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Thread: Yankee Screwdriver Question
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1st August 2010, 10:47 PM #1Member
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Yankee Screwdriver Question
Yet another question about a tool from Dad's collection.
2 tools actually.
Both are Yankee Spiral Ratchet drivers, one is a 135A and the other a 131A.
Looked them up on the web, and they seem to be fairly collectible, so I've looked a bit deeper and noticed that some people are selling replacement bits.
I can't figure out how to take the bit out of mine...are mine the type that only took one bit, or am I just a little "bit" challenged
I will attach some pictures, perhaps someone reading knows a bit about them and can fill me in on my latest find from the old man's collection.
You might also see them in the "Marketplace" section here if there is any interest.
thanks in advance, all feedback welcome.
rod
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1st August 2010, 10:56 PM #2
Hold the bit in your left hand and with your right hand, grasp the knurled part as circled in image below and pull it back towards the handle and it will release the bit.
Attachment 143483Cheers
DJ
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1st August 2010, 11:05 PM #3Member
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That was quick DJ, thanks for that.
I have held and pulled as instructed, worked like a well oiled machine...I suppose it is really
Do you know if there is much of a market for them? Are they valuable at all?
thanks again
rod
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1st August 2010, 11:09 PM #4
No idea on market or value.
Have you twisted the other knurled bit to release the spiral section?
If not hold it pointed away from you as it does shoot outCheers
DJ
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1st August 2010, 11:11 PM #5Member
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thanks for the tip mate.
Yes I had figured out that function...bit like a screwdriver on viagra
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2nd August 2010, 10:01 PM #6Member
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Thanks to those of you who checked out this post and to DJ for the feedback .
As I have no idea how much they are worth I have listed them on eBay tonite, so if you would like to add them to your collection, please check them out and you may just get a bargain.
I will no doubt have another question or ten over the coming days as the depths of Dad's collection is explored.
Thanks again
Rod
PS I have other hand tools on ebay at the moment too including some Marples/Stanley/Turner screwdrivers. Worth a look if you are into that kind of thing
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2nd August 2010, 10:07 PM #7Member
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My Grandfather has a couple of those...he and I both prefer the electric version
It's nice to be me.
I'm the only one.
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2nd August 2010, 10:14 PM #8Banned
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Rocket , check out this for a rundown on them http://www.nickh.org/yankee/
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3rd August 2010, 12:20 AM #9Senior Member
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I inherited several also but they came with bad memories. IMHO they were a bad idea when invented, I hated using them, or trying to.
I discarded mine but now they are having a revival among collectors.
Enjoy, if you can.
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3rd August 2010, 03:26 AM #10
Hi Rocket1975,
I also inherited one from my Dad which he used when working as a cabinet maker. We thought it was a great tool; I just wished he had been better mentally (Alzheimers) to appreciate the cordless drills we all use now.
It's been a while since I have used the Yankee but I remember it worked best with Phillips heads. It was a bit tricky using it for straight cut heads as you had to get the tip of the driver pretty well centred.
I'm interested in how much you get for it.
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3rd August 2010, 04:23 AM #11
They are not worth much. To get even that they need to be in good condition - bright nickel plating and red-painted handles.
I have a couple ..
And yes, only used with philips screws. Also, they are great without the long shaft for driving the rachet. What I like is that you can keep the shaft retracted and the rachet still works.
You can get adapters for them from Lee Valley.
Regards from Perth
DerekVisit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.
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3rd August 2010, 08:05 AM #12Member
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thanks again for all the replies, it seems that these tools certainly were memorable, love em or hate em, they have a legacy regardless.
Interesting reading about the history of them, gotta love a Yankee made in Britain
My father-in-law also mentioned to me that they were deadly, slipping off the screw and gouging nasty marks in the job, I imagine that a phillips head bit would make that less likely, but before they were around, there was no choice I suppose.
Yes it will be interesting to see if anyone is willing to part with some $ for them, I hope that a collector somewhere will take a shine to them.
rod
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3rd August 2010, 11:11 AM #13
These Yankees are not obsolete by a long way. Those (like myself) who use them swear by them. Sometimes theyare the only tool to fit into small spaces, or those hard-to-reach spots. They are not Collector tools - they are User tools.
Regards from Perth
DerekVisit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.
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3rd August 2010, 12:27 PM #14Member
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Thanks Derek, each to their own I suppose, as long as mine find their way into the hands of someone who wants them, either to use or collect, it's gotta be better than them ending up in the tip or at the bottom of my toolbox.
Rod
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3rd August 2010, 04:42 PM #15Senior Member
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I use mine when decking = couple of pushes with a quill drill - drop in a robertson screw and drive it home
If needs be drive it the rest of the way with a brace (unless some bxxxxr has stolen your little japanese, redhandled 3 jaw chuck brace - see another thread)
Recharge with a pie or Saigon pork roll and you dont have to wait for the green light to come on
Neil in sunny downtown Queanbeyan