Need Help..What Is This?

[Gregg33]

I got a lot of tools a few weeks back which included this "thingy". I have no idea what it is. At 1st I thought it was part of something or something broken, but upon closer examination that doesn't appear to be the case. All I know is it was made by MAC, vintage (maybe 30-50 years old) and most likely used for something automotive.

 

[Stuart in MN]

It's callled a screw starter. You can wedge that end into the head of the screw and then thread it into the hole.

 

[Lightfoot]

valve-stem tool?

 

[check251]

Looks like a screw starter. Turn the rear part of the handle until the middle part of the other end lines up. Insert slotted screw and release handle.

 

[check251]

Stuart beat me to it. I type slow.

 

[Gregg33]

valve-stem tool?

Definetly not that, as there is no way the center of the valve that depresses would fit into into the tool. A screw starter might be what it is? Still not getting how it works, but I'll have to look it over more.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Twist the body while holding the collar to load it put your screw on and release the collar. It will hold that pesky screw in place!

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Definitely a screw starter - one of the handiest little gadgets ever made.

One place I use mine all the time is the globe on my kitchen light fixture. Makes it real easy for my fat fingers to put those little screws back in.

 

[Gregg33]

Ok, I think I get it, you line up the center blade part with the outer blade edges, place it in the screw's slot (that sounds dirty lol), then you release it, the spring action (of the center blade trying to rotate) pinches/ holds the screw in place, then you're in business.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

You've got it! The ones you can get off the truck today are 100% identical.

 

[Rickster]

We would use those back in the day when doing a tune-up to hold the ditributor screws in place while changing the points and condensor. You didn't want to drop that screw into the distributor.

 

[Gregg33]

You've got it! The ones you can get off the truck today are 100% identical.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Fedwrench]

We would use those back in the day when doing a tune-up to hold the ditributor screws in place while changing the points and condensor. You didn't want to drop that screw into the distributor.

That's exactly why they aren't seen often although sear still has them on sale in a kit with a pick and small mirror. Unless you're in to classis cars, when's the last time somone messed with points.

 

[eric_koski]

Back when everybody used straight slot screws they worked great!