Seven Level or Promotional Screwdrivers: Explanation and lets see them.

[bigredcornhead]

So as i am sitting here today and scrolling through some random threads as we do. I notice that in most of your tool boxes, as well as mine, we have what i have always referred to as 7 Level Screwdrivers.

Never had i ever thought about what that name meant until today, being a military brat, i picked up on the nomenclature from my father i suppose. So i decided to google where the name actually came from, the 7 Level moniker.

Please see definition and link below, had to chuckle to myself unbeknownst to me the whole time:

seven-level +‎ screwdriver, so called because Air Force "seven-level" personnel (advanced techs/higher ranks) typically carried this kind of screwdriver. It was rumored to be the ONLY tool these advanced techs ever needed, or were allowed to carry. Advanced techs only "do" small trim-pot tweaking. Less-experienced techs handle the heavier tools and tasks.

7 Level Screwdriver Origin

Ill share mine later, but i know you all have them and use the hell out of those things:

 

[ybnormal]

if it's E-7 level and above that makes sense. in the Navy chiefs wear officer uniforms without the scrambled eggs or gold, they don't wear "working clothes"

 

[vavet]

I am the son of an Air Force simulator technician (before I was born), an Army maintenance officer, and an automotive tech, I’ve never heard of that term, but I like it.

 

[kbeefy]

always heard them called pocket screwdrivers, and yes, I have a pile of them.

 

[tez929rr]

I heard it as an enlisted radar tech in the late 70’s.

 

[BarrelRoll]

That's a new name for them for me. We call them tweakers in the mining industry. Mine is bent and the blade is twisted though it gets used for something daily that isn't usually a flat head screw.

 

[tez929rr]

if it's E-7 level and above that makes sense. in the Navy chiefs wear officer uniforms without the scrambled eggs or gold, they don't wear "working clothes"

It wasn’t really tied to rank. You left tech school as a 3 level (most of us as E-2’s) and then immediately started your OJT program to become a 5 level. Getting your OJT record book signed off combined with passing a sort of correspondence course followed by a closed book test completed your 5 level. So I was a 5 level right around when I put on E-3 at about 12 months in service. I think the E-5’s were all 7 levels, at least at the time.

We were at a remote radar site, as was almost every detachment (1 CEVG). I think the E8 we had on site was the only enlisted person (besides a couple of clerk-typists) that ever wore anything but fatigues.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I collect them, among many other things. Probably have 100 different ones lol

 

[51cub]

Mine have different names depending on what I'm doing. Sometimes it's pocket screwdriver, sometimes pry bar, sometimes even test light. Probably 2 or 3 more that don't come to mind right now

 

[Snapped-off]

if it's E-7 level and above that makes sense. in the Navy chiefs wear officer uniforms without the scrambled eggs or gold, they don't wear "working clothes"

Currently the only uniforms that are different between E6 and E7 are the dress uniforms. We all wear regular working uniforms. E7 and officers get gold name tapes and khaki belts with gold buckles. E6 and below get silver and black/silver belts/buckles.

And our current green uniforms, all the nametapes are black. The only difference is the rank tab, and the belts/buckles.

 

[Snapped-off]

On topic the only other name I've heard for them besides a pocket screwdriver is a tweaker.

 

[Sumboodie]

Never heard a pocket screwdriver called that.

When we needed a 7 level, it meant someone that was a 7 level to inspect/sign off before we could continue.
Like when putting together an AIM-9L/M a plug had to be verified plugged in.

For us, 7 level was enough time in and tasks signed off on as well as 2 or 3 weeks at Sheppard AFB and some tests.
E5 and above. Don't think an E4 could? Maaybe if they had a line number.

I was a 2W071 for about 12 years.

 

[ybnormal]

Currently the only uniforms that are different between E6 and E7 are the dress uniforms. We all wear regular working uniforms. E7 and officers get gold name tapes and khaki belts with gold buckles. E6 and below get silver and black/silver belts/buckles.

And our current green uniforms, all the nametapes are black. The only difference is the rank tab, and the belts/buckles.

I know a lot's changed since I was in 31 years ago. all I ever wore were dungarees, working blues, milkman white, and blue and white crackerjacks. still have the rainjacket with inner liner, peacoat, and dungaree jacket. I don't think I've ever worn that peacoat more than 30 days in the 32+ years I've owned it

 

[ecotec]

I have always called them pocket screwdrivers or terminating screwdrivers.

I grab the cream puffs of them when they are cheap. Bonus points if they are extra cool in some way. I look at local businesses, local political, I prefer pre area code if possible, fun art (anything that grabs my eye, spacey (starbursts, rockets…), glittery (1970 anniversary Snap-on), anything that catches my eye.