Tool Hound Favorites: Screw-Holding Screwdriver

comments (2) July 14th, 2011 in Blogs

Justin Fink, Senior Editor

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For today's random, favorite, can't live without tool, we hear from fellow editor, of There's a Better Way fame, Charles Miller:

"One measure of how important I consider a tool is how much time I’m willing to spend looking for it when it’s not in its box. So you can bet that when it comes time to install electrical outlet switch and cover plates, I’ll search high and low for my split-blade screwdriver. This dinosaur of a tool is just what I need to deal with the relic of the fastener world: the slotted screw.

The shaft of this screwdriver is split lengthwise, and the two halves are held together in a movable tube. Slide the tube forward and the screwdriver’s two-piece tip expands outward, gripping the sides of a slotted-screw’s slot. It actually works, and makes targeting switch-plate screw holes almost fun." - Charles Miller

Couldn't agree more, Chuck! I remember seeing these in my father's tool box and have been using one ever since. Here's one source: Newman Tools, Inc but this tool should be easy enough to find at any auto or electrical supply store or well-stocked hardware/tool outlet.

Another cool twist on this concept is for Philips head screws. Greenlee makes one that I know of: #2 Screw Holding Screwdriver

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posted in: Blogs, electrical, screwdriver

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Comments (2)

inspector69 writes: Snap-On Tools is a good source for this tool, so check your local auto repair shop for the local dealer
Posted: 1:41 pm on July 18th

twoxfour writes: I have been looking for the old screwdriver that holds screws
(both slotted and phillips) using a fitted sheet metal sleeve over the shaft of the screwdriver, the sping sleeve pulls back holding the screw. Does anyone know a source for this item?
Thank You
Posted: 12:36 pm on July 18th

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