Yankee Handyman 233 H Autopsy

[Plombob]

I found this screwdriver/drill in a toolbox I bought. It was in pieces, and I wasn't sure it was all there so I almost pitched it. I decided to look it up before sending it to the dump, and I found out that it's probably from the 1940s and the fellas that have them love them. So this afternoon, with the honey-dos complete, I attempted to reassemble it.

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Inside the handle were some bits and an adapter for smaller bits. The paper is the instructions for using the adapter!

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Here's all the pieces that are part of the ratchet action. The rectangular bit with a tip is the selector. It goes on top of the front pawls. They are the parts with a "finger". The big collar slips over the works and is held in place by a threaded collar.

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Closeup of the gears

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The threaded collar below the chuck keeps everything in place.

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The first clue to assembly was that this little pawl fit in the slot on the backside.

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The second clue to assembly was the wear on the pawls. This picture shows them in the wrong position. In this position the drill spins when you pull rather than push. Just flip them over and the drill works great.
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It's got a nice action and I can see why some guys love them.

 

[Provincial]

These tools performed the same function that modern cordless drills and screwdrivers do now. The big difference is that they never had a dead battery!

I remember in the 1950's that they were popular with woodworkers and handymen, but had little favor with auto mechanics.

 

[WWIIjeep]

Nice job on the repair, Plombob!

I remember in the 1950's that they were popular with woodworkers and handymen, but had little favor with auto mechanics.

That's because in the 50s (and even in the 60s) they didn't offer the 1/4" drive socket adapter for them as shown here:

The item above it is another Yankee spiral driver--the Yankee #41 push drill--which uses the same drill bits that can be adapted to Plombob's Handyman. Every Ma Bell phone installer had a Yankee #41 push drill, along with a Yankee #100 brace and a couple of bell-hanger's drill bits.

Even more popular than the small Handyman spiral ratchet screwdrivers were the larger Yankee #30, 31, 130 and 131 spiral ratchet screwdrivers.

The kit below, which was my dad's, came with the #30 spiral ratchet screwdriver, 2 ratchet screwdrivers, and drill bit adapter similar to the one Plombob has.

 

[ndoran]

Lee Valley Tools also carry an adapter that allows you to use standard screwdriver bits in them. I still use my Yankee from time to time when doing woodwork. It works great with robinson screws.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/home/OnlineCatalog.aspx?id=0c772a66

 

[woody 73]

My mystery is solved thankyou WWIIJeep for that wonderful picture...Years ago I picked up just one screwdriver and I always had a gut feeling it went to some kind of set; sure enough indeed it does!

 

[jjjrmx5]

Sadly, the long Yankee screwdriver I have from my now deceased father has a bent drive shaft. Liekly from using it as a pry bar when extended.

I've been reluctant to pull it apart and try and straighten the shaft in a vice or the shop press, but now I know how the guts come apart.

Thank you Plombob.

 

[Plombob]

Nice job on the repair, Plombob!



That's because in the 50s (and even in the 60s) they didn't offer the 1/4" drive socket adapter for them as shown here:

The item above it is another Yankee spiral driver--the Yankee #41 push drill--which uses the same drill bits that can be adapted to Plombob's Handyman. Every Ma Bell phone installer had a Yankee #41 push drill, along with a Yankee #100 brace and a couple of bell-hanger's drill bits.

Even more popular than the small Handyman spiral ratchet screwdrivers were the larger Yankee #30, 31, 130 and 131 spiral ratchet screwdrivers.

The kit below, which was my dad's, came with the #30 spiral ratchet screwdriver, 2 ratchet screwdrivers, and drill bit adapter similar to the one Plombob has.

WWIIjeep -
Where do you find those 1/4" drive adapters? I'd love to get one.

I inherited a #41 and a #42. 42 has a wood handle.

I must be a magnet for these tools! I've got another 41, a 46 and a huge #136.

Thanks for the info on that #100 set. I've got the little driver and always wondered what the story was about it. There's no markings on it. What is the number on the large driver?

 

[Plombob]

Sadly, the long Yankee screwdriver I have from my now deceased father has a bent drive shaft. Liekly from using it as a pry bar when extended.

I've been reluctant to pull it apart and try and straighten the shaft in a vice or the shop press, but now I know how the guts come apart.

Thank you Plombob.

Glad I could help. I know what fun it is to use tools your dad and grandad used.

 

[WWIIjeep]

WWIIjeep -
Where do you find those 1/4" drive adapters? I'd love to get one.

I got that one on eBay. It's for the Yankee 31 and 131, which have larger diameter bit holders than most other Yankee drivers.

The one I've got for the #30 came from a local hardware store (now gone) a very long time ago.

Given their relative rarity, I'd guess you might have to make one from a 1/4" drive extension, assuming you have access to a lathe to turn to the proper diameter, and a mill to cut the end notch, and a file for the detent groove.

