Clutch Head Driver

[popsjohn]

I picked up a box of tools at an auction last weekend that had several screwdrivers. One of them is marked Snap-on SSDC -4. I looked p number on the Internet and found out it is called a clutch head driver. Could not determine what it is used for. Several references to old Chevrolets. Anyone know the use of this tool?

John

 

[malibu101]

I've seen them on some RV's years ago.
That's the only times I've seen a clutch head with my own eyes.

 

[MShaw]

As stated above, trim and such on GM products up into the 1940s. I've actually used them on old Chevrolet trim and door hinges.

 

[cgrutt]

Could be wrong but believe there are some decking fasteners that use them too. I've got a box of short (maybe 3/8") screws with clutch heads. They're coated with a heavy white paint, almost vinyl-like. Have no idea where they came from or what they're used for but I've had them a very long time, LOL...

 

[gungatim]

older mobile homes used them for all the electrical fixtures, cabinet hinges, etc...

 

[exmaxima1]

Ampeg guitar amplifiers in the 60's used them. Ace and True Value hardware sold the drivers. Clutch head screws didn't cam out like Phillips, and were less likely to slip and cause damage. They were essentially pre-Torx (zero insertion force) screws.

Attached pic is similar to my Ampeg of that era (mine was the 2 x 15 version)---I bought it from Dennis DeYoung of Styx when they were just starting out.

 

[Cope]

As stated above, trim and such on GM products up into the 1940s. I've actually used them on old Chevrolet trim and door hinges.

I have an Indestro I bought in 1964 to use on my 1952 Ford door hinges.

 

[ev88f]

Used on 40's-50's Chevy cars and trucks

 

[four.cycle]

The only clutch-head bit I have fits the screws that hold the metering plates onto a Holley carburetor.

I think they were used as one of the early "security screws" also.

The came in about a half a dozen sizes. Somebody asked about this in another thread some time back. Here's the sizes that were made by Indestro:

 

[mitusa]

I believe they were also used on some of the old two cylinder john deeres. Mostly on the sheet metal.

 

[Stuart in MN]

GM used clutch head screws into the 1960s, my '61 Bonneville has an number of them in the interior.

 

[d42jeep]

I have a set that I use on my '63 Corvair van.
-Don

 

[disston]

I have an Indestro I bought in 1964 to use on my 1952 Ford door hinges.

Still have the one I bought about 1973 to use on the door hinges of my 1954 Ford.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have a spare set out in the garage if some one needs a set.

 

[Two Sheds]

I remember when I was in high school in the 1970s we had a couple of older small school buses that were based on Chevrolet step vans, probably made in the 1960s, and all the interior fasteners were clutch drive. I assumed it was an attempt at security, though it is actually possible to loosen them with the right size flat blade screwdriver.

 

[Mintgrun]

My 1981 GMC Value Van uses them to secure all of the interior sheet metal.

Heh. I thought they were called peanut drive screws.

 

[Roberts210]

My '54 Chevy 3/4 ton truck--the one in my avatar, has them all over the body and under the hood, but not on the engine.

 

[four.cycle]

serendipitously, look what just popped up:

Indestro Super 9-piece 3/8" drive bit set (including four clutch head bits)
used
$10.00 + $6.46 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Fri. 03/10
http://www.ebay.com/itm/322441056554?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

(* the 4461 is actually a Duro-Chrome, but other than the brand stamped on it, is exactly the same as the Indestro Super. *)