Yankee screwdriver

[ajchien]

I think Im a sucker for old tools. After getting a bit brace, and a egg beater hand drill, I picked up a Yankee screwdriver for a buck. the lableing says Germany, 34S.

In any case, is the slotted screwdriver permantly affixed? Or is there a way to get this out an put other bits in it?

 

[TheGrooveking]

You loosen the knurled collar right above the bit to remove it. It's been some time since I used mine (works great on door hinge screws when hanging wooden or steel doors). The bits have a tang on them that keys into the driver so that it doesn't slip IIRC.

TheGrooveking

 

[ajchien]

Forgive my ignorance. Am I supposed to turn the knurled collar (it just seems to spin freely)? push? Pull? all while turning the bit? pulling on the bit? Ive fiddled with this for a while and can't figure it out.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Your model may not be the turn and loosen or tighten model, it may be you either pull up or down on the collar to change the bit. Try either direction and try removing the bit.

TheGrooveking

 

[RBailey]

I might be odd but I'm 35 and prefer this to cordless.

Bought a new large sized one (lucky find) about a year ago after I got fed up with bl00dy cordless having no power.

Now if I could get a hex bit adaptor it would be perfect.

Cheers,
Richard B.

 

[treasureseeker]

I am not sure what you have there. I am looking at an old Millers Falls and Yankee and they are a little different. I can tell you the raised button gives you forward or reverse and the bit comes out like an air line fitting. Both of mine you turn a collar to release the spiral part. Yours is missing that element and on mine it is just above the chuck section where yours tapers. Some of these are spring loaded and others use gravity. There were a few German companies that made these including Craftsman. I used to think these were really rare as I hardly saw them at estate sales but most are only rare in mint condition. The Philip bits for these are collectable.

 

[The Motts]

I might be odd but I'm 35 and prefer this to cordless.

Bought a new large sized one (lucky find) about a year ago after I got fed up with bl00dy cordless having no power.

Now if I could get a hex bit adaptor it would be perfect.

Cheers,
Richard B.

Lee Valley sells hex bit adapters for Yankee screwdriver. Here's the link:

Hex bit adapter for Yankee screwdriver

 

[reptilezs]

I might be odd but I'm 35 and prefer this to cordless.

Bought a new large sized one (lucky find) about a year ago after I got fed up with bl00dy cordless having no power.

Now if I could get a hex bit adaptor it would be perfect.

Cheers,
Richard B.

i made my own hex bit adapter with some files and a drill

 

[diggerrick]

I've seen Yankee Screwdrivers at Harbor Freight and Menards for less than $10 - very tempting, but I'm not sure if I'd use it much. I have a Stanley manual drill (egg beater style) that I bought in a box of tools at a local "used stuff" store I already haven't used.

 

[TheGrooveking]

After seeing Elwood use one to open the electrical panel on the elevator in the movie Blues Brothers every self respecting tool ***** should have one, just don't forget the breifcase and the spray can of glue(powerful stuff).

TheGrooveking

 

[ajchien]

I must be an idiot.

Ive pushed and pulled on the knurled portion to no avail. Ive turned clockwise and counterclockwise hundreds of times it seems and the bit wont come out.

There is a bit of play in the bit, so Im sure there's some trick to make things thing come out... any more ideas?




as for old hand tools, I had a bit brace sitting as a display item for the longest time, but a few weeks ago, brought it out to help put in screws for an exterior door. It worked very well with a bit adaptor/phillips bit in it. The extra leverage over a screwdriver, and the convenience of not having a cord/battery were nice. Since then Ive thought of more opportunities to use some of these old school items.

 

[RBailey]

Lee Valley sells hex bit adapters for Yankee screwdriver. Here's the link:

Hex bit adapter for Yankee screwdriver

Hurray ! Many thanks.

 

[american lockpicker]

After seeing Elwood use one to open the electrical panel on the elevator in the movie Blues Brothers every self respecting tool ***** should have one, just don't forget the breifcase and the spray can of glue(powerful stuff).

TheGrooveking

Good post.

 

[jim m]

Spray the collar around the bit with lubricant place the handle against your body pull the collar back and pull the bit out. If it docent come out it may have seized put the bit in a vise pull the collar back and yank on the handle if it still sticks try turning it back and forth till it loosens
It should just pull out when you pull the collar back

Jim