It's interesting that that handle looks exactly like the one on this Old forge screwdriver. I'm sure the picture isn't the best showing where it said that I can see it very clear with the right lighting
Screw starters...
- Thread starter jagwinn
- Start date
d42jeep
Well-known member
Here is a recent Craftsman find. I tend to pick up screw starting screwdrivers that I would leave behind if they were simply normal screwdrivers. 
After some de-rusting.
-Don
After some de-rusting.
-Don
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
That Old Forge handle looks like it has at least six and maybe more no-roll flats on it, and they are only on the main grip, not near the ferrule, where it's rounded, whereas Fred's has a pentagonal shape throughout the entire handle, from the ferrule to the end.
I just need to stop trying to solve or mysteries that I need to ha I just bought this though. It is pretty cool
Attachments
This one is Haines mfg
Attachments
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Photo is fuzzy, but that looks like a dead ringer for the Cox HOLDFAST design. Square shank, square spring-fed housing holding two grabbers.
What's odd about that is a quick Google Books search shows that Haines Mfg was making a screwstarter they called a KWIK-WAY in 1925.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Haines was a precursor to Upson Brothers.
Rudolf Velepec and the Upson brothers worked for Haines. I've been missing/misattributing that. They all split and started Upson Brothers and all subsequent improvements and the famous HOLD-E-ZEE production was Upson Brothers after that.
Rudolf Velepec and the Upson brothers worked for Haines. I've been missing/misattributing that. They all split and started Upson Brothers and all subsequent improvements and the famous HOLD-E-ZEE production was Upson Brothers after that.
Last edited:
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
4.c was on it, but not mentioned on this thread prior...
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I don't recall seeing that one before.
The bulk of the entire thing and the mechanism kinda sorta reminds me of a switch on a reversible screwdriver or drill, but I'm assuming you just slide it back and forth to engage and disengage the screw head with those ostensible grabbers. But what is that other slot behind the lower slot for?
As for markings, that first character doesn't look like an "S" (unless it's a stylized font and the top of the letter is worn), but with the rest of the word reading "AFETY", it sure looks it should be an "S".
Is that a word above "SAFETY"? Or am I just seeing things?
There definitely could be a word above it, but I have a horrible tendency of "seeing things" myself, so it's hard to say. The black part feels like some sort of plastic so if there is it's likely worn beyond my capabilities to make anything out.
There's 2 screw holes. The one closest to the tip holds a sleeve in place. With some work I was able to slide it all the way off.
And then the one closer to the handle holds the grabbers.
So basically The sleeve can go as far up as you want and the secondary sleeve that holds the grabber things seems to want to stop right about here
Attachments
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I'm still not fully understanding its operation, but multiple sleeves and moving that set screw from one position to another to secure its functional grabbing position sounds overly complicated. EDIT: Which is exactly what makes some vintage tools appealing! 
Last edited:
The biggest problem with that is that I truly don't know if it's because of The quality of my description or if it really is just overly complicated. I pretty much decided not to fool with anymore. I'll let the next guy figure it out.
four.cycle
Well-known member
d42jeep
Well-known member
Here is a black handle Phillips screw holding screwdriver I found yesterday, unmarked except for the Upson Bros screw holder mechanism, which can partially fit into a recess in the handle. 
-Don
-Don
RTM
Well-known member
Here is another new one to me, but seems very similar in action to one I've posted earlier, and other versions here seem like the same mechanism, but different external appearance.
Tjhis one the shaft becomes a hex at the top, and as you push forward, there is a twist inside the handle, which rotates the grip in the tip (point) of the screwdriver. Might actually be a Grip Point, but I'm getting tired now.
You can see the handle here, with the diagonal cut inside which allows the rotation of the grip point. The shaft starts round, way offscreen left, and transitions to hex right near my fingertip. Took me a minute to realize what I had here, originally thought a long screwdriver, then looked closer at the tip. (Thanks to great afternoon sun for giving me a nice see thru view of the handle.)
This image shows how long it is, with the hex portion near the other screwdriver tip.
Tjhis one the shaft becomes a hex at the top, and as you push forward, there is a twist inside the handle, which rotates the grip in the tip (point) of the screwdriver. Might actually be a Grip Point, but I'm getting tired now.
