These screwdrivers have been in my possession for 20 years.
They are used constantly —- and I just realized they have never failed to perform flawlessly.
Would like to buy some more.
I know they look like Dollar-Store specials, but...
They are light, controllable, hollow-ground, 7 3/8" long, and durable as heck.
There is no brand name, and I looked online —- but cannot locate these.
Kind of funky-looking —- but you have to use one to appreciate the control and design.
I have literally hundreds of screwdrivers and hundreds more of driver bits —- but these are really excellent.
The guy I got them from was a salt water reel repair person —- who was also somewhat of a gunsmith.
Where can these be found?
Best, Fred
Quote from: foakes on August 04, 2022, 06:31:15 PMThe guy I got them from was a salt water reel repair person —- who was also somewhat of a gunsmith.
The hollow ground flatheads in smaller sizes screams "gunsmith's tools" to me which it seems like a conclusion you're already leaning towards. Perhaps some of our resident reel/gun geeks posting these pictures to more gun-related fora might cast a broader net? With your permission, of course, fred.
When we figure it out I'll be scouring fleabay for a set!
i would have guessed for electrical work with the handles and insulated shafts? - john
Quote from: Brewcrafter on August 04, 2022, 07:33:18 PMi would have guessed for electrical work with the handles and insulated shafts? - john
I think the same way , strange that there is no name on them ..
May have been one screen printed on, 20 years ago.
I'm with John. I would suggest checking electronics suppliers. They're insulated to prevent shorts and they have flats on the handles to prevent them from rolling on flat surfaces.
-Mike
Those exact ones may not be available any longer. Wiha has some that look similar:
https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-32085-Insulated-Slotted-Phillips/dp/B00SZ66CSA/ref=asc_df_B00SZ66CSA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242034450866&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11741263751819632169&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031564&hvtargid=pla-494872370328&psc=1
I used Wiha when I was doing termination work on low voltage systems. We called 'em tweakers. Good drivers. I used to get mine from Graybar. Others are Rexel, Tinkertronics, and then Radio Shack, if you can find one.
Try searching companies like Bell telephone. Some earlier companies put together comprehensive tool kits for their Technicians and many of these wandered out the back door. They'd be old tools because electronics companies don't fix stuff anymore.
I don't recognize those drivers you have there.
Fred, right click on the photo and ask Google to search image. Several sites sell screwdrivers clos to the ones you have. The closest seems to be https://docs.rs-online.com/4f70/0900766b80fa8c88.pdf Dominick
Thanks for all of the advice & help, Gentlemen —-
Looked at Knipex, Wiha, Wera, Vessel, and around 10 others.
Since I already had (17) Wiha screwdrivers —- and these other (3) were still working great after 25 years. I decided that I didn't need any more right now.
But this caught my eye —- and I ordered one this morning (didn't pay that much for it though).
We will see how well it works —- it should be a good addition.
Wiha has always been a great company —- and with their lifetime guarantee —- shouldn't be an issue.
One of my Wiha screwdrivers chipped a tip about 10 years ago.
I inherited it from a fellow reel repair guy who passed on 24 years ago. No proof of purchase, no receipt.
I had been using it way beyond its capability —- so it was really my fault. Was ordering a few more from Wiha —- and just mentioned this issue when on the phone. The Rep just said that they would include a new one to replace the old one at no charge. It came in the mail 4 days later. With that type of quality service —- and extremely well thought out products for tradesmen —- I do have a certain amount of loyalty to Wiha.
Thanks again, everyone,
Best, Fred
considering that you gravitate towards German engineering, might they be old Felo's? :D :D :D
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=felo+insulated+screwdriver&form=HDRSC2&first=1&tsc=ImageHoverTitle (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=felo+insulated+screwdriver&form=HDRSC2&first=1&tsc=ImageHoverTitle)
(looks like name on handle might not last 2 decades, while tool keeps going many more)
Could be, Roman —-
Looked at Felo yesterday —- but these were not there.
Quite frankly, the plastic is so cheap on these that they remind me of give-aways at Harbor Freight or bargain bins 3 for a buck at some hardware stores.
However, they have really surprised me.
If I ever find some of these, or if any of you guys find some —- I will buy them.
Best, Fred
Screwdriver hoarder!!!