K. O. Lee 1/2 drill with no reverse?

[CraigD]

I purchased this along with an old Black & Decker at the pawn shop this week. The tag says K. O. Lee KnockOut. Tag also says AC or DC 15 volts? Believe it or not there is no reverse, only foreward. I found info on the keyless chuck that's says it was produced in the 1940's and 50's. Does anyone know if this was a special purpose drill to be used with a line of grinding or milling machines that they produced? I just can't for the life of me understand why a drill would have no ability to reverse.

 

[metaleltr]

Older drills were never designed to go in reverse, its not special its standard

 

[CraigD]

Thanks Metalelter. Until now the Oldest drill I've had was probably from the 80's. looking forward to using this all metal monster.

PS: if you find me on the floor with my arms twisted into the shape of a pretzel please unplug the drill.

 

[uart]

I just can't for the life of me understand why a drill would have no ability to reverse.

As metaleltr said, not special its standard for older corded drills.

These were drills were drills, not drill/drivers. Reverse gear is only needed if the drill is also a driver. Being a driver generally means having either variable speed and/or a torque control clutch, which obviously old drills like this don't have.