You can see the handle here, with the diagonal cut inside which allows the rotation of the grip point. The shaft starts round, way offscreen left, and transitions to hex right near my fingertip. Took me a minute to realize what I had here, originally thought a long screwdriver, then looked closer at the tip. (Thanks to great afternoon sun for giving me a nice see thru view of the handle.)
This image shows how long it is, with the hex portion near the other screwdriver tip.
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I think that's a Hunter screw starter. I like that gripping mechanism. I shared a similar one here.
www.garagejournal.com
Here's the patent.
Screw starters...
I didn’t know whether to post this Blue Point screw starter I found yesterday here or in one of the Snap-on/Blue point threads. -Don
www.garagejournal.com
Here's the patent.
d42jeep
Well-known member
Here is another Upson Bros long thin screwdriver found at an estate sale on Friday. It’s a little less rusty now.Here is a black handle Phillips screw holding screwdriver I found yesterday, unmarked except for the Upson Bros screw holder mechanism, which can partially fit into a recess in the handle.
-Don
-Don
I just found this when looking at screw starter threads, I am curious what the board part number is, I have one that has mostly the same tools, but in different positions,this is the only one that I have found a picture of.I found another little Hunter screw starter yesterday. This M3 may have been the smallest one they made. It's marked Los Angeles, as opposed to Santa Fe.
Here's the patent from 1943
and a little write up on the Progress is Fine site
Vanished tool makers: Hunter Tools, Los Angeles, California
progress-is-fine.blogspot.com
I recently shared this tool board find in the Bonney thread. I don't have any of their screw starters that fit the board, but decided to hang up my off-brand collection.
Attachments
Mintgrun
Well-known member
The number in the lower right corner of that board is 1024. Here's where I shared it (along with a hammer board) in the Bonney thread. Maybe you could share photos of yours there as well.
www.garagejournal.com
Spreading the Bonney affliction!
Got this little set recently. All the same date codes 1933. Cool little pouch.
www.garagejournal.com
RTM
Well-known member
Here are a couple of more screw starters picked up since the holidays. One is the Hunter patent, as noted above, in a shape similar to mintgrun's link . And the best part of it, it is a Hunter, same mechanism that I posted above.
The other is an Upson type, as posted by Don above. A basic holder, but in nice condition.
The other is an Upson type, as posted by Don above. A basic holder, but in nice condition.
Last edited:
The man, the myth, the legend.
Found a Pearson version in good shape. It’s marked: “Pearson Tools Salt Lake Pat. 2150184 Made In U.S.A."
George applied for his patent in 1939 and in 1960 and newspaper would write a screwy article about him and his tool.
Found a Pearson version in good shape. It’s marked: “Pearson Tools Salt Lake Pat. 2150184 Made In U.S.A."
George applied for his patent in 1939 and in 1960 and newspaper would write a screwy article about him and his tool.
Wow. That nut holder is pretty Kewl! I’ve never seen one b4.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Got this one in an old chest today:
Just another Ullman starter, I thought--until I got home and realized it was the long-sought-after Phillips!
Unfortunately, it's nearly useless. My usual trick of some pipe dope on the tip of the driver holds much better.
But I now have one!
Just another Ullman starter, I thought--until I got home and realized it was the long-sought-after Phillips!
Unfortunately, it's nearly useless. My usual trick of some pipe dope on the tip of the driver holds much better.
But I now have one!
Is it useless because of the design, or because there is a mechanical problem with it?Got this one in an old chest today:
Just another Ullman starter, I thought--until I got home and realized it was the long-sought-after Phillips!
Unfortunately, it's nearly useless. My usual trick of some pipe dope on the tip of the driver holds much better.
But I now have one!
Beerhippie
Well-known member
It appears to be the design. It won't even begin to hold anything smaller than M6/1/4-20, and then just barely. It will not work at all on any kind of "multi-driver" screw, nor Posidrive.
I really need a Phillips started that works on M4 screws. When rebuilding a Rinnai, there are tons of those and some are 8" deep in a narrow space in the case. Fortunately, I have the pipe-dope trick to fall back on.
Found a little flat head (Pearson type) with a magnet on the other end.
It is 2-5/8” long and marked "Ullman Devices Ridgefield, Conn. Made In U.S.A. D-1".
