Proper Screwdriver

[Jim Besser]

Recently I had to open my Dipperized Lachenal to clear some gunk out of a reed.

 

The endbolts have a wide slot. I've tried numerous screwdrivers that are the correct size in terms of the bolt's diameter, but none fits the slot snugly because the blades are too thin. I've been ultra careful, but worried that eventually, I'm going to have problems.

 

Is there a particular kind of screwdriver I can look for with a thicker blade that might fit this slot? What do those of you who actually know what you're doing use?

[PeterT]

Recently I had to open my Dipperized Lachenal to clear some gunk out of a reed.

 

The endbolts have a wide slot. I've tried numerous screwdrivers that are the correct size in terms of the bolt's diameter, but none fits the slot snugly because the blades are too thin. I've been ultra careful, but worried that eventually, I'm going to have problems.

 

Is there a particular kind of screwdriver I can look for with a thicker blade that might fit this slot? What do those of you who actually know what you're doing use?

Hi Jim,

 

I have a set of jeweller's screwdrivers, the largest of which seems ideal for end-bolts. If the bolts are worn, you have to be very careful, to avoid the screwdriver slipping.

 

Your mail has just reminded me to get out the small "repair kit" for Saturday's trip to Chippenham. The kit also consists of a tiny screwdriver, plus one of intermediate size. In addition, I take two small pairs of pliers, two small files, some spare springs and a couple of valves and pads.

 

One time I forgot the kit, I was playing for "Old Palace Clog" at Towersey Festival. Main stage, and my box developed an unexpected drone due to a broken spring . Luckily, I was one of three musicians, we were on our last dance of the set, and "Hobgoblin Music" were close at hand, enabling me to carry out a repair, using their tools, before the next dance spot.

 

Regards,

Peter.

[Stephen Chambers]

Is there a particular kind of screwdriver I can look for with a thicker blade that might fit this slot? What do those of you who actually know what you're doing use?

Jim,

 

I have about two dozen different screwdrivers, and choose the one that fits that particular set of bolts the best. But the ones I find I'm using most these days were bought (and made) in Germany; the brand name is Bravo, and they're called the Slim Line Maxi. They've got very good chrome-vanadium ground blades that don't slip; the 3mm is an excellent fit for the bolts on the Lachenal I'm working on today, but the 4mm is thicker and better for wider slots.

[Bob Tedrow]

The best screwdriver blades are like coffee. Freshly ground.

 

The tip of a screwdriver should be sharp and square; the blade angle only a few degrees.

 

Screwdrivers should be ground to fit one size of screw slot. The blade should just enter the slot without any undue effort. Using a too small or too big will eventually ruin the screw slot.

 

Try this little exercise.

 

Hold your screwdriver blade parallel to the ground. Put the screw on the end of the screwdriver and see if it stays on the blade. If it falls off, either the slot is bunged up or the blade is not ground correctly.

 

If a screw slot is worn, it is even more important to have a sharp screwdriver.

 

 

regards.

 

 

Tool Time Tedrow

[Ken_Coles]

I believe it is the baffles article on the Concertina Library (www.concertina.com) that recommends a particular screwdriver made in Massachusetts. I was living there at the time I first read it and bought a couple.

They fit my bolts in the way Bob Tedrow suggests - your experience may vary.

[Jim Besser]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I'm going to try the Starrett screwdrivers and see if they work.

[Clive Thorne]

As Bob seems to be suggesting (apologies if I read too much into your post Bob), why not take a slightly oversized screw driver and grind it to fit ? You could also harden/temper it, but for the force and frequency you should require for concertina end screws it would probably not be nessecary.

 

Then keep it in your concertina box and don't be tempted to use it for anything else!

 

Clive.

[d.elliott]

As Bob seems to be suggesting (apologies if I read too much into your post Bob), why not take a slightly oversized screw driver and grind it to fit ? You could also harden/temper it, but for the force and frequency you should require for concertina end screws it would probably not be nessecary.

 

Then keep it in your concertina box and don't be tempted to use it for anything else!

 

Clive.

 

 

This grinding to suit is what I have always done, for me the rotating 'head' of the screw driver handle is the first necessity, then the grinding of the blade tip to suit narrower 'cheese' or slot of the tightest undamaged end bolt head you can find. Finally: the simple bit, fit a bit of plastic tube over the driver blade to shroud the whole length of the driver blade and particularly its tip.

 

When you are using the driver, the plastic tube slips over the bolt head preventing the driver from slipping off and adding yet another cut into the intrument's nicely polished end plate. I fit the tube slightly over- length to the blade and tip. Warm the plastic covered driver tip in boiling water and jam it onto an old bolt and let the whole lot cool down, then remove the old bolt. This stretches the plastic and sets it as it cools, so it is easier to use. An alternative is to warm the old bolt head over the lazy flame of a fag lighter.

