Identify this tool

[Cameronl]

I picked this Craftsman tool up at a local flea market. I have no idea what it is. There is no part number on it.

One end has a magnet (so I intend to use it as a pickup tool), but I have no idea what the other end is for. The center section retracts, and when extended, it's not in line with the side sections. Some kind of driver for a security screw?
View media item 87212View media item 87213View media item 87214

 

[markhm]

Screwholder

 

[454ragtop]

Screw starter, twist the barrel so the little tang is straight, insert in slotted screw and release the barrel to hold the screw.

 

[Cameronl]

Aha! Thank you, Markhm! So the center section twists in the screw slot, holding tight so you can start one-handed. This can be useful indeed.

 

[Cameronl]

Screw starter, twist the barrel so the little tang is straight, insert in slotted screw and release the barrel to hold the screw.

Hehe... "Tang"

View media item 87215

 

[freudianfloyd]

What are the chances? I just got one of those in a bundle of hand tools the other day and had to look it up to see what it was also. I have several of the type that have two screwdriver blades, but have never seen one like that until I got one.

 

[ttpete]

Those can be used for both removing and installing screws without dropping them. I used them years ago on a daily basis for changing breaker points and condensers.

 

[quattroman]

Bike shop I used to work in used one for fitting ******* to spokes in deep wheel rims.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I have two. One for slotted and one for Phillips. I used my Dad's for years and they were one of the first "specialty" tools I ever got for myself.

Tommy

 

[mbshop]

Fun to see the younger guys wondering what a tool is that was common back in the day. I had several. No need for them much anymore with everything magnetic.

 

[KnurledNut]

You will also need the stubby version. ;-)

 

[Capt. Spaulding]

What are the chances? I just got one of those in a bundle of hand tools the other day and had to look it up to see what it was also. I have several of the type that have two screwdriver blades, but have never seen one like that until I got one.

To make things even stranger I picked up one of these last week at a garage sale in a box with a bunch of other stuff and was wondering what the hell it was also.

 

[WittHay]

Fun to see the younger guys wondering what a tool is that was common back in the day. I had several. No need for them much anymore with everything magnetic.

No kidding, makes you feel older when you know exactly what a screw starter is. Snap-on still has Blue-Point screw starters. I have the SSM5A, used for changing the points on old Ford industrial engines

 

[James-W]

I have one of those and have used it quite a bit in the past, not so much anymore. Now I just use a magnetic screwdriver.

 

[captain14]

That is one of the five tools still included in the Craftsman bundle of small mechanic tools. Included is two screw starter, small extendable inspection mirror, small expandable magnetic pickup tool and one scribes/picks. Used to include a vinyl pouch but now their in a blister . All 5 are magnitized. I thought is was a gimmick set until I used it to retrieve a couple of fasteners while working on the vehicle. Now it’s a must have along with the claw pickup tool.



https://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-tool-kit/p-00904717000P

 

[Fedwrench]

A long time ago, when cars lacked most of the electronically controlled components found on today's models, there were screws, lots of tiny screws holding important parts such as points in a distributor.
Since you were dealing with tiny screws in a confined area where your fingers wouldn't fit, a screw starter was a lifesaver.
I still have a few but, I can't Remember the last time I used one.

 

[Bagherra]

Those used to be included in the Army aviation general mechanic toolbox...never ever used it...

 

[Cameronl]

Fun to see the younger guys wondering ...

HA HA HA HA HA....!!!!

I'm 56.
But a neophyte shade tree mechanic. I definitely appreciate all the schooling I get from the pros here on GJ.

 

[swampdog1950]

Also handy for brass and similar slotted screws where magnetic screwdriver won`t work

 

[RWorth]

A long time ago, when cars lacked most of the electronically controlled components found on today's models, there were screws, lots of tiny screws holding important parts such as points in a distributor.
Since you were dealing with tiny screws in a confined area where your fingers wouldn't fit, a screw starter was a lifesaver.
I still have a few but, I can't Remember the last time I used one.

that's 'cause you're driving the wrong car, I still use mine on my '66 F-100