Williams NM-110

[Goldenglove789]

Can someone please describe/ point me to a video that shows me how the extension driver works? The ball keeps popping out in mine when I try to pull the handle back (disengage) the handle back exposing the ball and try to spin the handle 360 degrees. Am I doing it wrong? I appreciate the time and insight as always.

 

[3baygarage]

Are you saying the ball is falling out of the tool when you pull the handle back?

I haven't played around with one of them in a while.

 

[Goldenglove789]

No it stays in when I pull the handle back. When I begin to rotate the handle freely is when the ball pops out.

 

[Zeke]

From this page:

[Williams NM-110 1/4-Drive Convertible Handle and Extension]

Fig. 376 shows a Williams NM-110 convertible handle and extension, the 1/4-drive equivalent to the 9/32-drive M-110 tool shown above. The shank is stamped with "Williams" and the W-Diamond logo, with "Made in U.S.A." and "Patented" on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The end of the handle is broached for 1/4-drive, to allow use as an extension.

The drive handle is equipped with a very clever mechanism that allows a quick conversion into a rotating-grip extension. In its normal drive position, the knurled handle is locked to the shaft by two detent balls, one of which is visible in the hole (see photograph). If the handle is pulled back slightly, another detent ball pops up and allows the locking balls to retract, and the handle will then rotate freely on the shaft.

This convertible mechanism is described by patent #2,071,543, issued to W.C. Kress in 1937.

This tool was acquired as part of the Williams 1291P Midget Electrical Set, a collection including ignition wrenches, miniature pliers, and 1/4-drive sockets and drive tools.

Perhaps you are pulling it back too far. (That's what she said....)

 

[Goldenglove789]

The ball pops out no matter how hard or light I pull back on it (nice that's what she said joke). Once I disengage the handle all h$!! Breaks loose and the ball pops out. I read the article on alloy artifacts and even read the patent without much luck about how it's supposed to work.