Thread: Yankee Screwdriver Question

Hold the bit in your left hand and with your right hand, grasp the knurled part as circled in image below and pull it back towards the handle and it will release the bit.

Attachment 143483

That was quick DJ, thanks for that.
I have held and pulled as instructed, worked like a well oiled machine...I suppose it is really
Do you know if there is much of a market for them? Are they valuable at all?
thanks again
rod

No idea on market or value.

Have you twisted the other knurled bit to release the spiral section?

If not hold it pointed away from you as it does shoot out

thanks for the tip mate.
Yes I had figured out that function...bit like a screwdriver on viagra

Thanks to those of you who checked out this post and to DJ for the feedback .
As I have no idea how much they are worth I have listed them on eBay tonite, so if you would like to add them to your collection, please check them out and you may just get a bargain.
I will no doubt have another question or ten over the coming days as the depths of Dad's collection is explored.
Thanks again

Rod

PS I have other hand tools on ebay at the moment too including some Marples/Stanley/Turner screwdrivers. Worth a look if you are into that kind of thing

My Grandfather has a couple of those...he and I both prefer the electric version

Rocket , check out this for a rundown on them http://www.nickh.org/yankee/

I inherited several also but they came with bad memories. IMHO they were a bad idea when invented, I hated using them, or trying to.
I discarded mine but now they are having a revival among collectors.
Enjoy, if you can.

Hi Rocket1975,
I also inherited one from my Dad which he used when working as a cabinet maker. We thought it was a great tool; I just wished he had been better mentally (Alzheimers) to appreciate the cordless drills we all use now.

It's been a while since I have used the Yankee but I remember it worked best with Phillips heads. It was a bit tricky using it for straight cut heads as you had to get the tip of the driver pretty well centred.

I'm interested in how much you get for it.

They are not worth much. To get even that they need to be in good condition - bright nickel plating and red-painted handles.



I have a couple ..



And yes, only used with philips screws. Also, they are great without the long shaft for driving the rachet. What I like is that you can keep the shaft retracted and the rachet still works.

You can get adapters for them from Lee Valley.

Regards from Perth

Derek

thanks again for all the replies, it seems that these tools certainly were memorable, love em or hate em, they have a legacy regardless.
Interesting reading about the history of them, gotta love a Yankee made in Britain
My father-in-law also mentioned to me that they were deadly, slipping off the screw and gouging nasty marks in the job, I imagine that a phillips head bit would make that less likely, but before they were around, there was no choice I suppose.
Yes it will be interesting to see if anyone is willing to part with some $ for them, I hope that a collector somewhere will take a shine to them.
rod

These Yankees are not obsolete by a long way. Those (like myself) who use them swear by them. Sometimes theyare the only tool to fit into small spaces, or those hard-to-reach spots. They are not Collector tools - they are User tools.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Thanks Derek, each to their own I suppose, as long as mine find their way into the hands of someone who wants them, either to use or collect, it's gotta be better than them ending up in the tip or at the bottom of my toolbox.
Rod

Originally Posted by derekcohen

These Yankees are not obsolete by a long way. Those (like myself) who use them swear by them. Sometimes theyare the only tool to fit into small spaces, or those hard-to-reach spots. They are not Collector tools - they are User tools.

Regards from Perth

Derek

I use mine when decking = couple of pushes with a quill drill - drop in a robertson screw and drive it home

If needs be drive it the rest of the way with a brace (unless some bxxxxr has stolen your little japanese, redhandled 3 jaw chuck brace - see another thread)

Recharge with a pie or Saigon pork roll and you dont have to wait for the green light to come on

Neil in sunny downtown Queanbeyan