Offset screwdrivers

[Bill Houghton]

A recent post on another forum led me to pull out my offset screwdrivers to admire them; I thought I'd post a picture or two.

The larger group are standard offset drivers of the "L" style.  A lot of these came from my Uncle Charlie, but I've kind of lost track of which ones (I was, in fact, quite surprised at how many I've acquired!).  Some, like the third one from the left, have been modified, generally shortened, to fit particular applications.  Others are as the factory issued them.  This particular style often seems to call for anonymity, but some of them are marked.

The smaller group of two are interesting drivers.  The one, with the square midway in its length and four screw tips, is a product of General Tool, and was offered until pretty recently (I can't find it on their website anymore).  The design is nifty looking, but the tips are small enough to be limited in use (although, for the screws it fits, it's a lovely driver).

The other, my newest find, is from Indestro.  The odd 45 degree tips are interesting, although the strong taper in width limits where it can be used; for the one application I tried it on, the taper got in the way.

[EVILDR235]

I have about 8 or 10 around here. Don't have to use them very much, but sometimes it is the only tool that will work for the job. I pickup good quality ones whenever i find them. Most i see nowadays are made in China and are junk.

EvilDr235

[1930]

I like the general tool one, if you see another Id like to have it.

[mikeswrenches]

The "General Tool" version was also available from Craftsman(I have one I bought many years ago), and also Millers Falls, I sold that one.  I have a hunch they were also available from others also.

Mike

[EVILDR235]

The Craftsman comes with both a square and round body version. I just discovered that while looking thru mine just now.

EvilDr235

[lbgradwell]

My Millers Falls...





and the Craftsman version (supplied by Millers Falls):

[EVILDR235]

My General one is marked THE GENERAL HARDWARE MANUFACTURING CO. NEW YORK USA. My square Craftsman has a different style logo than yours. I call it the crown style logo. I just found a Miller Falls one also out in my garage tool chest.

EvilDr235

[Lostmind]

I have several myself. The best is an ancient Snap On. I have a ratcheting offset , phillips on one side and
straight blade on the other. A little difficult to use , but sometimes the only tool that can do the job.
I think it's a General also. Way to cold to dig them out and get photos.

[bonneyman]

Nice collection.

I have a few. Don't use them much. (The Chapman ratcheting bit driver gets all the tucked away places).
Next time I'm out in the shop, I'll try to gather them all together and grab some pics.