Ullman still makes the D-2 and D-3 but the D-1 is no longer listed on their website.
It is 2-5/8” long and marked "Ullman Devices Ridgefield, Conn. Made In U.S.A. D-1".
Ullman still makes the D-2 and D-3 but the D-1 is no longer listed on their website.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I mostly use the Ullman starters for screws that I can't reach--I can see why the little fella' might not be a big seller.Found a little flat head (Pearson type) with a magnet on the other end.
It is 2-5/8” long and marked "Ullman Devices Ridgefield, Conn. Made In U.S.A. D-1".
Ullman still makes the D-2 and D-3 but the D-1 is no longer listed on their website.
But it is cute as a bug's ****!
Didn't see any Amalite screwdrivers in here.
Found this one last week, and, as a bonus, it was a Phillips.
It is 10.75-inches long. The only markings are “Amalite U.S.A.”.
The holding portion looks exactly like an Upson Brothers holder (patent 1791771).
Was unable to find this in catalogs or advertisements.
Found this one last week, and, as a bonus, it was a Phillips.
It is 10.75-inches long. The only markings are “Amalite U.S.A.”.
The holding portion looks exactly like an Upson Brothers holder (patent 1791771).
Was unable to find this in catalogs or advertisements.
john.k
Well-known member
I just replacd four tiny screws in a camera .......sure could have used on of these
You're right. It looks like a little inter-company fraternizing occurred when the Wera screwdriver jumped over the fence and got into Quick-Wedge backyard.
59Sled
Well-known member
Quick wedge.
Seems like an earlier version 1965 to early 80’e since it still running b the US patent number on the inside lip. But it does have the registered trademark R. Which puts it on the newer side of that date range. I think.
Seems like an earlier version 1965 to early 80’e since it still running b the US patent number on the inside lip. But it does have the registered trademark R. Which puts it on the newer side of that date range. I think.
I didn’t know whether to post this Blue Point screw starter I found yesterday here or in one of the Snap-on/Blue point threads.
-Don
Here is a Snap-On marked version. SSM-5
Mintgrun
Well-known member
Nice pocket clip on that one. I think we need a "show your pocket clips" thread.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Both are Ullman made.Here is a Snap-On marked version. SSM-5
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Picked up another QUICK-WEDGE this morning at the flea market. Typical marking ("PAT. U.S. 3224479 & OTHER COUNTRIES") around the top of the pusher, with the branding on the handle, no model number, 9" OAL, which makes for a very long wedgie tube.
Attachments
Here is one we don't have yet. A Stanley extendable screw starter, called, appropriately enough, Screwstart. Circa 1970's.
Markings are: 65-159 Stanley U.S.A. Pat. Pend
Length collapsed: 11.3 inches
Length fully extended: 18 inches.
Stanley made four versions of their Screwstart: standard and Phillips 6-inch pocket models that did not extend, and standard and Phillips extendable models. All models had the bayonet pin operated screw holder and a magnet on the opposite end. The hex shank and extendable portions are plastic.
The "Pat Pend" refers to design patent USD235613, patented July 1, 1975. That patent said: “Original design application Feb. 14, 1972, Ser. No. 226,381, now Patent No. 233,132, dated Oct. 8, 1974. Divided and this application July 9, 1973, Ser. No. 377,803”
Markings are: 65-159 Stanley U.S.A. Pat. Pend
Length collapsed: 11.3 inches
Length fully extended: 18 inches.
Stanley made four versions of their Screwstart: standard and Phillips 6-inch pocket models that did not extend, and standard and Phillips extendable models. All models had the bayonet pin operated screw holder and a magnet on the opposite end. The hex shank and extendable portions are plastic.
The "Pat Pend" refers to design patent USD235613, patented July 1, 1975. That patent said: “Original design application Feb. 14, 1972, Ser. No. 226,381, now Patent No. 233,132, dated Oct. 8, 1974. Divided and this application July 9, 1973, Ser. No. 377,803”
Attachments
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
As has been noted before, looks and works exactly like a Quick-Wedge, originally made by the Kedman Company, which owned the patent (3,224,479/1965), in Salt Lake City, but I don't think we ever figured out how they show up branded for Klein, Vaco, and others, whether contracted or licensed.