Garage Gazette
TOOLS AND THE SHOP => MECHANIC HAND TOOLS WE USE => Topic started by: bonneyman on August 15, 2018, 09:52:19 PM
-
Used to use regular nutdrivers on cabinet screws, then went to nut runners in a cordless drill, then nut runners and bits in Sears vinyl-ribbed bit driver. Eventually switched to Bonney 1/4" drive Loc-Rite sockets, and made the jump to ratcheting ball drivers. The first one I had was so great, I started grabbing any I could find as I didn't want to ever be without one. They have proven to be nearly bulletproof - so I've got a lifetime of spares!
Here's my current collection, along with a Screwball driver.
-
They also made mini balls! Great for thermostats and small electronics.
-
Though made of plastic (LEXAN ball), they are extremely tough and hold up under tough conditions. I've yet to strip one out.
I did take my oldest one - figuring it was nearing the end of its life - and cut it apart to see how it worked. Found out it wasn't really all that worn. So, after taking a bunch of pics, I epoxied it back together - and I'm still using it!
-
I have one of the later ones, the kind in the black blow mould case with the hole you can see it through.
It works well but one of the tabs broke off so I've gotta come up with a solution for the 1/4" drive shank to not fall out..
I like it better than the screwball which is just really stiff to turn,. Well at least mine is.
-
I have one of the later ones, the kind in the black blow mould case with the hole you can see it through.
It works well but one of the tabs broke off so I've gotta come up with a solution for the 1/4" drive shank to not fall out..
I like it better than the screwball which is just really stiff to turn,. Well at least mine is.
Yes, that was the big fault with the design. Pratt and Read brought it back around 2005 and the shaft had a detent ball on it where it slid into the square hole. Much better holding, no plastic tab to break.
-
I have one of the later ones, the kind in the black blow mould case with the hole you can see it through.
It works well but one of the tabs broke off so I've gotta come up with a solution for the 1/4" drive shank to not fall out..
I like it better than the screwball which is just really stiff to turn,. Well at least mine is.
Yes, that was the big fault with the design. Pratt and Read brought it back around 2005 and the shaft had a detent ball on it where it slid into the square hole. Much better holding, no plastic tab to break.
Definitely sounds like a better design.
-
I could have bought a set for $5 the other day....
-
I could have bought a set for $5 the other day....
If it came in the clear plastic tube with attachments and bits that'd be a steal!
-
I could have bought a set for $5 the other day....
If it came in the clear plastic tube with attachments and bits that'd be a steal!
.
It did...... ???
-
OK, I was in the shop earlier and noticed a one pound coffee can full of ratcheting ball drivers. Knowing I had more than that I dug around and got all of them together for a family pic.
Yikes! I'm done I tell you, done. No more ratcheting ball drivers! :ecomcity:
-
<snip snip snip>
Yikes! I'm done I tell you, done. No more ratcheting ball drivers! :ecomcity:
I believe you and sure you really are done. No more for you.
Until you find the next one.
-
Since retiring from the garage, have had reason to use my yellow Screwball diver. Had it a long time,just never fit in my routine til now. Kind of nice in the hand.
-
So how are you liking the little Pratt Reed examples ?
I know with the oil hole mod and oiling I gave mine it's buttery smooth and extremely fine.
-
So how are you liking the little Pratt Reed examples ?
I know with the oil hole mod and oiling I gave mine it's buttery smooth and extremely fine.
I've not used them yet, as I've had few opportunities to use the small balls, and the several EASYDRIVER mini's are within easy reach. I'm sure they'll be great when I pull them out though.
-
I picked up the larger Easydriver with the original cardboard packaging partially intact. I think it was supposed to come with more bits, but they're gone. You can see it in this pic, sorry I didn't grab a close up. It's real dirty.
Hickory n steel was kind enough to send me one of the minis. I also have 2 of the Screw Ball ratchet screwdrivers, one is NOS in the original box. I have posted pics of those here b4.
-
I originally got the Mini-balls specifically for thermostat screws. Those things get stuck into place, and most pocket screwdrivers just don't give you the grip to get them out undamaged. But now that I don't do thermostats day in and day out the Mini-balls are for computer repair and other electronics.
-
Found another EASYDRIVER at an estate sale. Nice blow-molded case, complete with hex bits and sockets. Sounds like the case HnS spoke about some time ago. $6
-
Yep that's the same one I had / have ( lost the sockets and bits, the case is in the garage somewhere )
The label is gone on mine though.
I always used it with the bit adapter because I never need nut drivers much and use a regular ratchet otherwise, but if I used a nut driver a lot this would be great.
-
When I started in HVAC I used nutdrivers to remove and install panel hex head screws. The guy that taught me used them, so, naturally that's what I used. Then I discovered they made long and stubby nutdrivers as well as the stanard, and I was really enthusiastic.
However, over several years I came across buried screws, overtight ones, etc that showed the meager grip of my VACO nut drivers. Had to get a 1/4" ratchet and some sockets to get them out. When I stumbled upon the first EASYDRIVER ball I realized I could combine the screwdriver and socket functions, while getting more torque, more comfort, and less fatigue with it. And with the right adapter all my 1/4" drive accessories fit it. So began my "collecting". Still use my nutdrivers for the lone screws, but the ball drivers have replaced them for most things.
I used one of those 1" ball drivers you sent me. Had several DVD players with various "issues" and I tore them all down and combined the working parts to get one functional unit. That tiny ball came in handy.
-
When I started in HVAC I used nutdrivers to remove and install panel hex head screws. The guy that taught me used them, so, naturally that's what I used. Then I discovered they made long and stubby nutdrivers as well as the stanard, and I was really enthusiastic.
However, over several years I came across buried screws, overtight ones, etc that showed the meager grip of my VACO nut drivers. Had to get a 1/4" ratchet and some sockets to get them out. When I stumbled upon the first EASYDRIVER ball I realized I could combine the screwdriver and socket functions, while getting more torque, more comfort, and less fatigue with it. And with the right adapter all my 1/4" drive accessories fit it. So began my "collecting". Still use my nutdrivers for the lone screws, but the ball drivers have replaced them for most things.
I used one of those 1" ball drivers you sent me. Had several DVD players with various "issues" and I tore them all down and combined the working parts to get one functional unit. That tiny ball came in handy.
I'm glad you're finding it useful.
I like the easy driver, it's the best when I need.