Show Your Offset Screwdrivers, Right Angle, Plain and Ratcheting

[RTM]

I’ve been poking about trying to see if there was a thread for Offset or Right Angle screwdrivers, and nothing came up, so thought I’d start one. I’m skipping the modern Lisle and Anex and other things I have, just cuz this is the vintage forum. I have 10 or more of them, and only use one 1-2x per year, but lifesavers when I need one.

I posted my most recent find a set of Indestro 4771a, 4771, 4772, 4773, and 4774 in the Indestro Duro Thread, copying it here with more info for completeness. It's a set of Indestro Right Angle offset screwdrivers, in varying sizes. Seen in the 1963 - 70 catalogs at ITCL, they were offered loose and as a set of 5 with a KlipTite bracket, as seen below (4770-5k) I didn't get the bracket, but may try to fab something, as it looks quite handy for organization. My set has a 4771A, 4771-4774. Each one is marked 477x INDESTRO SUPER U.S.A. The sharp among you will notice that the smaller two are marked backward to the larger 3. Per the catalog 4771A is 9/64", 4771 is 13/64", 4772 is 19/64", 4773 (sic 31, both catalogs have the same typo) is 23/64", 4774 is 7/16". Wasn’t sure if it was worse to have the stamp upside down, or the screwdrivers not line up. I was disappointed to see them in the Tools you always had but never used thread over on the other side.





Next up, I recently saw a post about Craftsman screwdrivers, and realized that 4 of 5 were probably made by Millers Falls, and that’s when I brought ‘em all together for one night. (with apologies to P.S.) The Millers Falls were first introduced in 1938, and lasted at least until the 1974 catalog, I don’t see them in the 1981 catalog. One head at 0°, another at 90°, then one at 45° and 135°. Including a #233 offset punch / nailset just because it’s in the same box, I need to move it with the nailsets.
First pic, everyone is fine, next pic, the biggest on the bottom has one blade 90° out. (Sorry flipped them on the wrong axis for the second pic)





Flip them on their side, and the class clown has his stamp is inverted compared to the others. Not much different in the fonts on this face, but the shape of the raised body in the center has changed. Bottom and second from top are a bit squarer, red has a bit of tapered points, and less crisp arrises. The top one is just plain bigger, and less radiused going out to the ends.

 

[RTM]

Next up are some more disparate ones, but both flat heads, both 0° and 90° to the body. Top is a Snap-on 040, (need to research era made more when collectingsnapon is back up to full speed), rectangular shaft, 3/8” blades, very stubby, I think I see a reverse 5 on the right of USA, very faint, so 1975, not quite older than me. Next up is a Herbrand Van-Chrome No 354, the beefiest of the bunch, octagonal shaft, both sides ½” wide, found in 1937 & ‘40 catalogs. In 1954 they were listed at 45°. The following is only marked Made in USA, round shaft, a fat 3/8” wide, the 90° blade has been cut down. Next is simply marked Germany, round shaft, knurled, ¼” faces both sides. Finally a Stanley #668, hexagonal shaft, 3/16” faces both sides.







Next group is the Philips or combination section. First up is a small Phillips, marked LIC.2 – ALLOY (So Irwin Apex) Pat 2046840 / Made in USA, both #1 Phillips, rotated ~30° to each other, Craftsman 941316 #1 and #2 Phillips, Craftsman 941315, #2 Phillips & 1/4" Flathead, 2x unnamed, with #2 Phillips and 3/16 and then #2 Phillips and 1/4" tips.

 

[RTM]

Next let’s look at older ratcheting units. First of a trio of Flat heads, one General and 2 Yankee. The General looks to have had its smaller tip ground off, and only has a ¼” flat blade. This is marked General Hardware MFG Co, INC / New York – U.S.A. Made in USA is stamped near the blade. Back side says GENERAL No. 807. Both rivets are domed on both sides. The gear teeth are exposed on the sides, and there appears to be a bit of damage on this side. The top Yankee is a bit newer, saying Stanley in a notched rectangle on the back side). The other is stamped NORTH BROS MFG CO. / DIV. OF STANLEY TOOLS / PHILA. PA. MADE IN U.S.A., rumored to have lived on into the 1950s, but post 1946 when Stanley bought them. Both have the Patent 2058855 stamped near the blade on the smaller side (1/8”) drive (ratchet reverse lever side), and the model number on the opposite side No. 3400. The older one’s Yankee has a squarer font, wider and filled with red paint, while the newer is taller and thinner.








And finally the Phillips ratcheting. These are model 3423 on top (#2 & #3), and 3412 on the bottom (#1 & #2). The marking are the same as the two flat heads above, except for the model numbers

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Good thread, RTM. I can't think of a better way to start off this thread than with that absolutely stellar Indestro 477x set! I know the inconsistent stamping on the wee ones bothers you, but dude, it's complete, it's unusual. it's rare, and it's freaking awesome.

My contributions will be paltry, but I have to start off with the an esoteric bit of offset screwdriver nitnoidness from GMTK land that all GMTKers are very familiar with.

