TOBRIN anyone?

[Craptain]

I started cleaning a screwdriver I picked up this last weekend and found some marks on it. I had never heard of TOBRIN. So the search started and unusually it did not lead me back here to the forum. I did find bit on Paw Paws Tool Talk, and that led me onwards. I did find just a couple of mentions on here and it confirmed what I had found. The H.D. Smith Company was founded in 1855 in Plantsville, Connecticut. It was after this company that TOBRIN came sometime in the early 1900's (some of the same staff) and they took over production of the "Perfect Handle" screwdrivers. This style carried on through the war years and into the 1950's, produced by at least 3 companies for military use in Jeep tool kits.

This screwdriver is not a military one. The size marking is very clear on the tip and shows 9 1/2. This is actually the overall length of the screwdriver but is usually quoted as the blade length. I guess on this the blade goes all the way through the handle. The name is quite clear also on the blade, along with an indistinct "V" shaped marking next to it, which I have not identified. Any help welcome on that. The wood on the handle is in OK condition. I have partly degreased it as it came from a truck mechanic, but there is still work to do and it is just a little loose so maybe tighten the rivets. I would normally soak in linseed or similar oil, but it already had a good coating of mechanic grime so dunno on that.

 

[lbgradwell]

Very cool.

That's almost certainly a No.610 Machinist's model, and yes, the blade is one solid piece with the wood pieces - called "scales" - attached to the metal.

 

[sselander]

The company that acquired them is still around, still in Chesire, CT
http://www.consolindustries.com/

From a 1952 issue of Modern Metals: "The Tobrin Tool Co., Plantsville, Conn., is installing new drop hammers for the production of aircraft forgings of titanium and aluminum. Tobrin is owned by Consolidated Industries."
From a 1953 issue of American Machinist: "Consolidated Industries, Inc, West Cheshire, Conn., is making its third expansion within a year with the acquisition of the Tobrin Tool Co., Plantsville, Conn., where it will manufacture forged aircraft parts."

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=859