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Good evening from Texas. I recently purchased a Stanley Yankee 135A screwdriver. The screwdriver is in great shape but the handle is buggered up. Does anyone know how Stanley put their maroon finish on the handle? I do not know if it is a stain or a paint. Any information would be appreciated. I really enjoy your Woodworking Forum. Chris
Hi,
Originally, these were made by North Bros before they were bought by Stanley. Stanley manufactured them in both the US and the UK. The final Stanley branded ones were made in Germany.
I couldn't guarantee that they all had the same finish on the handle!
I have various Yankee brand screwdrivers spanning many decades and sources.
The handles of mine vary quite a bit in colour and finish.
There is a brief history here:
Yankee Style Spiral Ratchet Screwdrivers Various Manufacturers
Here are a couple of references to some restorations by others:
Yankee Screwdriver Maintenance
Ron's Woodshop: Featured Tool: Yankee Screwdriver
If you want to work out what your handle uses, there are some tests you can do by using ever increasing strength solvents. See here for details:
http://www.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/FACTSHTS/HF-LRA.053.PDF
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publi.../fl-hi-500.pdf
Let us know how you go!
It depends on when it was made the "Yankee" brand and some early "Stanley Yankee's" the handel was stained, the maroon finish was painted on
I would like to thank you for the information you provided. It was very helpful. Chris
My Yankee is a 131 B, made in Germany. The handle is the same maroon colour, but moulded in some synthetic material.
I found it was gathering dust because the bits were not compatible with modern day screws, so I made an adapter to accept the hexagon type bits. What a pleasure to have an old friend back in service.