Thread: Split Nuts Screwdriver?

Originally Posted by Scribbly Gum

Is there such a thing?
I have some backsaws with split nuts that have the flat screw divided by the threaded part of the thingie from the other side.
Is there a screwdriver that will allow these to be tightened? What are these called if they exist?
Several of mine are loose.
Anyone?

Tis a doddle to make yer own.

See the jarrah jandled tool amongst this lot - that's a home made slotted screw driver made from a retempered old file.

I have an old screw driver that i cut a slot in with the 4" angle grinder, does the job.

Originally Posted by Claw Hama

I have an old screw driver that i cut a slot in with the 4" angle grinder, does the job.

ditto

Originally Posted by Scribbly Gum

Is there such a thing?
I have some backsaws with split nuts that have the flat screw divided by the threaded part of the thingie from the other side.
Is there a screwdriver that will allow these to be tightened? What are these called if they exist?
Several of mine are loose.
Anyone?

Lie Nielsen sell them.
They are easy to make. I made one out of a big old turnscrew.

Lie Nielsen Split Nut Driver for Dovetail Saw Nut | Fine Hand Saws | Highland Woodworking

Tools for Working Wood in NY City sells these split nut drivers, make a handle and you're in business:

The Gramercy Tools Split Nut Driver at Tools for Working Wood

This is made from a 1/2" spade bit picked up somewhere or other I found in my bits junk box. Ground into a screwdriver after breaking off the lead point. The slot was cut with a hacksaw (Dremel probably better, but first I have to find it) and finished with a file. Old saws have a varying range of slot sizes and this one was sized for a particular saw c. 1820.

I have used screwdrivers and hacksaw blades as well, spade bits are the best in my experience. Here is a hacksaw blade crudely cut and held in a nice boxwood padsaw handle. Sorry for the crook scan.


I plan to make one out of a brace screwdriver bit as well for larger nuts.

Cheers
Peter

Wot the others said, SG.
I made one from a large, cheeep flat-blade driver by filing out the right-sized gap. It worked perfectly well, but I have a strong aversion to brightly-coloured plastic, so made these out of an old plane blade, to fit the 3/16" & 1/4" saw bolts I've been making. The old blade was not hardened past the cap-iron slot, so the steel was easy to hacksaw & file. It's a bit too soft, really, but as I only use them on brass, it isn't a major problem. One day I'll reharden & temper them.....
(maybe. )
Cheers,

I made one from a knackered spade bit that I found on the road! I ground the end flat and square and then carefully cut the slot using an angry grinder, a Dremmel and plenty of cooling water.

Originally Posted by Woodwould

...carefully cut the slot using an angry grinder....

I used a spade bit as well, I even used the angry grinder too, but I'm ok now...




The pose value is enhanced by the walnut handle and the brass ferrule of course...

Seriously, I would advise anyone contemplating one of these to use a spade bit as the starting point. Much stronger.

Regards
Ray

Well there are lots of great ideas in all this feedback.
Many thanks to you all.
I'll see if I can't find an old spade bit and carry out some surgery on it.
Mucho Gratias to all.
SG