Old Whatzit

[Provincial]

I found this tool in a group of 1920's-era tools. It was not directly related to the wrenches in the set. The only other non-wrench tools in the box were a couple of old files.

The tool has been abused, and probably modified. The chisel point on the end seems to be much more recent work.

The handle has two opposite flats and a copper ferrule. The overall length is about 24-1/2 inches. The blade is 3/16" thick, extends 14-1/2 from the ferrule. It is 1-5/16" wide at the widest point, tapering to 1/2" wide at the point.

I see no markings on the blade, and no evidence of grinding other than the sharpened tip.

 

[Man of Many Vices]

It's a screwdriver.

 

[Farmer J.]

It looks like an old 'Turnscrew'. The flats on the handle are a useful safety design feature, they stop it from rolling off the bench and stabbing you in the foot. Unlike a modern snap on ratcheting screwdriver..!

 

[Davefr]

I'm guessing a screwdriver made in a shop class. I have it's brother.

 

[RTM]

It looks like an old 'Turnscrew'.

Yup. The chisel tip was rumored to be there because screw slots were hand filed back in the day.


I have a few with more ornate curves, but not as crazy as Dave’s. That’s a beaut.

 

[Old Radar]

The overall length is about 24-1/2 inches. The blade is 3/16" thick, extends 14-1/2 from the ferrule. It is 1-5/16" wide at the widest point, tapering to 1/2" wide at the point.

Not to pick that nit, Provincial, but you either need a new ruler or a new pair of goggles!

 

[4xdog]

I'm guessing a screwdriver made in a shop class. I have it's brother...

There were a lot of production screwdrivers similar to that in the original post, too. Some of the vintage British car toolkits had drivers almost exactly like it.

 

[Provincial]

Old Radar, I glanced at the wrong side of the ruler!

 

[four.cycle]

"turnscrew" aka "screwdriver"

early ad for something similar:

 

[Provincial]

Thanks, four.cycle!

 

[woody 73]

"turnscrew" aka "screwdriver"

early ad for something similar:

I would kill for those screwdrivers...