The "41-S-1400, SCREWDRIVER, machinists', offset Type VI, dble. end, width of blade 3/8 in., length over-all 8-1/2 in." is actually one of the most difficult tools to find in the correct, specified configuration, in the correct, specified dimensions and shape.

Collectors lean on the tolerance table in the 1939 Federal Standard Stock Catalog for a little mercy, and lean even more heavily on the word "maximum" pertaining to the OAL in the spec table for even more mercy (even though the tool pictured in the GMTK manuals is clearly 8-1/2" long), but there's no getting around the 3/8-inch thick octagonal steel stock requirement, or the configuration of the blades in opposite orientation to each other and the shank. Inevitably, you will find one that has the right blades, but it's square or hexagonal. Or you will find one that is octagonal, but the blades are on the same side. Or too long, Etc. Don (d42jeep), UNIAU, and others have had better luck than me. I find plenty in the wild, but never exactly correct. I have put a Snap-on 060 in all my kits. It is not perfect, but it's close enough!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

These humdrum examples are either unmarked or unremarkable.

That big 'STANDARD TOOLS' honker at the top is octagonal stock, but 11" x 5/8". (See what I mean?!)

The next one down is a 'HANCOCK,' 3/8", but hexagonal and too short.

The next one down is square and marked only 'AUSTRIA.'

The second from the bottom is hexagonal, but only 1/4" and 6" OAL. Unmarked.

You'll probably recognize the Stanley No. 669 at the bottom, which is the only one I don't look at like a GMTK reject!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Next let’s look at older ratcheting units.

Since you're opening the doors to these, I'll offer my loose B.M.C. (one and the same as the precision locking plier-wrench makers) offset ratcheting screwdrivers. (OTG and LesserSon have boxed sets!) As discussed elsewhere a crude but ingenious turn-lift-backswing-drop principle similar to wrench-handles on swivel base vises.



And maybe open the door a little wider to offset ratcheting drivers that take interchangeable bits...

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Lastly, bending your topic in half, is my H.D. Smith adjustable 3-way machinists' screwdriver, in offset mode.

 

[d42jeep]

Good thread, RTM. I can't think of a better way to start off this thread than with that absolutely stellar Indestro 477x set! I know the inconsistent stamping on the wee ones bothers you, but dude, it's complete, it's unusual. it's rare, and it's freaking awesome.

My contributions will be paltry, but I have to start off with the an esoteric bit of offset screwdriver nitnoidness from GMTK land that all GMTKers are very familiar with.

The "41-S-1400, SCREWDRIVER, machinists', offset Type VI, dble. end, width of blade 3/8 in., length over-all 8-1/2 in." is actually one of the most difficult tools to find in the correct, specified configuration, in the correct, specified dimensions and shape.

Collectors lean on the tolerance table in the 1939 Federal Standard Stock Catalog for a little mercy, and lean even more heavily on the word "maximum" pertaining to the OAL in the spec table for even more mercy (even though the tool pictured in the GMTK manuals is clearly 8-1/2" long), but there's no getting around the 3/8-inch thick octagonal steel stock requirement, or the configuration of the blades in opposite orientation to each other and the shank. Inevitably, you will find one that has the right blades, but it's square or hexagonal. Or you will find one that is octagonal, but the blades are on the same side. Or too long, Etc. Don (d42jeep), UNIAU, and others have had better luck than me. I find plenty in the wild, but never exactly correct. I have put a Snap-on 060 in all my kits. It is not perfect, but it's close enough!

Absolutely difficult to find. The GMTK guys are always looking for one.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Good idea for a thread. I searched for a while to find a pre Stanley North Bros offset to match the NAF catalog listing. I found plenty of close ones before finding the correct part number.
-Don

 

[Username already in use]

I've got a couple here to add.

Here's the big guys, top to bottom
Herbrand
AFT Co, or maybe AET? it's a poor stamping but spec correct for a wartime GMTK
Goodell Pratt also spec correct GMTK double offset driver
Bluepoint 050



Here's a New Britain, MAC, and Craftsman (F)



Couple more
The top one is home made out of a round file or rasp - pretty cool. The other is PROTO

 

[d42jeep]

I’m a little jealous of that Goodell Pratt offset!
Here are some more pictures.
-Don

 

[bonneyman]

I've got a pair of those BMC ones and several nice older brands. I'll have to dig them out and post some pics for the thread.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Wow some really nice ones here! I have a few , a p&c, couple plombs, a Snap On, a bridgeport, some BMCs.

 

[bonneyman]

OK, here's my modest collection.
First photo (top to bottom): Hex Plomb L.A. (with a triangle), Globemaster, Bridgeport, a No Name, and one only marked "Germany".
Second photo: Proto J34 3/8, Herbrand Van-Chrome, Made in USA no name, Bonney
Third photo: 3 single offsets, a pair of BMC's, and a pair of Stanley's (one double standard, one double phillips)

 

[RTM]

Here's a home built I posted in the user modified tools thread some time back. Looks like someone chopped a right angle flat head driver by cutting in half, and cutting the tip off the opposite end, and welding onto the first end. Stuffed it into a hand made (and not round or even) handle, and use an old Blue Point ferrule to hold it in place. I have a bunch of the normal double ended RA screwdrivers, but this one is special. After all it is a Blue Point

 

[RTM]

Here is a Phillips ratcheting that I picked up yesterday. A bit newer than my other 2, this does not have the North Bros logo, and only Stanley USA on the flip side. Part number is now 68-412. The rivets seem cheaply made as well. Bit of rust is slowly being worked away, trying not to scratch the finish too much.



