Super Long Screwdrivers: What do you got? What uses?

[oldschoolcraft]

I see super long screwdrivers from time to time. I'm tempted to add one to my collection even though I've never needed one, because if I ever do need one, it seems like the only tool that will work.

I'm guessing one could accomplish something similar with a super long socket extension and then a Philips socket on the end. But also that maybe the package would be too girthy to get into some places and the streamlined profile of a screwdriver shank is necessary.

I'm seeing 12" and 21" lengths and I think one place I even saw something like 3 feet.

What uses do you have for these? Philips #2 only, or also need Philips #3? Flathead ever? What size length do you have and use?

 

[AC-WC]

Not a phillips drive but the long flat head is great for realigning the gears on my WD-45 transmission shifter! It's the leverage from the longer length.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Not a phillips drive but the long flat head is great for realigning the gears on my WD-45 transmission shifter! It's the leverage from the longer length.

more of an extended small pry bar in that case, right?

 

[Wrench97]

I have a old Mac 32" straight blade sold back in the 70's for lower radiator hose clamps.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you have to go in off-center to bypass an obstruction, the extra long screwdriver shank waters down the severe angle.

If you need a lot of downward pressure such as turning a construction screw, the added length gives you more options to position your arm for maximum downward pressure.

I consider extra long screwdrivers especially in Phillips to be invaluable.

 

[mhejl]

I've had the 11 and 22" old hard handle ('80s vintage) of the SO, P2 and flat. When the handles finally crumbled, I replaced them with the newer Instincts. Its hard to find other brands much over 12". PB Swiss makes some in Phillips.

Oddly, they make really good one-ear impromptu stethoscopes for things like idler and tensioner bearings.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

If you have to go in off-center to bypass an obstruction, the extra long screwdriver shank waters down the severe angle.

If you need a lot of downward pressure such as turning a construction screw, the added length gives you more options to position your arm for maximum downward pressure.

I consider extra long screwdrivers especially in Phillips to be invaluable.

What lengths do you have? PH2 or PH3?

 

[lardy1]

Some other reading here:

Show your extra long screwdrivers...

Whatcha got? Lets see em. Lets say 16” or more. Some of mine: Irwin (the longest i have ever physically seen) Craftsman Professional PH2/SL Snap-on SL cabinet tip

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Wamsutta]

What lengths do you have? PH2 or PH3?

The longest ones I have are 16 inch shanks. The rest are between 4 and 12 inches. The most useful length is an 8 inch shank in #2 Phillips.

I have a Klein with a 10 inch shank that's my favorite for tightening up screws in fence pickets.

I don't use the most common 4 inch shank very often. I prefer to have more stand-off distance such as 6 or 8 inches.

For #3 Phillips I've never needed anything longer than a 6 inch shank.

What I need to get is a long shank in #1 Phillips.

 

[Dave455]

They’re sometimes useful for hose clips that are buried away, or more likely installed when an engine was in an assembly jig, and now orientated the wrong way.

Sometimes useful to get your hand well out of the way, rather than having to squeeze it between hoses or cables.

Occasionally useful if you need to get to a grub screw on a pulley or something that’s close to a machine casting.

Never needed a Phillips. Slotted head and Pozidriv are all I have. Probably be different if I was in the U.S.

Traditionally, instrument mechanics tend to use long pattern screwdrivers. It’s supposedly easier to see if the driver isn’t perpendicular to the screw.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

I have an old Mac 32" straight blade sold back in the 70's for lower radiator hose clamps.

I have a similar one for that same reason. Also have a 24” #2 Philips that used to be used for headlight adjustment. Anyone remember that??

 

[ChefRex]

I have a #2 SO that has to be 24”, had it forever, very handy to removing seats on HD tourers with a tour pack.

 

[MushCreek]

I bought a long Philips to tighten the screws on TV wall mounts. Depending upon the TV and set-up, those screws are WAY up there.

 

[rust in the eye]

I've had the 11 and 22" old hard handle ('80s vintage) of the SO, P2 and flat. When the handles finally crumbled, I replaced them with the newer Instincts. Its hard to find other brands much over 12". PB Swiss makes some in Phillips.

Oddly, they make really good one-ear impromptu stethoscopes for things like idler and tensioner bearings.

This^

 

[jfleisher]

I use a 24" Philips head every day at work, it's great for reaching inside server racks...

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have a old Mac 32" straight blade sold back in the 70's for lower radiator hose clamps.

I bought one 30 years after you for the same purpose.

And about 20 years after, I bought a Stanley PH1 for electronics (disassembly.)

Later, added the PH2. Never needed a cabinet length PH3.

When you need one, buy one.

 

[bonneyman]

I once grabbed a 24" Stanley #2 that often came in handy for reaching screws that were buried.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I needed one, phillips around 12", for HVAC box case screws to remove an evaporator in a TL today. Ended up using a bit driver extension. I have 12 and 18" cabinet tip flatheads for long distance poking and prying.

