Craftsman Screwdriver Handle Modification

[drakewithers]

Hey all,

This is my first post here! I've been reading for a while and finally got around to joining last week. This idea is quite basic but I couldn't find it anywhere on the board or the internet so I thought I'd post it in case it could be useful to someone.

I've got tons of those Craftsman acetate handled screwdrivers that I've picked up new or used over the years. They may not be the best steel but I like the ribbed tips and I can at least count on their durability. Lately I've been annoyed at the lack of traction on the grips. I searched all over the forums and couldn't find any ideas. I contemplated buying a set of PB Swiss or Wiha drivers but I wanted to try and come up with my own solution.

I started with my bit holder, by filing the surface of the handle ridges flat to give them sharper corners at the edge of each recess. I sanded them with 80 grit paper to add some texture to the new surfaces.

Using a 1/4-inch breaker bar and a 5/16 socket (with a 5/16 bit in the bit holder) I tested the traction after my modification and it felt like a completely different screwdriver! I was blown away by the tight grip I was able to maintain. The combination of sharper edges and rough texture (vs the silky smooth polished acetate that comes from the factory) really made a difference.

Again, I'm sure this isn't the most groundbreaking idea on the forum, and many of you already own high-quality drivers that offer plenty of traction. But no one else in my life would be excited about this and I want to share it!

Let me know what you think, or if you can think of any other screwdriver mods. I couldn't find much online.

Cheers,
Drake

P.s. here are some photos as illustrations. It's a rough job but I think I maintained the pretty polish where it counts, lol

 

[Shootinok]

Makes sense -
funny how a simple modification can make a big difference.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[SteveH-CO]

That's great, and it doesn't destroy the beauty of the screwdriver (doesn't look like a hack job). Thanks for posting.

 

[Benw455]

That's a good first post.

 

[bonneyman]

Heck yeah, I'd be proud of that mod, too!

Personally I never much liked the handle shape on C-man drivers. Hurt if you squeezed tightly, but, if you didn't, they slipped. This could be a worthy fix to that problem.

 

[Ipassgas]

I know everyone hates HF (for good reason) but I prefer my HF free square handle screw drivers to my clear handled C-man ones for this very reason. I should give this a try.
Welcome to the forum!

 

[WoodsTruck]

A 6-point deep well socket usually fits over the handle too. I use that method at times and palm grip the ratchet head so I can deliver pressure and twist with one hand.

 

[exmaxima1]

Not a fan

 

[gahrajmahal]

I think it is a diameter problem. Torque is distance times force. My solution now that I am a bit more worn out than when I was young is to just wear nitrile gloves. I started doing this when I helped out in the office and was working on the file folders jammed into the drawers. Folks asked if I was afraid of getting sick, but when I told them they helped my pinch strength they were amazed when they tried it themselves. Grippy nitrile gloves help the screwdriver twist force, but make it harder to turn with your palm on the end.

Good first post! Thanks for playing.

 

[JSHOUSE1]

Not a bad idea, if I may make a suggestion, maybe try stippling using a soldering iron.

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/how-to-stipple-a-glock/

You can modify the pattern to be more or less aggressive.