately looking for that DUH4 screwdriver. I can't find a source. My originals came from Johnstone Supply 25 years ago and I can remember buying, and the clerk commenting: the last one they had on the West Coast.

Please contact me if you can help: [email protected].....360-465-2809

I also recommend the Knipex Alligator plier 88-250 as a tool that can grab and hold the tiniest protrusion and never slips...damndest water pump plier I have EVER owned.
 
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bonneyman

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Apr 22, 2010
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Desert SW
I have/had 2-in-1 flip drivers like the VACO and they really are handy. A real space saver in a small tote as has been said.:thumbup:

Here's a flip driver stubby (in the middle) I just gave away. Two different-sized flip bits. Nice tool.
 
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rlitman

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Oct 18, 2010
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Location
Long Island
jcfields said:
I have the Xcelite and like it. Like the OP said, it's a good option for people working out of tool bags since, for many jobs, it'll handle the majority of your screwdriver needs in one tool. It's also lighter and more solid-feeling than your typical 6-in-1, if you don't need the 1/4" and 5/16" nutdrivers.
Click to expand...

Lighter than a 6-in-1, but another advantage is they're full length cabinet tips, where a 6-in-1 only has slightly more reach into a narrow hole than a bit driver.

If you need full length cabinet tips, one handle and a handful of blades like this are the best option for a field tech who needs to limit what they carry.

BTW, the Xcelite screwdrivers I am familiar with do not have the hex middle like the ones pictured. That was unique to Vaco AFAIK. Xcelite used a pinched section with "wings" like this:
62843.jpg
 
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