Ultra low profile screwdrivers - photo

[Altair]

Ultra low profile screwdrivers.




Previously:

Screwdriver bit sorting machine - GIF
1891 ratchet screwdriver - GIF
Autofeed screwdriver - GIF
Socket stubby screwdriver - photo
How screwdriver bits are made - GIF

[WmRMeyers]

Have you ever run into Chapman Tools? https://chapmanmfg.com/ They're not quite as low-profile as those you show, but they have a great variety of points, ratcheting handles, and they have a ball stop to keep them from popping out of the toolholder. My dad gave me my first set about 50 years ago. Some time in the past 30 years it spent some time in a box full of water, and they're damaged, but still usable. Sometime this year I hope to buy a new full Master Set, since I now have a safe place to keep them. They are not cheap, but worth every dime!

Bill in OKC

[mklotz]

Have you ever run into Chapman Tools? https://chapmanmfg.com/ They're not quite as low-profile as those you show, but they have a great variety of points, ratcheting handles, and they have a ball stop to keep them from popping out of the toolholder. My dad gave me my first set about 50 years ago. Some time in the past 30 years it spent some time in a box full of water, and they're damaged, but still usable. Sometime this year I hope to buy a new full Master Set, since I now have a safe place to keep them. They are not cheap, but worth every dime!


Bill in OKC

The Chapman sets are beloved of gunsmiths since they contain a generous selection of properly ground slotted screw bits of width to fill the slot and prevent cam outs. Although not a gunsmith I've had a set for decades and they deliver that perfect soupçon of satisfaction every time I use them.

That said, there are times when the length of the bits makes it difficult to get into tight spaces. That's why I was delighted to stumble upon this set...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

The individual bits are about half as long as the Chapman bits. The bit+wrench thickness is about 0.6" as versus the 1.16" of the Chapman bit+wrench. Also, the wrench ratchet can be reversed via a toggle as opposed to the Chapman where the bit must be removed and installed the other way round.

Overall, a bargain at $18; highly recommended.

[desbromilow]

thanks for the lead Marv!!! I borrowed a set of chapmans when I first started in gunsmithing - they were great to use, but unfortunately never got a set of my own - back on the list

[Toolmaker51]

My favorite; the reverse achieved by turning over handle, but no pawl and ratchet. They had lobed (really more like a chord, but a shallow inclined step) cam inside a round hard bushing, the space taken up with a dowel pin. Smallest possible angular increments of reset and capable of delivering serious torque, no teeth to strip. No matter how far swung back, it re-engaged almost immediately.

Cue Marv, he'll know the name. I always thought they'd be a terrific addition for a shift mechanism, far more dependable than spring and ball or plunger detent.

[WmRMeyers]

My favorite; the reverse achieved by turning over handle, but no pawl and ratchet. They had lobed (really more like a chord, but a shallow inclined step) cam inside a round hard bushing, the space taken up with a dowel pin. Smallest possible angular increments of reset and capable of delivering serious torque, no teeth to strip. No matter how far swung back, it re-engaged almost immediately.

Cue Marv, he'll know the name. I always thought they'd be a terrific addition for a shift mechanism, far more dependable than spring and ball or plunger detent.

That sounds like the Chapman tools.

[mklotz]

thanks for the lead Marv!!! I borrowed a set of chapmans when I first started in gunsmithing - they were great to use, but unfortunately never got a set of my own - back on the list

When you do get one, don't cheap out and get one of the sets that doesn't include the screwdriver handle and extension. Both are as useful as the bits themselves. Note that the ratchet can be used on the extension to provide a ratcheting, high torque screwdriver - that and a little heat and a shot of Kroil will loosen most any small fastener.

This slightly less expensive package didn't exist when I got mine...

https://www.amazon.com/Chapman-MFG-8...46&sr=8-3&th=1

This is the one I have although mine came in a somewhat different box...

https://www.amazon.com/Chapman-MFG-6...s%2C146&sr=8-5

[mklotz]

Speaking of miniature ratchet wrenches...


After I jury rigged a 4 mm ratchet wrench...

Miniature 4 mm ratchet wrench

I stumbled across this...

https://www.amazon.com/Reversible-Ra...s%2C131&sr=8-3

on Amazon.

Being one who has never seen a tool I did not want to own, I purchased one immediately.

[Toolmaker51]

Nope.
None of those are like I mentioned. If there is a lever, it has a pawl.
The roller lock was completely self controlled, besides flipping 180 for change of rotation, and the body/ handle is machined, not a stamping.

Not one to slight Chapman Tools, I coveted a set long before I could buy my own. Go to their site, unbelievable they are such a small footprint, so long established, supplying so many high level entities; or endorsed by Jay Leno.
Count me impressed.

[NortonDommi]

Have you ever run into Chapman Tools? https://chapmanmfg.com/ They're not quite as low-profile as those you show, but they have a great variety of points, ratcheting handles, and they have a ball stop to keep them from popping out of the toolholder. My dad gave me my first set about 50 years ago. Some time in the past 30 years it spent some time in a box full of water, and they're damaged, but still usable. Sometime this year I hope to buy a new full Master Set, since I now have a safe place to keep them. They are not cheap, but worth every dime!

Bill in OKC

Daughter 'borrowed' mine 10 years ago and keeps forgetting to bring it back. Super handy.