 

[The Cobbler]

I made one about 32 years back. I needed to tighten & replace missing screws holding the plastic # windows to a 220 unit apartment bldg mail box
Originally the managers were going to get all the tenants to open their boxes & leave them open. I figured i could do it this way .
I made up about a 20" #2 robertson screw driver by cutting the shaft & welding an extension . I still have it somewhere

 

[RegeSullivan]

Inherited one from my grandfather, 36" shaft 42" if you include the handle. No clue what he used it for. I suspect he had a need because it looks pretty well used and there are teeth marks on the handle from pliers. I keep it for it sentimental value. I can't imagine what I would need such a long reach straight blade screwdriver for.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I made up about a 20" #2 robertson screw driver by cutting the shaft & welding an extension . I still have it somewhere

Robertson? Look over at your location. Checks out.

 

[richfinn]

Besides using it as a long screwdriver, mine has a length of plastic tube on the blade to insulate it when I use it as a makeshift electrical test probe to get at awkward starter motor and alternator terminals.

I also have an old 1 litre oil bottle with the bottom cut off which fits tight over the screwdriver handle to make a really cool “stethoscope “ (thanks to Eric O from SMA).

Nothing fancy just a cheap one that you are happy to modify!!!

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

I"ve got a few Megapro Shaftlok with the extension bit.

If I ever needed longer than 1 extension, I could add as many as I want.

Last time I used it was to tighten the boot on a 503 Rotax carb.

 

[oldman_pottering]

These are my 3 and I'm always glad that I have them, I was an auto mechanic and the long flat blade and long No 2 philips were very handy around cars. The philips No 1 I bought specifically to change carburettor needle height on an XR600, saved me removing the carb

 

[wolf_from_wv]

I think it's a 12" long #2 Phillips. The screws holding the remote control dragon together were about 11" up inside.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I recommend Enderes for these, they have really nice USA made ones at a reasonable price but they can be hard to find online. To the OP- I see your location is Bay Area California. If you’re in the East Bay, Pastime Hardware in El Cerrito has them. Or if you’re in the city or peninsula Grand Avenue Hardware in South San Francisco near the airport has them.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Another favorite: Snap On SSD 1416. World’s best poking stick. Just the right balance of flex and rigidity. Pictured next to my 18.75” long 1/2” drive breaker bar for scale

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have a 24" long #2 phillips and I can't remember what I've used it for, but I know there was two or three times where it was a life saver.

 

[bas157]

I've got a 48" Mayhew dominator. It was sold as a 'screwdriver prybar' I think. I've never used and and really don't know why I ever would use it. Why do I have it....sucker for a bargain and it was super dirt cheap on Ebay ($16.** )...so I bought 2. The order receipt has an item# with a curved tip, but pretty sures its just a giant common screwdriver, not curved. I'll have to check after this heatwave is over.

 

[Madjik Man]

I only have a super long slotted screwdriver. I use it to unlock the clips on my front grille. Makes removing the grille a breeze without breaking any clips in the process.

 

[Robinson1]

I clearly remember driving all over town about 8 years ago hitting all the stores that sold tools looking for an extra long 1/4” slotted screwdriver. The job at hand was removing ancient recessed lighting in a kitchen I was remodeling. Found what I needed after 3 or 4 stops at Tractor Supply. It’s been on my truck since and is a total life saver about twice a year. Around the same time frame I found an equally long Stanley #2 Phillips at a yard sale and bought it. I’d guess both screwdrivers are about 16 inches long. They come in handy occasionally!

 

[Jweebothee]

I use them as a stethoscope

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I've got my fair share of long ones up to the biggest SO pair. #2 and slotted. Used for hose clamps, sheet metal screws and clips in peculiar places. A stethoscope is a good one too. Gotta have a few around.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

I clearly remember driving all over town about 8 years ago hitting all the stores that sold tools looking for an extra long 1/4” slotted screwdriver. The job at hand was removing ancient recessed lighting in a kitchen I was remodeling. Found what I needed after 3 or 4 stops at Tractor Supply. It’s been on my truck since and is a total life saver about twice a year. Around the same time frame I found an equally long Stanley #2 Phillips at a yard sale and bought it. I’d guess both screwdrivers are about 16 inches long. They come in handy occasionally!

If you only had a welder.....

 

[Maddog1337]

Stethoscope is a good one. I normally use a long flathead to pry stuff stuck on the bottom of my curbside trash can.

 

[Beerhippie]

NAPA DP-20, 18" shank, 22" OAL #2 Phillips. Now I have to find a use for it....

 

[Beerhippie]

Stethoscope is a good one. I normally use a long flathead to pry stuff stuck on the bottom of my curbside trash can.

Great idea, actually. It would help keep the Hippie hair away from moving parts!

Years ago, I had a long-shank screwdriver with a hollow aluminum handle. That was an exceptional stethoscope. I hope whoever boosted it gets as much use out of it as I did.