Hope this image rotates itself soon, can't get it to move correctly.

 

[d42jeep]

I found this incredibly rusty Craftsman Phillips example in Mill Valley on Friday. It benefited greatly from it‘s evaporust bath and now functions just fine.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

At the moment, this little 4772 Indestro is the only one within reach. The others seem to migrate off to other realms.
I have one of those little 5-piece sets with the "Klip-Tite" holder around here somewhere. No idea where it is.

RTM - this is just my lousy opinion, but if you're hoping to find a matched set of anything made by Indestro where all of the numbers and stampings all line up in the same direction, you're in for a lifetime of work.

Here's a cringe-worthy anecdote for you:
When the old man put me in charge of the buying on Indestro, he had me go back into the warehouse and break up all of the sets.
Open stock sold off the display boards. The "sets" just didn't sell.
I took all of the empty socket set boxes home. I still have some in pristine condition. They're great for pencils and watercolor brushes and erasers and things like that.
The vinyl pouches that held wrench sets went into the dumpster, along with all of the "Klip-Tite" holders that held together wrench sets and (drum roll) offset screwdriver sets.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I took all of the empty socket set boxes home. I still have some in pristine condition. They're great for pencils and watercolor brushes and erasers and things like that.
The vinyl pouches that held wrench sets went into the dumpster, along with all of the "Klip-Tite" holders that held together wrench sets and (drum roll) offset screwdriver sets.

I've heard this story before, but the shock has still not worn off!

 

[RTM]

RTM - this is just my lousy opinion, but if you're hoping to find a matched set of anything made by Indestro where all of the numbers and stampings all line up in the same direction, you're in for a lifetime of work.

Here's a cringe-worthy anecdote for you:
When the old man put me in charge of the buying on Indestro, he had me go back into the warehouse and break up all of the sets.

That first statement doesn't really surprise me. I'm surprised so many aligned sets show up from other manufacturers.

Guess I won't feel bad about making a faked up Klip Tite like holder to hold them together. I won't scavenge the one empty holder that I do have, but will use it for gauge estimate.

My dad had similar stories about forklift maintenance kits getting a similar treatment, to be replaced with shop based tools at bigger sites.

 

[Jim C.]

None of mine are really old or vintage except for the one on the far left. My grandfather made it from an Allen wrench at some point prior to 1970.

Jim C.

 

[Ricky Joe]

.

 

[RTM]

These are some of mine. None of the first picture have manufacturer identification, although the H-50 and H-49 are Snap-On. The second picture are Enders, Bridgeport, Craftsman, and Miller’s Falls.

The 2nd & 3rd in the 1st image are unique. Are they the Snap-on?

 

[Ricky Joe]

.

 

[JjKk40]

I don't have many of these types but heres they are...
Top to bottom, 1st and 2nd are Vaco... 3rd and 4th are Bridgeport.... and 5th and 6th are Bonney and Snap On respectively.....

 

[d42jeep]

I pulled a Vaco out for a picture the other day. I found some additional pictures of a few other brands as well
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

I could never figure out the brand of this combination ratchet and offset screwdriver.
I found some more offsets yesterday. The tiny one is just marked Made In USA.
These live in my regular toolbox.


-Don

 

[RTM]

That first one is nifty and unique.

 

[d42jeep]

I found a few more for this thread on Friday at an estate sale.
-Don

 

[kwigly]

Looks like my examples are similar to those covered by others.
The socket versions are a slot on 1/2" hex drive, a star socket on a 3/8" drive, and a loose blade SO socket in 3/4" drive. Below that is a 4 head Craftsman driver, two sizes (#3400, #3800 ) of Yankee ratchet drivers, and a BMC phillips driver. Lower right are three bent shaft drivers; a square drive, a phillips, and a phillips/slot combo

 

[humber2]

Looks like I’m first with a Herbrand No2350 which I suspect is a drag link adjuster.

 

[humber2]

How about a Hazet 818-8 with its interesting horizontal knurling on the business ends?

 

[humber2]

PI CO MADE USA is all I can see on this smaller example.....

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Just took possession of this in a "blind trade/gift exchange" with Beemer this morning. Made by Mossberg for the US Army Ordnance Dept.

 

[genog]

Stanley No.671

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Maybe more of a drag link tool, but here is my park metalware set

 

[RTM]

Very nice That's a serious screwdriver. Or if you want to call it a drag link tool you can

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I suppose it would be considered a very serious screwdriver or a light duty draglink tool!

 

[Leviton]

Here's my cosmic contribution. A Meteor.

Has a flat screwdriver on one side and a 1/4" male square drive on the other.

Instead of a flip handle to change direction, it has a rotatable knob. The more common flip handle is easier to use than this tiny knob.

 

[admamd]

Bought this at 2001 still strong