How useful are screw starters?

[bonneyman]

I've picked up 4 screw starters recently - one phillips and 3 standard. Craftsman, GENERAL, Ullman Devices corp, and a no-name.
I've never used screw starters in the past (because I've never had them), but got them as part of some tool lots, and figured maybe I could find a use for them. How often do you guys use them?
Just wondering if I should throw them in the work truck or leave 'em in the shop at home.

 

[alex71]

they're a seldom used tool, but when you need one, it will save you a lot of swearing.

 

[mrholeshot]

If you do much carb work quite often

 

[bonneyman]

If you do much carb work quite often

Carb? What's a "carb"? Isn't that something like a vinyl record album?

 

[mrshaun]

I have had guys try and run me off the highway to get a screw starter. when you need one you will be oh so happy that you bought one. a double ended flat/phillips is a good one to start with.

 

[crewchief888]

i have 1
straight slotetd shorty
bought it 25 years ago for point/condenser screws on a ford industrial gas engine.

probably the only thing it's ever been used for

saves making up new nawty words when ya drop them friggin screws down inside the distributor

 

[bonneyman]

... saves making up new nawty words when ya drop them friggin screws down inside the distributor

Since I work on the roof alot, language isn't too bad of a problem. It's when you start kicking the A/C unit and denting the ductwork that PR comes into play!

 

[airbuff101]

As useful as points & condensors nowadays
They were once just as common too.

points & whaa?



Rob

 

[crewchief888]

we still have a few gasoline engines running around, back in the (old) days, a lot of people wouldnt pay an extra $1000 for a (japanese) diesel.

most of the gas engines exploded a long time ago, most of the diesels are still running.
we just had one of those old fords come in last week, 6000 hrs on the clock, and tossed a rod out the side of the block on the way off the trailer.

 

[peterbilr98]

i woulnt get rid of them i have 2 of them i use them 2 or 3 times a year great to have even if i never used one i would still have one beeing the tool collector i am

 

[neverenoughtools]

Carb? What's a "carb"? Isn't that something like a vinyl record album?

More likely related to an 8 track player !

 

[lilredex]

Just get a ROBERTSON and you'll never need one. Have some new ones (screw starters) .......don't think I ever used them.

 

[Stephenw]

In a pinch...

http://shopngarage.com/2010/12/starting-a-screw/

 

[383 240z]

Like said before, for carb and dizzy work, they are a must, other than that just toss themin your box when you need them you will know where they are. Keith

 

[Matt M PA]

I used mine sometimes...they are very helpful if removing or installing the hood vents on the Vipers as the screws will fall inside the hood.

Off topic I realize, but when at Lowe's today for a better crimping tool than the one I've been using, I bought a "crank" action phillips screwdriver. I often use a small Milwaukee driver for these...but I just thought it was too cool to leave behind.

 

[unclethumbtack]

I have one but I keep a tub of vaseline that I dip my screwdrivers in when I need to hold a screw. It holds the screws to the end of the screwdriver.

 

[canuckian]

never used a screw starter......I've just always either used a dab of vaseline/ bearing grease or a magnetic screwdriver.

 

[ServiceWithIntegrity]

I agree with aifbuff101, screw starters were commonly used for adjusting points on old style distributors.

 

[slip knot]

I have a couple that are used fairly regular. Usual distributor and carb work but a lot lately has been instrumentation work. These things are great for mounting items up onto back boards.

 

[tradesmanschoice]

I've got some of those, bought them about 3 years ago and they are still new in their packets!

I normally use a magnetised screwdriver or a pair of long nose pliers... probably the wrong tools for the job, but the screw starter just doesn't appeal.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

I've picked up 4 screw starters recently - one phillips and 3 standard. Craftsman, GENERAL, Ullman Devices corp, and a no-name.

They are handier than a third thumb. Decent ones have a magnet on one end. They also make them for holding small hex nuts. They grip from the inside. I've got a couple of older sloted screw starters that have insulated shafts made of nylon.

Most all of them have looked alike for the last forty years. I suspect that Ullman makes them for just about every other tool company.

Keep one in your "go" box along with a claw tool, a magnet on a stick, and a mirror on a stick. They don't weigh much and take up very little room. And, when you need one, you really do need one.

WoD

 

[srmofo]

Ive always used tape, but I dont do much carb work.

On a side note, when a bolt or nut keeps falling out of the socket. Just put a piece of paper on your socket and push the fastener into the socket. Then rip away the extra paper. Holds it nice and tight, and allows you to install the fastener at any angle