 

My drivers are (regrettably) French - FACOM AEF 3.5x75mm, and AEF 2.5 x 35mm, the smaller driver being used for the fine screws on thumb straps and finger slides etc. These drivers have moulded nylon like plastic handles and good rotating tops that dont seem to wear out like the traditional metal handled watchmaker's drivers.

 

Dave

[d.elliott]

As Bob seems to be suggesting (apologies if I read too much into your post Bob), why not take a slightly oversized screw driver and grind it to fit ? You could also harden/temper it, but for the force and frequency you should require for concertina end screws it would probably not be nessecary.

 

Then keep it in your concertina box and don't be tempted to use it for anything else!

 

Clive.

 

 

This grinding to suit is what I have always done, for me the rotating 'head' of the screw driver handle is the first necessity, then the grinding of the blade tip to suit narrower 'cheese' or slot of the tightest undamaged end bolt head you can find. Finally: the simple bit, fit a bit of plastic tube over the driver blade to shroud the whole length of the driver blade and particularly its tip.

 

When you are using the driver, the plastic tube slips over the bolt head preventing the driver from slipping off and adding yet another cut into the intrument's nicely polished end plate. I fit the tube slightly over- length to the blade and tip. Warm the plastic covered driver tip in boiling water and jam it onto an old bolt and let the whole lot cool down, then remove the old bolt. This stretches the plastic and sets it as it cools, so it is easier to use. An alternative is to warm the old bolt head over the lazy flame of a fag lighter.

 

My drivers are (regrettably) French - FACOM AEF 3.5x75mm, and AEF 2.5 x 35mm, the smaller driver being used for the fine screws on thumb straps and finger slides etc. These drivers have moulded nylon like plastic handles and good rotating tops that dont seem to wear out like the traditional metal handled watchmaker's drivers.

 

Dave

i find allthis very interestingand helpfulBUT ,WHY, MY DRIVERS ARE REGRETTABLY FRENCH whats wrong with the french.I AM A FRANCO PHILE.

 

 

not wishing to mention apples and the like, or....., or......, but these screwdrivers are so good they should be British!

 

Dave

[Dave Higham]

but these screwdrivers are so good they should be British!

 

Dave

 

 

Dave, I know just what you mean! As someone who spent the first 30 years of my working life in Sheffield and the following 19 years of it in France, it still goes against the grain to admit that Facom tools are as good as any you'll find. The firm I work for uses nothing else. What's more, they're guarranteed for life. You break a Facom screwdriver,- they replace it!

By the way, as I read through this thread, I intended to add the 'tube over the s'driver blade' trick and the found you'd already done it. I did the same thing some 30-odd years ago for my own little concertina maintenance kit.

Edited June 14, 2006 by Dave Higham

[d.elliott]

but these screwdrivers are so good they should be British!

 

Dave

 

 

I did the same thing some 30-odd years ago for my own little concertina maintenance kit.

 

Sithi, there's nowt new undert'sun!

 

tarar

 

Dave

 

deeda deeda deeda

[Dave Higham]

Na'then, steady on mi' owd, tha'll confuse t'colonials!

[JimLucas]

Na'then, steady on mi' owd, tha'll confuse t'colonials!

I've long known that Brits and Yanks have different perspectives on various historical events... e.g., that what Yanks call "The Revolutionary War" some Brits refer to as "the unpleasantness with the colonies". But this is the first I've seen the French referred to as "t'colonials".

[Dave Higham]

this is the first I've seen the French referred to as "t'colonials".

 

Actually Jim, t'colonials I thought might be confused by 'broad Sheffild' were our cousins across t'big pond. Most of my present countrymen are confused by any sort of English. Ah thort if wi di'nt gi'oer talkin' like that, they wun't know wot wi wer on abaht.

 

 

maybe the french were better at sticking up forthemselves and their jobs in the face of multi national capatalism, that is one aspect about the french I always admire they frequently make their government back down on unpopular legislation.perhaps its because the french revolution is fresher in their collective memories.DickMiles

 

I think there's a lot of truth in what you say Dick. But the malaise is creeping in here as well. The last time we ordered new plastic moulded components from our French suppliers we found they'd had the moulds made in China. And I doubt if many of those Peugot/Citroen jobs lost by the British will be coming to France.

I seem to have digressed from screwdrivers....I'd better shut up.

[d.elliott]

Aye Dave,

 

shurrup, or dust tha mee-ane, shuthi gob??

 

Sh.... tha knows 'oo,

 

mind, yon winda on't left of n 't post's a birrofa gieaway

 

 

deeda deeda deeda!

[JimLucas]

shurrup, or dust tha mee-ane, shuthi gob??

 

Sh.... tha knows 'oo,

 

mind, yon winda on't left of n 't post's a birrofa gieaway

 

deeda deeda deeda!

Hold kæft, nu!