Can't find the screwdriver... HA!

[gulfcoastfella]

This may seem like a lowbrow request, but I'm looking for a specific screwdriver to give my Dad for Christmas. I saw it advertised "Only on TV" once, and haven't seen it since. I was wondering if someone has seen the same thing and knows what it's called or where I could find one.

It's a ratcheting screwdriver. Set the ratchet one way and no matter which direction you turn the handle, the shaft rotates clockwise. Set the ratchet the other way and no matter which direction you turn the handle, the shaft rotates counter-clockwise.

Thanks in advance!

[gsal]

did you google it at all? here are a couple of choices

at amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-69-189-Ratcheting-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver/dp/B002I3TDP0/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1321923764&sr=1-2)

and

kk (http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/001049.php)

[Spinnor]

You wrote,

"Set the ratchet one way and no matter which direction you turn the handle, the shaft rotates clockwise."

From a physics standpoint, is that possible. If I apply a clockwise torque how could the screw move counterclockwise? You would need two hands for such a device to work?

For gift ideas see,

https://www.google.com/search?q=ratcheting+screwdriver&tbm=shop&hl=en&aq=2&oq=ratcheting+

[S_Happens]

^Obviously did not read the original post. Notice it's not simply a ratcheting screwdriver. (That was meant for gsal)

It's a Kobalt Double-Drive. I'll edit a link in when I find it.

Edit- Here's a description. http://toolguyd.com/2011/09/kobalt-double-drive-screwdriver-set-preview/

Looks like Lowe's online is sold out.

[gulfcoastfella]

No, those aren't the right kind of screwdriver, I guess I wasn't clear.

Assume the ratchet is in position A. Then turning the handle CW will turn the shaft CW, and turning the handle CCW will also turn the shaft CW.

Flip the ratchet switch to B and the shaft will always rotate CCW, whether you turn the handle CW or CCW.

[Spinnor]

So such a device would require two hands to operate?

[gulfcoastfella]

You wrote,

"Set the ratchet one way and no matter which direction you turn the handle, the shaft rotates clockwise."

From a physics standpoint, is that possible. If I apply a clockwise torque how could the screw move counterclockwise? You would need two hands for such a device to work?

For gift ideas see,

https://www.google.com/search?q=ratcheting+screwdriver&tbm=shop&hl=en&aq=2&oq=ratcheting+

The handle is connected to the shaft by a set of gears.

[S_Happens]

Your comment still stands incorrect. See my edited post for the link to the tool he's asking for. (Heh, we're in some kind of editing warp, where posts soon lose their context)

Link Again- Just in case http://toolguyd.com/2011/09/kobalt-double-drive-screwdriver-set-preview/

[gulfcoastfella]

^Obviously did not read the original post. Notice it's not simply a ratcheting screwdriver. (That was meant for gsal)

It's a Kobalt Double-Drive. I'll edit a link in when I find it.

Edit- Here's a description. http://toolguyd.com/2011/09/kobalt-double-drive-screwdriver-set-preview/

Looks like Lowe's online is sold out.

That's exactly what I was describing. Thanks for finding it.

[Spinnor]

From the link it looks like you use two hands and must for it to work?

Edit, reading the link further, yes.

[S_Happens]

Yes, it requires two hands. You hold the collar with one and twist with the other.

[DaveC426913]

From the link it looks like you use two hands and must for it to work?

Edit, reading the link further, yes.

You have both options.

"To engage the Double-Drive mechanism, you hold onto the screwdriver’s blue sleeve with one hand, and turn the handle with the other. If for some reason you cannot hold onto the blue sleeve with your other hand, the screwdriver will still operate in the same manner as a ratcheting screwdriver."

[gulfcoastfella]

Your comment still stands incorrect. See my edited post for the link to the tool he's asking for. (Heh, we're in some kind of editing warp, where posts soon lose their context)

Link Again- Just in case http://toolguyd.com/2011/09/kobalt-double-drive-screwdriver-set-preview/

Thanks for finding it. I just bought one on eBay since Lowe's was sold out; and if Kobalt holds the patent, that would explain why I saw the commercial for the other one just once. They must have pulled it from the air.

[S_Happens]

I suppose if you REALLY wanted you could rig up some vice grips or a clamp to hold the collar if you wanted to only use one hand. That's just silly though. :P

[S_Happens]

Thanks for finding it. I just bought one on eBay since Lowe's was sold out; and if Kobalt holds the patent, that would explain why I saw the commercial for the other one just once. They must have pulled it from the air.

I can't find the short commercial, but the one I've on TV is specifically this Kobalt one. There is a longer one with prices and all on the Kobalt site.

[HNB]

Do people really need to think about which way to unscrew and which way to screw?
Do people prefer using 2 hands than one so that they don't have to think about which way is to screw and which way to unscrew??
Did people got paid to think about such an idea and engineer that device???
Do people relly buy such thing for anything else than birthday present (or father's day)????

Einstein said 2 things have no limits... :biggrin:

[DaveC426913]

Do people really need to think about which way to unscrew and which way to screw?
Do people prefer using 2 hands than one so that they don't have to think about which way is to screw and which way to unscrew??
Did people got paid to think about such an idea and engineer that device???
Do people relly buy such thing for anything else than birthday present (or father's day)????
I think you are making assumptions about how the device is meant to make driving screws easier.
For one, it's not about 'not having to think which way to screw'. One of the things it does do is make more efficient use of the motion you already have to do anyway. It does twice as much work for the same motion.

