Do I have a problem (with my Stanley Screwdrivers)?

[JZiggy]

Always had a thing for the Stanley Workmaster screwdrivers. The big handles are nice to use and they're decent quality overall with a nifty vintage look. I have a half dozen that are on the pegboard at all times. As I find them I squirrel them away but I didn't realize how big my collection had become...

 

[Shiftless]

JZ:
That’s a fine collection.
As a bonus, I bet the handles don’t stink like the plastic handles of old.

Who among us doesn’t have a few more of one kind of tool than what is reasonably necessary?
.
.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Me too! I got a set of Workmasters for Christmas when I was a teenager, but some years later lost them all when someone broke into my garage and stole my tool chest. In the last year or so I've been collecting them again, and have a full set except for a #3 Phillips - if you happen to have a spare one of those I'll trade you for one of my extras. I think I actually have more of them than you do.


I'm also working on completing a set of Stanley Professional screwdrivers, which where basically the same as the older Workmasters except the handles were clear yellow instead of smoked.


I have a discussion thread on the topic here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395499&highlight=workmaster I haven't updated it for a while.

 

[JZiggy]

Stuart,

I think I do have a spare #3 and I have a few of the professional ones too. PM me and we can work something out!

 

[MadMark]

I like the trilobular handles on those Workmaster's as well.

They predate the Snap On Instinct handles, and I think the're better.

Although I don't like the chrome tips, especially on the philips.
Stanley should re-release that handle style, but with modern black tips.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Stuart,

I think I do have a spare #3 and I have a few of the professional ones too. PM me and we can work something out!

PM sent. Thanks!

 

[Leviton]

After obtaining a few of these as users when I was a younger person, I also have started collecting them in the last 10 years for sentimental reasons. Your collection dwarfs mine and is quite impressive. Wow. Wow. Wow! They are even in great condition.

Where are you finding them?

A couple months ago I was fortunate to find one of the smoke/yellow Workmasters I thought I would never see - a 4-in-1 with the removable shank.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Thanks to Ziggy, I was able to complete my set. I had every one except for a #3 Phillips, and he had a very nice one that I was able to trade him for.

 

[rlitman]

I like the trilobular handles on those Workmaster's as well.

They predate the Snap On Instinct handles, and I think the're better.

Although I don't like the chrome tips, especially on the philips.
Stanley should re-release that handle style, but with modern black tips.

Yep. Those are my all-time favorite handles.

 

[oak_park]

.....

 

[Stuart in MN]

I picked this up at an estate sale, still sealed. I think its the same clear tinted handle.

I have one of those as well.

I have a couple Stanley Tool catalogs; one is from 1977 and it includes the Workmaster screwdrivers, the other is from 1989 and it includes the Professional line of screwdrivers,which were basically the same thing as the older Workmaster line except they had clear yellow handles. That ratcheting screwdriver is in the newer catalog with the Professional screwdrivers and not in the older one with the Workmasters - I don't know why it doesn't also have a yellow handle.

 

[JZiggy]

Stuart, thanks for making a trade with me! I sure am glad you got to complete your set and I'm happy to get another one of those four-in-ones. I reach for that style more than anything it seems.

I like these handles so much I put them on other things than screwdrivers. Thinking about making a new shift knob for my 5 speed next!

 

[PelicanPines]

It's cute when a tool guy realizes they are a tool guy.

Personally I would say... you are on to a nice start.

 

[Stuart in MN]

One of these days I'm going to the hobby store to check out model paints, to see if I can find a suitable yellow to touch up the handles on some of my rougher examples. I'd also like to figure out a reasonable method of re-doing the Stanley logos on the handles, on some of mine that's completely worn away.

 

[toolchaser]

I found one of the interchangeable 1/4" bit non ratcheting @ Restore the other day, should have grabbed it I guess...

 

[Shiftless]

I like these handles so much I put them on other things than screwdrivers. Thinking about making a new shift knob for my 5 speed next!

That sounds like a MUCH better idea than a beer tap handle.

 

[d42jeep]

That sounds like a MUCH better idea than a beer tap handle.

Ooh. Color coordinated too. Very fancy!
-Don

 

[PelicanPines]

That sounds like a MUCH better idea than a beer tap handle.

That's gonna get you an invite to step out of the car... every time you are pulled over.

 

[B17E1943]

Only if YOU think you do.

 

[JZiggy]

Only if YOU think you do.

Jury's still out on that one, but just asking the question has somehow led to getting more screwdrivers

So... yes?

 

[Leviton]

Here is the 4-in-1 that I was fortunate to find.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

Always had a thing for the Stanley Workmaster screwdrivers. The big handles are nice to use and they're decent quality overall with a nifty vintage look. I have a half dozen that are on the pegboard at all times. As I find them I squirrel them away but I didn't realize how big my collection had become...

Nice collection there-I too like that particular brand/style driver-my collection is much smaller than yours, but still pick them up when found providing they are in usable condition. The tri-lobe handle gives very good "Gripshon" as I call it and I think that is the reason why so many that are found in the #2 tips are distorted??
Not trying to distract from your thread, I found the enclosed handle from stanley tool which is 1/2 there-with a tri lobe handle and I think it may have been a "Contruction version" screwdriver or possibly a chisel?? More of a up-dated tool with the tri-lobe with the addition of the black overlay. Tool was shown no love as looking at the rear cap was used a lot!! This hand
le version combined with the black tipped shafts would make a "Killer Set" if they would decide to mfgr. same!! Just my two-cents worth!

 

[Christoquix]

Always had a thing for the Stanley Workmaster screwdrivers. The big handles are nice to use and they're decent quality overall with a nifty vintage look. I have a half dozen that are on the pegboard at all times. As I find them I squirrel them away but I didn't realize how big my collection had become...

You are not alone. I just saw Adam Savage’s video about these screwdrivers.

Here is an idea:
Why not try to get his address and send him a few of your duplicates
C

 

[slowtwitch73]

Funny.. I just saw that yesterday and thought 'irrational exuberance' on Adams part.. nobody else would be that into them.

Guess I was wrong lol.

 

[d42jeep]

I didn’t know they were a “thing”. This has been sitting around in my what am I going to do with these toolbox.
-Don

 

[Stuart in MN]

You are not alone. I just saw Adam Savage’s video about these screwdrivers.

Here is an idea:
Why not try to get his address and send him a few of your duplicates
C

I sent him an email after I watched the video, but I haven't heard back yet. I have 20 or 30 spares/duplicates.

 

[boostdemon]

I didn’t know they were a “thing”. This has been sitting around in my what am I going to do with these toolbox.
-Don

I loaned my hex tip out a few years ago and it never made its way back home. Sad because I haven't seen another go up for sale - they made a ratcheting one too!
Keep it guarded now that Adam Savage has let the secret out everyone will be looking for them! I just hope to find a replacement one day before they all disappear lol

 

[d42jeep]

I found a picture of this yellow handle one that lives at my summer home. I have some Craftsman screwdrivers with a similar handle shape, too. I’ll have to get a picture of them.
-Don