Anyone know what this screwdriver was made for?

[Oregon Dave]

Here is a jet tool with a nub in the middle.

Thanks Mintgrun, it fits the profile, but not the period; O.P.'s driver is 1930ish. Have worked on Model A, Zenith and Tillotson Carburetors; no special tools needed - other makes; don't know, but have a decent mystery going here - every clue helps - hope we solve it.

 

[Mintgrun]

O.P.'s driver is 1930ish

Based on what? This is a 1964 Stanley catalog page. It doesn't show that tip, but has tools with a similar grip.



(taken from the Internet Archive site)
Tom

 

[driftpin]

Several clutch head screwdrivers of different sizes. I bought this set to work on a tri-five Chevy. Locations where I found these to be useful were the left rear tail light which swings open to access the fuel filler cap, and the front hood bracing. I think there was also a need for it when working on the dashboard and pieces underneath it.

None of these butterfly types are the same as the clutch head in question. Pictures are for comparison only. I believe when I was searching for a selection of these style clutch head 'drivers, I saw some of the other type.

Years ago, in a selection of screwdriver tips from a Craftsman set, I found clutch heads in two different sizes. The set was a round, red indexing storage holder, w/a clear plastic top. You 'dialed' to the tip you wanted, and there were a couple of round holes in the clear plastic lid, where the tip you wanted, could fall-out if you inverted the entire holder. I don't recall seeing the type of clutch head tip shown by the O.P. in the Craftsman tip set.


You can enlarge the tip pictures if you wish to see them in more detail

 

[d42jeep]

Here is my Apex type A screwdriver.

Clutch-head screwdrivers

progress-is-fine.blogspot.com

-Don

 

[Oregon Dave]

Based on what? This is a 1964 Stanley catalog page. It doesn't show that tip, but has tools with a similar grip.



(taken from the Internet Archive site)
Tom

This got way too lengthy -

Based on what? Based on the images of O.P.’s driver; appears to be a well-made tool with NO maker’s identification; the 60’s Stanley Tools catalog page - can't make out all the items for now, but identification is at least semi-prevalent. Wood handled tools are currently being made.

Carriage and wagon makers supplied a ‘tool kit’ they often made themselves; Henry Ford, and others, built a ‘horseless’ carriage and continued the ‘established practice'. I personally believe, initially, they had no idea of the demand and that they would sell millions of vehicles & need as many tool-kits. Tool kit problem wasn’t ducked; rather contracted out - millions of painted wooden handled screwdrivers were made in that era with NO maker’s identity. Even Ford’s other tools, while displaying the script Ford or flying F, have no direct maker’s identification; other markings do lead to the contract producer - never seen any such marks on the screwdrivers; notwithstanding, have not seen them all. This, and other instances, speak to Henry’s vanity; but resulted in millions of unmarked, wooden handle screwdrivers in the ‘30’s.

nz44tool’s fit test points away from electrical use (hopefully nz doesn’t stand for New Zealand and you’re on the metric system). d42jeep’s Apex type A screwdriver is interesting. Beerhippie is that possibly the one you were referring to? It has parallel wings, rather than the bat/butterfly style, but lacks the extended center post of the O.P.’s driver.

The new info has triggered another thought; overhead work in the automobile industry - if you HAD to install the smaller Type A clutch-head fasteners overhead, possibly prior to magnetic tips, the addition of the center post; requiring a recessed hole in the fastener, would hold the fastener better - would be a way to speed things up.

Continues to be an interesting mystery to me; history is a moving picture.

 

[RTM]

Here is my Apex type A screwdriver.

Clutch-head screwdrivers

progress-is-fine.blogspot.com

-Don

If you go digging into the link Don supplied here, it links to a Sizes.com website, which in the Clutch screwdriver section, where they showed only the bowtie type, the following sizes are listed.

The size is the maximum diameter in inches of the bit point: 1⁄8″, 5⁄32″, 3⁄16″, 1⁄4″, 5⁄16″.

Is it possible the one that started this query is a smaller size of the Type A than most people have, and that's why it looks different, bigger central point to wing ratio?

Dunno, never owned any, drop them like they are very hot when I realize they aren't screw starters.

 

[Mintgrun]

The new info has triggered another thought; overhead work in the automobile industry - if you HAD to install the smaller Type A clutch-head fasteners overhead, possibly prior to magnetic tips, the addition of the center post; requiring a recessed hole in the fastener, would hold the fastener better - would be a way to speed things up.

The same would be true for carb jets. They have hollow centers to accept the protruding pin section. I'm not aware of any fasteners that do. Clutch drive tips are flat across the end.

