Know anything about this Craftsman screwdriver?

[CoyoteKyle]

It ratchets, it's automatic, reverses, it has quick release and all the bits are included... I tried to screw in a light bulb with it and it doesn't work.

No part #. Says West Germany, so I'm thinking post WWII. Tell me more!

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[beamrider]

Google "Yankee screwdriver"

 

[CoyoteKyle]

Just did... these are horrible!

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[PRH44]

It was the equivalent to a battery drill in its day for the electrical trade

 

[sonvolt]

Google "Yankee screwdriver"

That's it Sears Hardware by me still carries it, I almost bought one for 2 seconds

 

[CoyoteKyle]

Does made in West Germany mean anything to a vintage collector? This is from my wifes great grandpa who was from there.

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[jim1987]

That's it Sears Hardware by me still carries it, I almost bought one for 2 seconds

No, they just re-release it. Its the Mach series I believe.

 

[sonvolt]

No, they just re-release it. Its the Mach series I believe.

It is the Schroder Yankee Screwdriver made in Germany that they still carry at Sears Hardware.

 

[G_P]

They were a good tool before the cordless drill came around. If you had a ton of screws to put in it sure beat a normal screwdriver. Especially for machine screws like you would find when installing outlets/switches/etc.

There are also drill versions.

 

[lbgradwell]

I actually like them, though it takes a bit of practice to get them to work efficiently.

They were popular with cabinet installers too.

The OP's driver was model 9 M 3101 and was offered in the 1960s along with a smaller version.

 

[phil du jour]

You can get really nice Yankee screwdriver sets from Garret Wade as well as drill braces (hand drills) and Yankee drills.


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[coleman10]

I actually like them, though it takes a bit of practice to get them to work efficiently.

They were popular with cabinet installers too.

The OP's driver was model 9 M 3101 and was offered in the 1960s along with a smaller version.

Good info in this thread. I have one of these, too, and have been trying to figure out the age - and now I know. Unfortunately, I have only one bit for it. As a little kid, I was always intrigued by it.

Thanks, guys.

 

[lbgradwell]

Unfortunately, I have only one bit for it.

Well, you can still buy them from Lee Valley (or, as Phil says above, maybe Garrett Wade).

Just be aware there were three shanks sizes, so make sure you order the correct one!

Alternatively, order the more practical Hex Adapter for Yankee® Screwdrivers and just use common 1/4" hex bits...

 

[Herod]

There are also drill versions.

^^ Good for drilling pilot holes in wood ^^

 

[coleman10]

Cool stuff. What's the best lube for this? Mine is very stiff.

 

[dirtydogintex]

one of the coolest things is they have no batteries to screw up!!

I've seen more cabinet/trim folk use them than electricians

 

[t4runner]

Heres my cordless screw driver drill section.

 

[CoyoteKyle]

Heres my cordless screw driver drill section.

Those just for display or do you use? My collection looks similar! What did you hang those with off the closet rod?

 

[t4runner]

Those just for display or do you use? My collection looks similar! What did you hang those with off the closet rod?

I very rarely use them, but I cant pass them up if the price is right. I used some aluminum rod and bent it so they can be removed and put back easily.

 

[coleman10]

Those are awesome! Reminds me of old time, hand mixers. Which is the oldest one of the bunch?

 

[bob15]

Just did... these are horrible!

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What is horrible about them??

 

[WWIIjeep]

Does made in West Germany mean anything to a vintage collector?

It means the item was made sometime between 1949 and 1990.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Plus they make outlet covers pretty easy to install

 

[hoyt]

Back when my dad was in the Navy (in charge of the Maintenance Dept at NAS Willow Grove, PA the time, IIRC) the Government purchased a bunch of these for aircraft repair.

After the mechanics punched a few holes in a few airplanes, they were all gathered up and thrown away. He kept one as a souvenier and I still have it, but he instructed me to "NEVER USE IT".

 

[mauris69]

Heres my cordless screw driver drill section.

nice!

 

[mauris69]

Those just for display or do you use? My collection looks similar! What did you hang those with off the closet rod?

Let's see some pictures!

 

[sometoyotaguy]

They get gummed up and then not work correctly. Soak it in some K1 or Kroil to loosen it up, and you'll find they work pretty well. I think I used sewing machine oil on mine since it doesn't gum up and harden like most lubricants. While I haven't bought the 1/4" adapter, it's on the list of items to buy.

 

[bcschief]

It ratchets, it's automatic, reverses, it has quick release and all the bits are included... I tried to screw in a light bulb with it and it doesn't work.

No part #. Says West Germany, so I'm thinking post WWII. Tell me more!

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Watch the movie The Blues Brothers Elwood removes the elevator control panel with one.

Brian

 

[MFolks]

Used a lot in the USAF, to open or close aircraft access panels, in the 1960's and 70's.

 

[bonneyman]

I got one once....and others have followed me home.

I find they work best on wood.

 

[nmantas]

Famously used in the Blues Brothers elevator scene:

 

[darkzero]

No, they just re-release it. Its the Mach series I believe.

The first time I saw the commercial on TV for the ratchet I thought about these yankee screwdrivers, then the hand operated drills, & the hand operated drill press.

 

[espyking83]

Back when my dad was in the Navy (in charge of the Maintenance Dept at NAS Willow Grove, PA the time, IIRC) the Government purchased a bunch of these for aircraft repair.

After the mechanics punched a few holes in a few airplanes, they were all gathered up and thrown away. He kept one as a souvenier and I still have it, but he instructed me to "NEVER USE IT".

Hahaha. I bet the Chiefs completely lost their ****.