For many years, Stanley/Yankee offered hex sockets to fit some of the spiral ratchet screwdrivers. They're pretty rare--I've only found a couple in a lot of years of hitting garage sales and hand tool swap meets.

Thanks for the info on that #100 set. I've got the little driver and always wondered what the story was about it. There's no markings on it. What is the number on the large driver?

The large ratcheting driver at the top is a Yankee No. 11. Small one is a No. 15. Spiral ratchet driver is a No. 30.

All those pieces were sold separately, as well as being available in the No 100 tool set.

 

[Plombob]

Thanks for the info WWIIjeep. I'll start looking for that adapter. I don't have machine tools, but I might be able to handcraft one.

I have no attachment to the little screwdriver, so if you're a collector, it's available.

 

[mbshop]

Bumping this instead of starting a new thread.
today at the second hand store I found one like the op but all together and functioning for 3 bucks. Sadly it only had two drill bits and one minus bit. Anyone got extra bits for sale please let me know. I have a bigger brother that needs bits also. I like these as there are times when nothing really works like these do.

 

[bonneyman]

I've accumulated some spiral-shaft drivers. You start with one, and - before you know it - you have a brood.

I prefer them on wood projects, and it's nice to know they're handy if I need one. Here's a few of mine.

 

[mbshop]

Nice collection ! My other one is yankee 135a. Unfortunately I only have one bit for it. I have used it several times and loved it. I plan on making my own bits as the prices on ebay are nuts.

 

[mbshop]

Ha ! Wife had me install a small bracket. So I grabbed the 233, installed the small drill bit, drilled some pilot holes and with my so racheting screwdriver had the brackets installed in no time. That little bit made quick work of it. Love it !

 

[Snap_cap]

Bumping this instead of starting a new thread.
today at the second hand store I found one like the op but all together and functioning for 3 bucks. Sadly it only had two drill bits and one minus bit. Anyone got extra bits for sale please let me know. I have a bigger brother that needs bits also. I like these as there are times when nothing really works like these do.

There is a company that makes new production bits for Yankee drivers, Lee Valley (of Canada).

Hex adapter: http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=57809&cat=1,43411,43417

Screwdriver bits: http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=66021&cat=1,43411,43417

 

[mikegt4]

I have 3 or 4 of them in my Dad's tool collection. One my have been his fathers as it is pre-WW2. 2 are Sears "made in W. Germany" from the seventies.
I can remember using Yankees in my youth. Dad used them every time that he ran a screw.

 

[mbshop]

Thanks, I will be ordering what they do have.unfortunately they seem to be out of some things. Oh well.

There is a company that makes new production bits for Yankee drivers, Lee Valley (of Canada).

Hex adapter: http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=57809&cat=1,43411,43417

Screwdriver bits: http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=66021&cat=1,43411,43417

 

[skruft]

Thanks for the lessons. I have some of these and never knew there was a 1/4 adapter.

 

[bonneyman]

This thread got me thinking, so - it being a cold and damp day - I dug through my tools out in the shop and collected all my Yankees for a family pic.

Top to bottom:
Stanley 130A with plastic handle and PVC carrier
Stanley 31A
Stanley 130A
Modded USA spiral with added wooden handle
Millers Falls 29
Stanley Handyman 133H

Also have a Stanley/North Brothers that I removed the cracked wood handle from and replaced it with a Proto pyroxylin handle.

 

[mbshop]

Wow, nice collection. How are the bit adapters working out ?

 

[bonneyman]

Wow, nice collection. How are the bit adapters working out ?

They work fine. For driving screws in wood they allow the use of modern hex bits - alot cheaper than typical Yankee style tips.

 

[mbshop]

Great, plan to order one and a few bits. Sadly Lee valley seems to be basically out of bits.

 

[Hornman]

Garrett Wade has new bits and there are quite a few used bits on eBay.

 

[mbshop]

Well, ordered a few bits and the 1/4 bit holder from lee valley today. Now just have to wait. Amazing the price differance from lee and other suppliers. Lee is so much cheaper.

 

[bonneyman]

If you notice in my second family lineup I have genuine bits taped to their respective drivers. I do grab them when I see them - luckily I have all the sizes and styles I need for those longer tools.

 

[skaForge]

Bumping this instead of starting a new thread.
today at the second hand store I found one like the op but all together and functioning for 3 bucks. Sadly it only had two drill bits and one minus bit. Anyone got extra bits for sale please let me know. I have a bigger brother that needs bits also. I like these as there are times when nothing really works like these do.

Lee Valley has the hex adapter, in all three of the shank sizes!

 

[skaForge]

Garrett Wade has new bits and there are quite a few used bits on eBay.

Garrett Wad also makes a brace with a 1/2" drive!

 

[mv213]

Back in the late 1970’s-early 1980’s I used to have the big Stanley Yankee driver—don’t know the model number. Also the chrome push drill shown above. Great tools at the time! I used to see elecricians using them all the time to set outlets and fixtures into boxes. I installed many a storm window and door with mine. The cordless drills in those days SUCKED.