Einstein said 2 things have no limits... :biggrin:
No he didn't. The internet is not your friend.

[HNB]

http://quoteinvestigator.com/2010/05/04/universe-einstein/

He is credited to have said it. But what is said does not engage, only what's written does (who said that?).

ANYWAY...

"more efficient use of the motion" ???

Is a simple turning rotational motion of one hand less efficient than a (less simple) turning rotational motion of one hand, while holding the other part of the screwdriver with my second hand? I'd say no

[Vanadium]

Your forgetting the limited range of torsion of the wrist, which otherwise has to do an (time-) wasting backstroke -- likely up to 4 of them per rotation of the screw.

Don't get me wrong, I just saw the ad for the first time Friday morning, and while I thought it was nifty, I felt the rationale was weak: it is only said to fully set screws faster than rachet or manual drivers--which I can imagine, but how many people really need *that* and don't use (swiveling) electric screwdrivers? Even factories usually opt for a powered drive.

I might pick one up if I see it in the bargain bin, but I wouldn't count on *needing* it often.

This, paradoxically, may make it a good gift. The mechanically minded often appreciate mechanical niftiness, but also see the impracticality. Some say the best gift is something you'd enjoy but would never buy for yourself. A young man's dad may have more money, but this tool acknowledges dad's interests, and it is easily returned (Kobalt is the store brand of one of the big US hardware chains) to get something Dad wants more, when he gets bored of it.

[Rhino169]

After seeing the animation part (around (:28 seconds) of the video of the screwdriver in action, I am still left with the physics question as to how this gearing is accomplished. See video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtGR7nkless

Is this a new method of gearing unknown before now or has their already been this type of gearing in use in a different manner. It almost appears to be magic, even when I slow down the animation part. Thanks for any insite!

[sketch]

Your forgetting the limited range of torsion of the wrist, which otherwise has to do an (time-) wasting backstroke -- likely up to 4 of them per rotation of the screw.


Isn't that what bolts and normal ratchet handles are for? At least you only need one hand....

[Rhino169]

I assume then that this is a patented device ...as far as you turn it both ways while holding the collar and it only spins in one direction? Still seems to be magic.:confused:

[S_Happens]

Isn't that what bolts and normal ratchet handles are for? At least you only need one hand....

You CAN only use one hand with this device. If you do, then it works EXACTY like a normal ratcheting screwdriver. If you can/do use two hands and hold the collar, then the wasted stroke to ratchet it is instead ALSO used to turn the screw.

I assume then that this is a patented device ...as far as you turn it both ways while holding the collar and it only spins in one direction? Still seems to be magic.:confused:

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." -A. C. Clarke

Of course it's going to be patented. Not being able to come up with an idea of how it works right off the top of your head shouldn't bother you. The video doesn't give you enough information to figure it out without any previous knowledge. Buy one and disassemble it if you like. (then post pics)

[cmb]

You have both options.

"To engage the Double-Drive mechanism, you hold onto the screwdriver’s blue sleeve with one hand, and turn the handle with the other. If for some reason you cannot hold onto the blue sleeve with your other hand, the screwdriver will still operate in the same manner as a ratcheting screwdriver."

Aww.. shame. There goes the best option I have had this year for finding a Christmas present that defied the laws of physics!

Maybe I'll find one for next year...

[cmb]

Incidentally, mechanics have been doing this 'double drive' with a ratchet socket and extension bar for ages - what you do is grasp the extension bar in one fist and as you work the ratchet socket handle one way let the shaft slip, then while you are rotating the ratchet back against its 'click-click' ratchet you slide your grip as far around on the extension bar as you can, grip it, and then rotate that in the direction your doing the screw/bolt. This gives you double the 'periodic' angle of rotation through which you rotate the ratchet handle (twice as much as if you were to only grip the extension bar and hold it static). This screwdriver does exactly this.

I still prefer my Stanley Yankee ratcheting extending screwdriver. Much quicker, and definitely one handed!

It's a neat package all the same and looks like it would make a good Christmas present.

[S_Happens]

Now that you mention it, I do frequently do that. It only works on fasteners that are loose enough. I also pull the ratchet off and simply spin the extension with both hands.

[cmb]

Now that you mention it, I do frequently do that. It only works on fasteners that are loose enough.

I think this screwdriver will also only work on fasteners loose enough, because in the 'reverse' phase of the screw cycle it will be your grip on that thumb-wheel part that will be applying the torque, and I don't think you're going to be able to apply much with your fingertips into that.

[S_Happens]

It's a larger diameter than any extension that you're going to use, and textured vs polished/smooth.

But I agree, it will only turn fasteners that are loose enough that it is able to turn them. :biggrin:

[sketch]

Do people really need to think about which way to unscrew and which way to screw?
Do people prefer using 2 hands than one so that they don't have to think about which way is to screw and which way to unscrew??
Did people got paid to think about such an idea and engineer that device???
Do people relly buy such thing for anything else than birthday present (or father's day)????

Einstein said 2 things have no limits... :biggrin:

^^^This

[S_Happens]

The part that's even better than you simply quoting the person in this thread that really didn't understand the device, is that it was already addressed by multiple other posts.

BTW, I did get one for Xmas.