I use screw-holding screwdrivers on jets, for removal and installation. It's a bit of a pain with a plain slotted screwdriver, having to reach down inside to get at them. It's also important to get them going in straight and the pin would help with that too.

 

[Oregon Dave]

If you go digging into the link Don supplied here, it links to a Sizes.com website, which in the Clutch screwdriver section, where they showed only the bowtie type, the following sizes are listed.

The size is the maximum diameter in inches of the bit point: 1⁄8″, 5⁄32″, 3⁄16″, 1⁄4″, 5⁄16″.

Is it possible the one that started this query is a smaller size of the Type A than most people have, and that's why it looks different, bigger central point to wing ratio?

Dunno, never owned any, drop them like they are very hot when I realize they aren't screw starters.

The same would be true for carb jets. They have hollow centers to accept the protruding pin section. I'm not aware of any fasteners that do. Clutch drive tips are flat across the end.

I use screw-holding screwdrivers on jets, for removal and installation. It's a bit of a pain with a plain slotted screwdriver, having to reach down inside to get at them. It's also important to get them going in straight and the pin would help with that too.

All good points; hopefully the O.P. will provide some tip dimensions; per the images he supplied, it is a fairly large tip ~3/8". Can you think of larger jets like for burners or furnaces; am still in the 1930's at this point also.

 

[Oregon Dave]

If you go digging into the link Don supplied here, it links to a Sizes.com website, which in the Clutch screwdriver section, where they showed only the bowtie type, the following sizes are listed.

The size is the maximum diameter in inches of the bit point: 1⁄8″, 5⁄32″, 3⁄16″, 1⁄4″, 5⁄16″.

Is it possible the one that started this query is a smaller size of the Type A than most people have, and that's why it looks different, bigger central point to wing ratio?

Dunno, never owned any, drop them like they are very hot when I realize they aren't screw starters.

If your bit point measurements are outside edge to outside edge of the 'bowtie'; note the O.P.'s images and the statement he posted, later “The shank is very stout - .375" (which I just now re-read & discredits my small fastener/overhead work scenario, but does leave overhead work with a more common sized fastener) - side to side tip dimensions of the O.P. driver appear near the shank diameter - near or larger than your 5⁄16″ measurement; at least, more toward the large end of the tool sizes.

nz44tool, interesting measurements from your tool tip would be the center post diameter (appears >1/16” from the image with the ruler), and how far it protrudes beyond the wings, and the side to side & wing thickness measurement; have a caliper/micrometer handy? Someone skilled in photo analysis might be able to extract them.

The puzzlement is that the tool clearly exists, which means there was a need/use for some maker to put it into production; yet it seems, as yet, so rare.

 

[Provincial]

Don't we have horrible mega-prisons where we can send people who come up with new fasteners just to say they have a new fastener?

No, but there needs to be some.

 

[four.cycle]

 

[four.cycle]

Don't we have horrible mega-prisons where we can send people who come up with new fasteners just to say they have a new fastener?

In a perfect world, it would be a capital offense with no options for appeal.

 

[Oregon Dave]

Good Point; but a few are for power tools and unfortunately for a culture that precipitated a need for tamper protection.

 

[Mintgrun]

Here's a Holley jet-driver. I have one just like it.


The pin in the middle is way too big for Weber or Solex jets. I don't recall the size of the Rochester jets in my Suburban's carb.

The center hole in the jets I have is deeper than the slot, so the OP's driver would work even better.

I'm not buying the screwdriver identification until I see a screw that would accept it.
My money's still on it being a jetdriver.

I want one.

 

[Old Man Roger]

Surprised I’ve never seen a full set of jet drivers.

 

[WisJim]

I was sorting through a box of odds and ends from a sale a couple of weeks ago and found some Apex clutch head screwdriver tips. The smaller ones are 1/4" hex drive and the bigger ones are 5/16" hex.

 

[Old Man Roger]

Well would ya look at that.

 

[Cruzan80]

Speaking of, anyone know what used 5/16 hex bits, besides hand-impacts? Have a few of various ends floating around, and never could figure out what they originally attached to.

And I can't imagine a clutch-head screw needing a hand-impact to loosen...

 

[Old Man Roger]

Seen a corded electric impact gun on OfferUp that was 5/8 drive. There’s some weird **** out there.

 

[Cruzan80]

Yes. Was thinking maybe it was for assembly line work, or something else that wouldn't be seen in a home shop. Just curious if anyone knew.

Wouldn't surprise me to learn that using a different size was so people would stop stealing them for home use...

