Armstrong NTS-1

[ZiggyMacD]

Anyone know what this thing would have been used for? Seems to be a torque limiting screwdriver.

 

[four.cycle]

"Jo Max mini torque wrench"
one for sale on ebay right now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/166366009673

There is an extensive thread on the "JO LINE" here:

Jo / Jo Mfg. Co., South Gate, CA (4225 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92803) / "Jo-Line" torque wrench, drill / acquired by K-D 1979 / patent 2310759 Feb 9 1943 Ira C. Clawson & 2743678 May 1 1956 & 2897704 Aug 4 1959 & 3016773 Jan 16 1962 Robert Glen Woods / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413693 /

 

[ecotec]

Yes, it is a torque screwdriver.

It is used for low torque fittings. A lot of industries require fittings to be torqued.

 

[ZiggyMacD]

What kind of fittings would require such a low torque range?

 

[ecotec]

What kind of fittings would require such a low torque range?

Usually… something that been installed gently with a ratchet or screwdriver since the beginning of their existence… until someone came out with a form with a torque spec and paperwork to sign saying that this whatever (an electrical module or whatever) is torqued to the given spec. Usually it also has to be paint markered with a line going from the hardware to the whatever… sometimes with a required paint marker color.

You, usually, torque it, mark it, and then fill out and sign the paperwork.

 

[neophyte]

Those torque screwdrivers were made in at least three separate “adjustable” ranges, and there were also “pre-setable” versions, that could be preset to specific torque settings so the setting could not be easily changed, for use on production lines.

The micro versions come in multiple models, and are still made, or at least available.
Facom makes similar small, low torque screwdrivers.
Best guess on use is precision electronics or machinery, or maybe watchmaking.
Someone within the past week posted a torque wrench used for dental inserts, so that might be a possibility, since some doctors and medical professionals save money by using off the shelf tools, and simply use the tools in a manner that keeps the tools sterile, such as wrapped in a sterile bag.