I got home late last night and decided to smoke a cigar and just "piddle" in the garage. Nice to just "veg" sometimes. While cleaning up a few things, I realized that these screwdrivers are pretty unique these days. Some I inherited from my dad, but most were purchased off the truck in the late 60's and early 1970's. Back then, they were some of the most popular mechanics tools. The wood handles feel secure and comfortable even when covered in grease and oil, and once you get used to the feel, nothing else even comes close (not nitrile, plastic, or slicone).
A few years ago I was lucky enough to find some brand new stock and bought the entire set -- so now there are spares. I've old Snap-on, Sears C-Man Pro's, and MAC and Challenger plastic handles, but I sure prefer these darn old "woodies".
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/PICT0307Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/PICT0309Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/PICT0311Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/PICT0310Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/PICT0308Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/PICT0312Medium.jpg)
My woodies are GRACE Gunsmithing drivers, but they do have the same classic handle pattern.
I shortened the shanks for better control , then numbered them and made a wood rack for them that I also numbered.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NGzp2FGF/20240416-164152.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5Xj3YCP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pXKcNxxd/20240416-164005.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXQBDrjW)
Quote from: Hickory n Steel on Jan 23, 2025, 06:24 PMMy woodies are GRACE Gunsmithing drivers, but they do have the same classic handle pattern.
I shortened the shanks for better control , then numbered them and made a wood rack for them that I also numbered.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NGzp2FGF/20240416-164152.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5Xj3YCP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pXKcNxxd/20240416-164005.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXQBDrjW)
Interesting side piece
Quote from: Muddy on Jan 23, 2025, 06:50 PMQuote from: Hickory n Steel on Jan 23, 2025, 06:24 PMMy woodies are GRACE Gunsmithing drivers, but they do have the same classic handle pattern.
I shortened the shanks for better control , then numbered them and made a wood rack for them that I also numbered.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NGzp2FGF/20240416-164152.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5Xj3YCP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pXKcNxxd/20240416-164005.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXQBDrjW)
Interesting side piece
Oh that's a 1935 Benjamin air pistol, model 177.
Before the conventional underlever pump was introduced there was the bicycle pump style.
Pull the pump out then with your shooting hand on the grip and off hand on the rear of the tube you push against a hard surface.
Benjamin had been using this system on rifles going back to the 1880's
Cool air pistol. I'm not familiar with those type of firearms, but you seem to really enjoy finding and rebuilding them. Good for you! What a great hobby --
Quote from: goodfellow on Jan 24, 2025, 05:38 AMCool air pistol. I'm not familiar with those type of firearms, but you seem to really enjoy finding and rebuilding them. Good for you! What a great hobby --
I can shoot them in my backyard, hallway, or shop any time.
I have little opportunity to get out to a shooting range, and as much as I love and believe in firearms California laws make them so difficult that they aren't currently something I can really just buy and shoot them for fun anytime there's one I want.
The wooden screwdriver handle didn't bite me until about 6 months ago when I bought a couple in an antique store and restored them. Since then I have bought many more at the local Restore for 25-50 cents each. Several Stanley, Fuller and Reed. Only 1-2 Mac. I like all the old wooden, but prefer the Stanley Sweethearts and old Proto redine drivers though I have yet to find one of those in the wild.
BTW: That is a mighty handsome assortment you have there GF!