Anyone familiar with easydriver or screwball tools?

[rednotch]

Found most of the set for an older screwball tool set sold by sears while going threw my dads stuff in his basement, even has the 12.99 sticker price still on it, I'm guessing late 70's early 80's. The box says it includes a pouch. Trying to find a picture of it to see if its down there some where. No luck doing a quick google and ebay search. The rest of the set seems to be there.

also looking for the screw driver bit inserts for his easy driver set, found a bunch of bits but no clue which go to the set. Seems all the adapters are there but the bits where not in the tray. I'm not sure but I think even when new the tray had empty spots. The plastic dome cover is also broken at the base.

Not my pics since my cell *****, so I lifted these of ebay to show what tools I am talking about.

 

[CNGsaves]

Keep them . . . . . . USE them . . . . LOVE them !!

The screwball is my go-to when I've got stubborn screw. Torque is great.

Every time you use them, you'll be able to remember they came from your dad. Pass them down to your son, and he'll have same fond memory.

 

[rednotch]

that's why I'm trying to find all the pieces that went with them. The cardboard packaging of the screwball doesn't hold the sockets too well. though it looks like the bits and sockets where Taiwan, The package says it included a pouch, I assume to hold the tool and bits.

 

[brook41]

Easydriver was made in usa I worked for the company that made the plastic ball parts . It is is made of Lexan a very durable plastic.

 

[ss454]

that's awesome, my dad has both and I remember them always being on the work bench in the garage when I was a kid.

 

[justme-]

We had an easy driver in our RV when I was a kid - mid 80's and up. Shafts look right - bits were P1,p2,couple small slotted, couple small allen IRRC. I'll try to find it next time I can get through the snow (4'+) to the ol mans garage.

 

[IMCA38]

My Grandpa had an Easydriver set. For some reason, it always sat on an endtable by his recliner. I remember as a kid being fascinated by it and always opening it up to play with it. I'm pretty sure it logged many more hours in my hands than it did his.

I'm pretty sure my Dad ended up with it after Grandpa passed away.

I picked up one in a box of stuff at an auction, but it's not in very good shape.
Mine does have the long slotted shaft in the middle hole, a 1/4 drive, a 3/8 drive and an bit insert shaft and a couple of odd bit inserts.

 

[Peridot]

Found most of the set for an older screwball tool set sold by sears while going threw my dads stuff in his basement, even has the 12.99 sticker price still on it, I'm guessing late 70's early 80's. The box says it includes a pouch. Trying to find a picture of it to see if its down there some where. No luck doing a quick google and ebay search. The rest of the set seems to be there.

also looking for the screw driver bit inserts for his easy driver set, found a bunch of bits but no clue which go to the set. Seems all the adapters are there but the bits where not in the tray. I'm not sure but I think even when new the tray had empty spots. The plastic dome cover is also broken at the base.

Not my pics since my cell *****, so I lifted these of ebay to show what tools I am talking about.

This is a very late response but I bought my Screwball set new at Sears in 1980. There was no pouch included with my set. The domed container was the only storage that came with.

Now that I've developed so much arthritis in my hands this is my go-to screwdriver when I don't want to dig out my drill. As a woman I've always lacked great hand strength in spite of working in construction for years when I was younger. This tool makes the field even for me. I can both assemble and demo thanks to Easy Driver.

 

[Cruzan80]

I will grab a pic of the Easy driver set I have, in a mostly intact tube. I do know they also sold an elongated version, along with the spherical one.

 

[four.cycle]

"Screwball" and "Easydriver" were (if I am interpreting the promotional material and advertisements correctly) were made by two different companies. Or maybe one company that changed hands several times? The Sears branding on your unit is intriguing.
Would like to see a photo image of the back side of that "Sears Screwball" box and see if there's any way to determine who actually made it for Sears.

Creative / Creative Tools Inc., Bennington, VT 05201 / "Easydriver" patent 3742787 Jul 03 1973 / https://makezine.com/2012/09/11/tool-review-the-easydriver/

* take a look at the notes here: https://www.datamp.org//patents/displayPatent.php?pn=3742787&id=57469

* the patent drawings show the bit holder, but do not specify what bits were included.

* the "Makezine" article cited above might be your best source of information.

S/V Tool / S/V Tool Co., Newton, KS / "Screwball" ratcheting screwdriver / acquired by Fiskars early 1980s / http://harveycountyvoices.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-tool-with-all-features-missing-in.html

This is one of those rabbit holes I only stuck a couple toes into - this is all I have on this item.

