Hand plane screwdriver?

rpd · Post by **rpd** » Sat Aug 17, 2013 9:36 pm

I found this double ended screwdriver sans handle at the local ReStore, only $1.00.

[ATTACH]22514[/ATTACH]

I am thinking it will work well for adjusting hand planes, the wide end is the right size for for the cap iron screw and the narrow end for the smaller screws.

Has anyone seen a screwdriver like this? If so what did the handle look like?

My thoughts are either a small grip in the centre or a long handle that would pivot to expose one blade and enclose the other.

WmZiggy · Post by **WmZiggy** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 1:07 pm

Well, I checked Stanley, Sargent, and Millers Falls catalogs in my tool library and came up blank. I will look some more as I have some smaller manufacturers and other source material. My intuition (guided by experience) tells me this is a screwdriver that came with a set of automotive or tractor tools; perhaps a model 'T', or other vehicle that required a center slot to turn a square head screw adjustment. It might even be steam tractor vintage or a railroad engine tool. Just guesses mind you, but I don't believe this falls in the woodworker's tool box - not that it can't be used to adjust planes.

If I come across something I will get back at you.

greitz · Post by **greitz** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 3:16 pm

This looks pretty close....

http://www.goantiques.com/antique-screw ... le-1647395

Gary

rpd · Post by **rpd** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 4:41 pm

WmZiggy, thank you for your research.

Gary, thank you also, you nailed it.

Earlier I was out in the shop and cleaned off most of the rust and dirt and out popped the stamping.

PAT. JULY 9, 1918
J L DAHL
HACKENSACK

[ATTACH]22526[/ATTACH]

I found the patent drawing on this site

Directory of American Tool And Machinery Patents

It shouldn’t be to hard to make a replacement handle.
thanks again to all who helped.

WmZiggy · Post by **WmZiggy** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 5:49 pm

Good to learn this one, and it's rare. I looked in 12 tool catalogs from the turn of the century, and one that included everything Stanley and Sargent ever made which included lots of patients they bought-up, and nothing on this hummer. Fun researching though. Thanks for the tool stumper.

frank81 · Post by **frank81** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:09 am

I like the description in the patent that says you can fold the handle out at 90 degrees for extra leverage. That would make it a 3-in-1 combination tool? Tighten screws, loosen screws, and STRIP screws!

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:53 am

frank81 wrote:I like the description in the patent that says you can fold the handle out at 90 degrees for extra leverage. That would make it a 3-in-1 combination tool? Tighten screws, loosen screws, and STRIP screws!

I do not think I would want to bear down on the 'dormant' end to keep the blade in the screw slot.

WmZiggy · Post by **WmZiggy** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 4:18 pm

Using the handle for leverage may be why this one is missing it's handle and may be a reason it didn't last in the market place.

apexsunguitars · Post by **apexsunguitars** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:12 pm

That's pretty cool. Even if not as useful due to being somewhat dangerous I still love to read about the design behind old tools..back when there was more innovation and less copying of others ideas. The one thing that I miss about living in Dallas is all of the cool old famrers markets in the area. You never knew what someone was going to dig up out of a barn and bring in to sell. I have had to really make efforts not to get caught up incollecting stuff like that. The three shopsmith tools that I have bought in the last month don't count, of course!