 

[nz44tool]

Thanks Mintgrun, it fits the profile, but not the period; O.P.'s driver is 1930ish. Have worked on Model A, Zenith and Tillotson Carburetors; no special tools needed - other makes; don't know, but have a decent mystery going here - every clue helps - hope we solve it.

Here is a jet tool with a nub in the middle.

Here is a jet tool with a nub in the middle

Here is a jet tool with a nub in the middle.

Thanks, Mintgrun - my screwdriver might work in that jet, but I don't think it was designed for that use. The proportions look too different.

 

[Oregon Dave]

Would mind providing the dimensions of the tool, requested up-thread. We are trying to help with your request for identification; help us to understand the proportions we're dealing with.

 

[Sumboodie]

Thanks Mintgrun, it fits the profile, but not the period; O.P.'s driver is 1930ish. Have worked on Model A, Zenith and Tillotson Carburetors; no special tools needed - other makes; don't know, but have a decent mystery going here - every clue helps - hope we solve it.

I had no idea there was a tool! I've always used a screwdriver and prayers.

 

[nz44tool]

Would mind providing the dimensions of the tool, requested up-thread. We are trying to help with your request for identification; help us to understand the proportions we're dealing with.

Sorry, apologies to all; should have done that early on. Please excuse the crudeness - my graphic skills are non-existent.
In case the drawings are not decipherable - the total tip width is .310", each "wing" is .090" wide and .058" thick, and the center "post" is .120" diameter.

 

[Oregon Dave]

Sorry, should have done that early on. Please excuse the crudeness - my graphic skills are non-existent.
In case the drawings are not decipherable - the total tip width is .310", each "wing" is .090" wide and .058" thick, and the center "post" is .120" diameter.

Thanks; how far does the center "post" extend beyond the wings?

 

[Old Man Roger]

Holding an item next to a coke can is the best we usually get.lol

 

[nz44tool]

Thanks; how far does the center "post" extend beyond the wings?

Oops - forgot that one. The center post sticks up about .052" from the top of the wings

 

[Old Man Roger]

I was sorting through a box of odds and ends from a sale a couple of weeks ago and found some Apex clutch head screwdriver tips. The smaller ones are 1/4" hex drive and the bigger ones are 5/16" hex.

I couldn’t find these on their website. Not even on the chart they have of all the types of bits. Most of the bit part numbers started in the 400 range.

 

[nz44tool]

Here is my Apex type A screwdriver.

Clutch-head screwdrivers

progress-is-fine.blogspot.com

-Don

...looks like a second cousin to mine.

 

[Beerhippie]

Holding an item next to a coke can is the best we usually get.lol

Or in one's lap....

 

[Old Man Roger]

Or in one's lap....

Sacrilege.lol

 

[Oregon Dave]

Holding an item next to a coke can is the best we usually get.lol

Coke can huh Old Tool Guy. The O.P’s original post, to begin this tread, has a full-length image of the tool lying along side a ruler; for me that is a level of scale at least a notch above coke cans & quarters - although they are more for perspective. Now that the O.P. has provided actual tip dimensions: beerhippie & other clutch-head proponents; do they help point you a specific tool and/fastener, Mintgrun; any carb jets or carb jet range coming to mind?

Old Tool Guy, I am an “Old Tool Guy” also and have never seen this tool before or a fastener to use it on; but there it is, had to be produced for a purpose, seems that necessitates the production of plenty of fasteners - notwithstanding some very limited, as yet, unknown application. If us two don’t recognize it; may take older Old Tool Guys - take the images to the local VFW/American Legion etc., some WWII survivor may know it. The closest modern tool is the EXC tools for electricians; technology only 15 or so year old though, and uses a protruding square center post - and the fasteners are in the > billions; somewhat annoyingly so.

From the unrecognizability, I’m presently going to pursue the very old/certainly not modern; lot of GJ members have gained access to very old catalogs, and as yet, no identification - means obviously very rare also.

 

[Beerhippie]

Coke can huh Old Tool Guy. The O.P’s original post, to begin this tread, has a full-length image of the tool lying along side a ruler; for me that is a level of scale at least a notch above coke cans & quarters - although they are more for perspective. Now that the O.P. has provided actual tip dimensions: beerhippie & other clutch-head proponents; do they help point you a specific tool and/fastener, Mintgrun; any carb jets or carb jet range coming to mind?

Old Tool Guy, I am an “Old Tool Guy” also and have never seen this tool before or a fastener to use it on; but there it is, had to be produced for a purpose, seems that necessitates the production of plenty of fasteners - notwithstanding some very limited, as yet, unknown application. If us two don’t recognize it; may take older Old Tool Guys - take the images to the local VFW/American Legion etc., some WWII survivor may know it. The closest modern tool is the EXC tools for electricians; technology only 15 or so year old though, and uses a protruding square center post - and the fasteners are in the > billions; somewhat annoyingly so.