This thread is six years old. I'm guessing all this information is somewhere else on this website as well.

 

[mashguy4077]

Here’s my Easy Driver I recently picked up. I was planning on keeping it and using it but figured it would be better in someone’s collection.

 

[Sgtboz]

Found most of the set for an older screwball tool set sold by sears while going threw my dads stuff in his basement, even has the 12.99 sticker price still on it, I'm guessing late 70's early 80's. The box says it includes a pouch. Trying to find a picture of it to see if its down there some where. No luck doing a quick google and ebay search. The rest of the set seems to be there.

also looking for the screw driver bit inserts for his easy driver set, found a bunch of bits but no clue which go to the set. Seems all the adapters are there but the bits where not in the tray. I'm not sure but I think even when new the tray had empty spots. The plastic dome cover is also broken at the base.

Not my pics since my cell *****, so I lifted these of ebay to show what tools I am talking about.

That Easydriver was a noisy thing to use. I thought it did work great though.

 

[Peridot]

After developing arthritis in my hands plus carpal tunnel syndrome I find that the Screwball is the only driver I can use without pain.

 

[53PontiacSD]

I have a screwball. Wonderful tool. Got it in the 70s

 

[Peridot]

1979 for mine. It's extremely useful.

Edit: I love this tool.

 

[Qualitytools]

The title caught my attention, reminds me of the VESSEL ball screwdrivers available made in Japan and were once sold by Sears

 

[Ton ton]

You can still get Vessel ball grip screwdrivers through Napa. Made in Thailand .

 

[Qualitytools]

Amazon also

 

[ajchien]

just sharing a pic of a few screwballs and easy drivers. Screwballs are nice because theyre more comfortable and have a reverse lever. Easy drivers have a much finer ratcheting mechanism.

 

[bonneyman]

Found another EASYDRIVER today at an estate sale. Nice blow molded case, with sockets and hex bits. Complete, $6.

 

[bonneyman]

I can't believe I hadn't posted a pic of my whole collection. Must be in another thread.
Well, here it is here!

 

[bonneyman]

After developing arthritis in my hands plus carpal tunnel syndrome I find that the Screwball is the only driver I can use without pain.

Oh yeah - me too! I originally started using the EASYDRIVER because I could get way more torque and less slippage with sweaty hands. But as arthritis has appeared I'm glad I made that switch years ago - the ball is much more comfortable to use.

 

[bonneyman]

Here's my current lot of ratcheting ball drivers. I've given a few away, was gifted with some, and bought a couple. This makes two kits, with a total of seven 2/1/2"ers, seven 1"ers, 4 screwballs, and a bunch of accessories.

I've got some balls, eh?

 

[honcho]

I have two but I believe mine are marked Pratt Read Easydriver. I bought them on clearance at Sears. The two ball sizes have different drive sizes. One of those gimmicky tools that actually has some utility as others have mentioned, especially for arthritic hands.

 

[bonneyman]

I have two but I believe mine are marked Pratt Read Easydriver. I bought them on clearance at Sears. The two ball sizes have different drive sizes. One of those gimmicky tools that actually has some utility as others have mentioned, especially for arthritic hands.

10-4 I got my first pair of Pratt-Reade balls in 2005 I think at Sears. (Saved the packaging and receipt). Gave the small one away to a friend who did computer work - then regretted it. So I was on a hunt for a replacement, and swapped a forum member a big ball for two small ones.

The small EASYDRIVER balls use a 1/4" double ended extension. perfect for sockets. The larger ball is trickier - I think it takes a 5/16" square shaft. But I've found several OEM shafts so haven't had to make one.

And they do help the arthritis.

 

[d42jeep]

Here is one that rolled from the Bay Area to Bonneyman’s house recently.
-Don

 

[bonneyman]

Thanks, Don. Yours got adopted into the family!

 

[RTM]

For those, like me, who swore they posted their screwballs somewhere, look here on the vintage board.

Screwball ratcheting screwdrivers...S/V Tool Co.

Picked these up at a recent sale. One has been gently used, has all 4 bits. The other is nos in original package. Thought you guys might like some pics.

www.garagejournal.com

 

[four.cycle]

S/V Tool / S/V Tool Co., Newton, KS / "Screwball" ratcheting screwdriver / acquired by Fiskars early 1980s / http://harveycountyvoices.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-tool-with-all-features-missing-in.html / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/screwball-ratcheting-screwdrivers-s-v-tool-co.331373/ /