North Bros Yankee

[jessesandy]

Does the handle end (left arrow) thread into the middle section like the cap (right arrow) does ?
I think it's a model 30.
No spring extender action.
No screw in the end of the handle.
No other fasteners at all so I think it has to unscrew but is just stuck.

Thanks !

 

[DadsTools]

Early models did not have return springs. I remember seeing a tutorial on refurbishing these somewhere online but it's been awhile and so I can't recall where. You may find it if you do a search for it. Someone in here may know too.

 

[Roberts210]

A Yankee was my first cordless screwdriver. They were required on building sites I worked on. But I've never had one apart.

 

[bonneyman]

IIRC, 2 digit spirals are non-spring return. 3 digit models are spring return.

Although, I did take a non-spring model and made it spring return.

 

[RTM]

Some of the patents found here may help a bit. I have previously found assembly videos, but nothing jumping out right now.

https://www.georgesbasement.com/yankeedr/patents/patentlist.htm

 

[DadsTools]

IIRC, 2 digit spirals are non-spring return. 3 digit models are spring return.

Although, I did take a non-spring model and made it spring return.

I've read before that this can be done too with a how-to tutorial. I know there's instructions somewhere online for disassembly.

 

[RTM]

Hey gang
I have a scan of
directions for taking apart & assembling "Yankee spiral screwdrivers"

With hand drawn images.

If you'd like a copy, PM me your email address, and I'll get it out to you. I don't recall where I got it from, and can't find it online, so I don't want to just randomly post it.

 

[jessesandy]

Not threaded but an incredibly tight press fit.
That's the tool I used to hold the center part. A strip of sheet metal, folded over a dowel pin. Pin goes in the slot then wrap the sheet metal around 4-5 times to keep the pin in the slot.
Ground down the jaws of a pipe wrench to keep the damage hidden under the ferrule for the wood handle.


Used some heat to help pop out the stopper.


Here's another link to a site with patents.
(Warning: reading patents may cause headache. )
http://datamp.org/patents/search/xrefCompany.php?source=xrefCompany369&start=0&id=369

Hopefully, heating the middle part will help to press it together.
But first, find a spring.
Thanks !

 

[bonneyman]

My converted one was a non-spring return example I got at a yard sale. I (mistakenly) told the seller it was missing the spring, so he asked if I'd take it for $1. I said sure, and came home and popped in a spring I had - and it worked! It was only then I found out about the numbering system. But it has worked since then, so, IDK.

 

[jessesandy]

Well, I've gone this far ....

The wood handle also a very tight press fit. There is an ~1" piece of tube stuffed into the handle that mates to the half-notch cut in the end of the tube.
Spikes on the inserted tube lock it into the wood.


To get the "gears" off the spiral bar, a smooth cap is threaded on the end has to be removed.
At the other end, pull back the collar that releases the bits and there are two flats on the shaft that will accept a very skinny 3/8" open end.


I'm not going to mess with the chuck.