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Flat head screwdriver recommendation

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Mgdoug3

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Mar 2, 2018
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I lost a Pratt-Reed flat screwdriver that was perfect for adjusting valves on a John Deere. It was like a stubby but full length handle. The blade width was probably 1/4 or 5/16. The blade itself was around 2" long. I have some Craftsman stubbies but the handle is too small to get a good grip.

I'm looked for a screwdriver that is very close to my Pratt Reed was. I'm not interested in anything made in China. Preferably USA but made in Germany will be fine too.
 
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Davefr

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How about Japan? I'm sure fond of everything Vessel makes and especially their screwdrivers and they're reasonably priced..
 
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PBCampbell

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WV
I know the driver you're talking about and I think you'll be stuck trying to find one on ebay or garage sales as I've never seen another manufacturer offer anything like it. They were rebranded by craftsman which should make it easier.
 
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Browens

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Jun 3, 2017
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I picked up this Wilde at HJE earlier this year and it fits the description, however the blade is pretty beefy.

You could consider a bit driver handle and throw a slotted 1/4 bit in it. IMG_5202.jpeg
 
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turbodave

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I have a Masterforce one I got at Menards a while back, USA made probably by Pratt-Reed. They have since changed suppliers and screwdrivers are imported with a different selection.

I do see that the Craftsman ones are available still: in stock at my local Ace Hardware, and I wouldn't be surprised if the inventory was so old it was still a USA made version.

Craftsman 5/16 in. X 1-3/4 in. L Slotted Screwdriver 1 pc - Ace Hardware

5/16-in. x 1-3/4-in. Slotted Acetate Screwdriver has an acetate handle featuring a heat-treated, alloy steel blade for increased durability. A comfort optimized handle is ideal for high and low torque applications. The Blade and shaft are coated with a satin-nickel finish to resist...
www.acehardware.com www.acehardware.com
 
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rlitman

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I would recommend you buy piecemeal from Chapman. They have a unique bit fit that's much more solid than a normal 1/4" hex bit (and they offer set-screw retention handles), and you can put the bit directly into their handles without a shank to get you that stubby bit with full handle feel.

chapmanmfg.com

1/4" Drive Screwdriver Handles | Chapman MFG

Our 1/4" Drive Screwdriver Handles are roughly 3.5" long and 1" diameter. Available with or without a set screw. Set screw is adjustable with our CMS-3 .050 Allen hex insert screwdriver bit and enables you to lock an extension or a bit in the handle. Handles are to be used with Chapman insert...
chapmanmfg.com chapmanmfg.com
And then pick your bits:
chapmanmfg.com

Slotted/Flathead Screwdriver Bits | Chapman MFG

Our slotted screwdriver bits have straight parallel sides (not tapered like most screwdriver bits) for maximum surface contact with the screws. Measurements are width x thickness. Useful for: Firearms, weaponry, sewing machines, furniture, telegraphs, antiques, fishing reels. Made in Durham, CT...
chapmanmfg.com chapmanmfg.com
 
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pfaustus

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Feb 6, 2016
Messages
361
Flathead? Reach into your pile of excess screwdrivers. Grab any longer screwdriver with an appropriately thick blade. Cut it off at the length you want. File flats into it. This will probably require a few test fits to get a blade tight in the screwhead. The result is a short bladed screwdriver with a regular length handle that will likely fit the screws better than what you were using before.
 
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MarcSeattle

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Mar 25, 2010
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Seattle
I use a flathead screwdriver only once on a fastener. If I think I'm ever maybe possibly going to touch that fastener again, I remove it and replace it with something (anything!) better.

The only exception I can think of is for the little screws on electrical outlet and switch plates. I leave those.
 
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nadogail

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Coronado, CA
I had a MAC Screwdriver that was well suited for the valve adjustments on my 216 Chevrolet engine. In addition to a wooden handle it had tips on the blade to keep it from slipping off the adjustment screw while adjusting the vales on a running engine.

I gave it to Patrick O'Neal, a mechanic who did me a great favor in 1961.
 
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Bubba Fett

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www.ebay.com

Stubby Slotted Phillips Screwdriver Set 4 Piece Versatile Tools for Tight Spaces | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Stubby Slotted Phillips Screwdriver Set 4 Piece Versatile Tools for Tight Spaces at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

This might be the closest thing you can get to the one you lost. Made by Pratt-Read. The Armstrong driver above was also made by Pratt-Read/Ideal.

Alternatively, you could get this, and use 2" or 3" power bits. It's made in Tawian, but it is quite good.
 
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Mgdoug3

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I found the four piece set online on Menards. They're Masterforce and made in the USA. I'm 99% sure they're rebranded Pratt-Read so they're exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for all the suggestions and help.

Years ago I bought a single screwdriver from my local hardware store. It worked great to adjust the valves and rpm stop. I stopped by two local places today to see if I could find it again but no such luck. One store still have NOS Pratt-Read nut drivers but no USA screwdrivers. The other place I go to often has a lot more traffic and tools don't stay around long. They have some USA Channell Lock but didn't have what I was looking for.
 
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F-22

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Jan 23, 2022
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Glad you found what you were looking for.

For a short high strength screwdriver, I love my 5.5x75 Vessel Power Grip. All forged including the bolster, with a two piece thru-tang design (I guess mild steel end cap for safety?).

IMG_3845.JPEG
 
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