From the unrecognizability, I’m presently going to pursue the very old/certainly not modern; lot of GJ members have gained access to very old catalogs, and as yet, no identification - means obviously very rare also.

It sure looks like others have posted two sets of photos of the same kind of driver above.

 

[WisJim]

I couldn’t find these on their website. Not even on the chart they have of all the types of bits. Most of the bit part numbers started in the 400 range.

Yup, I looked on their site too, nothing like these on their site that I could find.

 

[Oregon Dave]

It sure looks like others have posted two sets of photos of the same kind of driver above.

Please clarify: is “the same kind of driver above” the original image in post #1; clearly showing the tip with parallel side webs and a protruding round center post, that we now have been informed is ~⅛” dia. and extends beyond the wings, 0.052”, per the O.P. and is ~0.310” side to side/5/16”.

By “others have posted two sets of photos” are you referring to driftpin’s in post post #43 clearly show a CTA set with batwing/bowtie/butterfly-style web profile and no center extended post and WisJim’s Apex set in post #56 that show a different wing profile; but definitely no extended center post; further, in the Apex catalog at:

[chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1673891.pdf],
I could not find a reference to WisJim’s 305- series, but all of the 190- series show a batwing/bowtie/butterfly-style web and no center post.

At this stage, for me, the O.P.’s tool with parallel web/wings and the extended round center post and it’s large size is distinct and not related to the clutch-head system at this point of the investigation; hopefully clarification is ahead, but for now, in my opinion only, the O.P. has a very rare tool.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Too late to this party, but my guess would have been an old time security screw driver.

 

[nz44tool]

Too late to this party, but my guess would have been an old time security screw driver.

Hmmm... the center post could prevent you from using the tool to turn a slot-head screw, but the corresponding fastener (hope we see one sometime!) could still be turned by any ordinary straight-blade screwdriver. So the security would be on the wrong side of the equation, wouldn't it?
I miss the Pontiacs too, but I miss the Oldsmobiles more.

 

[Oregon Dave]

It is very likely a screw hold modification; a standard screwdriver blade with a ⅛”ø center post.

From the parallel sided wings/webs in the original pics & after the O.P. provided his driver’s web thickness as 0.055” a light came on; measured my large screwdrivers (a lot, am old) - most 0.055” thick; rest within 0.002” even the large Bell Sytems/old.

So, hypothetically, if you had in a situation where dropping large slot-tip screws off the tip of your screwdriver was an issue in commercial work; i.e. working 90° off a ladder/long reach overhead work, you could buy this tool and set up a jig and drill, or have an apprentice/helper drill a common ⅛”ø center hole in regular slotted screws - should hold the screw more secure & helps to explain the rarity of the fasteners.

As far the rarity of the tool; the era was during the development of the screw holding screwdriver (indicating a further recognition of ‘the dropped screw issue’; needing a better mousetrap), but prior to the development of the magnetic tip, in the early 1950’s; making both obsolete.

Not as comfortable as I would be seeing the tool in an ad/catalog/patent application; but getting there.

 

[nz44tool]

It is very likely a screw hold modification.

From the parallel sided wings/webs in the original pics & after the O.P. provided his driver’s web thickness as 0.055” a light came on; measured my large screwdrivers (a lot, am old) - most 0.055” thick; rest within 0.002” even the large Bell Sytems/old.

So, hypothetically, if you had in a situation where dropping large slot-tip screws off the tip of your screwdriver was an issue in commercial work; i.e. working 90° off a ladder/long reach overhead work, you could buy this tool and set up a jig and drill, or have an apprentice/helper drill a common ⅛”ø center hole in regular slotted screws - should hold the screw more secure & helps to explain the rarity of the fasteners.

As far the rarity of the tool; the era was during the development of the screw holding screwdriver (indicating a further recognition of ‘the dropped screw issue’; needing a better mousetrap), but prior to the development of the magnetic tip, in the early 1950’s; making both obsolete.

Not as comfortable as I would be seeing the tool in an ad/catalog/patent application; but getting there.

That's a plausible theory. Like you, I'd want to see a matching fastener or a catalog listing, or some other confirmation.

 

[Leviton]

As far the rarity of the tool; the era was during the development of the screw holding screwdriver (indicating a further recognition of ‘the dropped screw issue’; needing a better mousetrap), but prior to the development of the magnetic tip, in the early 1950’s; making both obsolete.

They've been making screw holding screwdrivers since at least the 1880's.