Hand drill question

[coolford]

This hand drill (or is it a multi tool) was in a box of older stuff I bought at a garage sale.  It is in great condition and the wood looks like one of the expensive types.  It appears to have a top and a bottom as there is a ring of leather between them.  I figured it would come apart, but as hard as I have tried it is as shown.  I have shaken it and it doesn't sound like anything is inside.  One other item, it has a circle of metal in the top of the top section.  No name on it anywhere.

[lptools]

Hello, Coolford. What do the chuck jaws look like? From what I see, I would say Tool Holder, or possibly a haft, or sewing awl. Regards, Lou

[coolford]

Hi---the jaws in the chuck make a 90 degree angle, probably made to accept square tools.  They open to just over 1/4 inch.  Should it come apart?

[amecks]

It certainly looks like it should come apart.  If you heat wood will it expand like metal?  Maybe you could hold the cap over a light bulb for minute or so and see if the cap loosens.  Be careful.

[wvtools]

It is a tool handle.  The cap should come off to expose the hollow handle that holds the bits.  Maybe you will get lucky and someone jammed a few extra bits above the standard 8 or 10 in there.  They usually shake.  Tools that I have seen in them include brad awl (different sizes), awl (round and diamond), screwdriver (different sizes), gimlet (different sizes), saw, chisel (different sizes), reamer, tack lifter, and countersink.  Some have a wrench for the chuck if it is that type.

One of the very  first tools in my collection many years ago was a tool handle.  I had no idea what it was.  One day I was sitting around drinking a beer, and was shaking it.  I heard the bits inside and opened the end.  Our first dog liked to chew wood, and chewed it up.  So, I no longer have it.

[lptools]

Hello, Coolford. The wood threads on those caps are often found damaged, from cross threading , or over tightening. Could be swelled from moisture, humidity/damp storage. Maybe a hair dryer for heat. Good luck with your efforts, Lou

[Bill Houghton]

If heat doesn't work, put it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a day, and see if that frees it up.

Yes, multitool handle.  They're nifty little things, and that looks like a nice one.

[coolford]

Thanks for the ideas, will give them a try and report the results.

[bird]

more often then not, someone has tried to repair the threads with plane ole' glue. If you wiggle the handle back and forth enough, it will probably come off. I do have the tools that would go in there. If it's a really beautiful handle and you get it loose, let me know

[coolford]

I'm still trying Bird!