Clutch head screwdrivers

[64C10]

Does anyone know of where one can source a decent clutch head screwdriver anymore? I bought the CTA set and am not too happy with their total lack of hardness (just rounded one off on a Holley metering plate).

I found some 1/4” bits, but would like a good set of dedicated drivers as well. Anyone know of a source?

 

[Wrench97]

I don't believe Snap On makes them any longer but they were the best back in the 70's when I was using then all the time on the P series step vans.
Wilde use to make a decent set too but I don't any of them around either.

 

[cgrutt]

I've got a MAC P993A no idea if they still make them though.

 

[cmaple]

I've been buying up clutch head drivers at yard sales and flea markets for a few years, lots of Stanley's, Ace and a nice set of wood handled Macs

 

[64C10]

All I ever find used are rounded off 3/16”.

I did however find that Napa is producing them under the Carlisle badge, so order sent and fingers crossed. I absolutely loathe the “ergonomic” handles, but for as often as I get into carburetors or steering columns, I think I can live with it.

 

[d42jeep]

I‘ve run across lots of clutch head screwdrivers at estate and yard sales. It seems that I see more Proto brand than any others and they are top quality.
-Don

 

[64C10]

90% I’ve come across from yard sales/flea markets have been Craftsman in varying stages of abuse/decay.

I had a really cool 5/32 driver that I came across at a flea market, full size handle with a little maybe 1” shank - marked as a promo for something or another auto parts. Someone borrowed it and it was never seen again.

 

[driftpin]

I bought a set of four to work on a Tri-Five Chevy, from one of the Tri-Five parts suppliers. They fit the dashboard, the fuel filler pipes, the hood reinforcement straps, and whatever else. I think it was Eckler's, but now out of stock.

Summit has a set:

Summit Racing SUM-RP22684 Summit Racing™ Direct-Fit Restoration Tools Clutch Head Screwdrivers | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Summit Racing™ Direct-Fit Restoration Tools Clutch Head Screwdrivers with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Screwdrivers at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[NoahG]

What size do you need? They’re plentiful in older Metro Detroit hardware stores. I see a LOT of old Stanley stock.

 

[64C10]

I’ve got the Carlyles ordered, and the Summit Racing set (curious to see if there’s a WF marking on those).

Thank you though!

 

[Kscardsfan]

I have a Carlyle that I have had good luck with, like everyone else said I just buy them at estate sales. Very few people know what they are or what to use them for. Last I knew, Snap-On was making them as sockets at least.

 

[64C10]

I’ve found them as bits and sockets, mainly want the dedicated drivers for the hot rod toolbox (less to hunt through) and the tight quarters of the C10’s steering column.

 

[PFSard]

* Any ideas how many sizes of clutch drivers there are?

* I bought a pouch with five Indestro Super drivers at an Estate Sale many moons ago. Lists part numbers on handles 4640 through 4644. Does not indicate the sizes.

 

[CoogarXR]

* Any ideas how many sizes of clutch drivers there are?

* I bought a pouch with five Indestro Super drivers at an Estate Sale many moons ago. Lists part numbers on handles 4640 through 4644. Does not indicate the sizes.

My Xcelite drivers cover 6 sizes in the G-style clutch:

G5166 - 5/16"
G146 - 1/4"
G3164 - 3/16"
G5324 - 5/32"
G183 - 1/8"
G3324 - 3/32"

There are A-style clutch too. I think I have 4 of those, but I don't have the sizes handy.

A Style looks like this:


G Style looks like this:

 

[64C10]

I’m really not sure. I’ve got some old 50’s and 60’s hardware catalogs at the house that may shed some light on it.

 

[Wrench97]

I have 6 of the G style in a snap on set and 5 of the A style in a Mac set.
And a few repeats of G style in craftsman and stanley that are mostly worn out.

 

[four.cycle]

Indestro clutch-head drivers and bits 1971 Indestro catalog No. 55

* I don't recall whether that Holley metering plate uses the 3/16" or the 1/4" size. I had only the bit for years, because that was the only thing I ever used those for. This is a full set in a custom roll-up that was made for me. The individual drivers show up on ebay quite frequently. Full sets are pretty rare.

 

[PFSard]

Indestro clutch-head drivers and bits 1971 Indestro catalog No. 55

Amazing. Thank you.

 

[64C10]

* I don't recall whether that Holley metering plate uses the 3/16" or the 1/4" size. I had only the bit for years, because that was the only thing I ever used those for. This is a full set in a custom roll-up that was made for me. The individual drivers show up on ebay quite frequently. Full sets are pretty rare.

My 4160 screws are 5/32”

 

[four.cycle]

^ Sounds right. I remember they were very small. I only ever used that one size working on Holley four-barrels. Fortunately there weren't a lot of them (we weren't a Holley W.D. so most all "warranty" stuff went back to a distributor.)

 

[woody 73]

Some more info for anyone interested.

A bit of a tool mystery as they say...

Say it ain't so joe, or so the story goes. Darn I thought I had seen it all and along comes this mystery and it throws me for a curveball. I thought (key word here) that in the early years of Mechanics Tool & Forge, starting in 1938 in Sabina, Ohio, that they made most of their tools in house...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[unslow1]

I have some proper clutch head screwdrivers. Then I have a few made from sacrificial flat heads. They seem to work about as well.

 

[NoahG]

An example in one of my usual spots today. I’d say I see 5/32” and 3/16” most often. I have no idea what sizes are actually common and in use in the word.

 

[KnurledNut]

This is a full set in a custom roll-up that was made for me.

That is a great setup man!

 

[four.cycle]

That is a great setup man!

She is an excellent seamstress and kind of went overboard.
I told her I just needed something to hold them in so that the smaller units wouldn't fall out - she came up with the little velcro pockets.

 

[ecotec]

An example in one of my usual spots today. I’d say I see 5/32” and 3/16” most often. I have no idea what sizes are actually common and in use in the word.

Those are the only two that I have.

 

[ohhimark]

The Danchuk set from Summit has worked well for the minimal use they've had.

 

[d42jeep]

I passed these early Snap-on 1/4” drive bits along to another GJ member.
-Don

 

[driftpin]

Old Craftsman circular tip file, made of red plastic, outer ring and inner ring, and a clear plastic cover you turn to line-up the hole in it with the tip you need to access. It had at least two clutch head tips in it. The 'axle' screw/nut is an owner-added piece. I should trim the screw and throw-on an acorn nut for added 'high-zoot factor.'

Bought new, this is probably 45+ years old.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I have been using an Asian-made knock-off of that same "spinner" for over twenty years now. Mine didn't have clutch-heads in it: it was a mix of slotted/phillips/hex/torx bits with a few "nut drivers". Was my "go to" until I bought a big Vessel kit with more bits.

 

[Wrench97]

I passed these early Snap-on 1/4” drive bits along to another GJ member.
-Don

Are they military?

 

[d42jeep]

They were post WW2 so probably not.
-Don