Passing down tools

[smorris]

We had our Memorial Day Bar-B-Q yesterday since everyone could make it then. When My MIL showed up she said she had some stuff for me. It was a bunch of her fathers tools. A brand new in the original box screwdriver, one of those one that you push and it retracts and spins, can't remember what they're called. I don't think I've seen one of those since I was a kid. The real eye-catcher was a Stanley #3 cherry wood level in the original box. That looked like it had seen some gentle use and been well cared for. That one will find a place of honor in my shop. I don't know what it is, but having a quality tool passed down is something special to me, is that so irrational?

[cabinetman]

Sounds like a "Yankee Screwdriver" AKA "ratcheting screwdriver".
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[smorris]

Sounds like a "Yankee Screwdriver" AKA "ratcheting screwdriver".
.

Thanks, always nice to have the proper name for things. Don't know that I'll ever have a use for that but I'll put it in the drawer of seldom used tools to protect it.

[pelligrini]

The screwdriver is often referred to as a 'Yankee driver'. Mcfeely's carries a few bit holders. I've been meaning to get one for my #131 so I can use my other driver bits.

Not irrational at all. I'm not sure if your MIL realizes it, but I would consider it an honor to receive tools like that. Especially ones coming from someone who took good care of them.

[smorris]

The screwdriver is often referred to as a 'Yankee driver'. Mcfeely's carries a few bit holders. I've been meaning to get one for my #131 so I can use my other driver bits.

Not irrational at all. I'm not sure if your MIL realizes it, but I would consider it an honor to receive tools like that. Especially ones coming from someone who took good care of them.

I'll take a look at Mcfeely's, if they have phillips and robertson bits for it then I can see me using it instead of a screwgun when I don't need to heft all that weight for a couple screws or in tight spots. Thanks for the tip.

[chopnhack]

Those yankee screwdrivers are also really good at drilling when you can't make noise

[pelligrini]

Just search Yankee, http://www.mcfeelys.com/search/yankee

I was looking at the Magnetic holder with the collar for 1/4" hex bits. http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/AMR-...Mag-Bit-Holder I've seen bit assortments on ebay, but they usually end up going for more than one of those holders.

[LCHIEN]

Sears also still carries the Yankee tools and accessories.

[LinuxRandal]

Thanks, always nice to have the proper name for things. Don't know that I'll ever have a use for that but I'll put it in the drawer of seldom used tools to protect it.

On the day, you have a power failure, and your screwgun/impact driver/drill's batteries are dead, you will find out how useful they are, when you have 3" screws to drive.

[Thalermade]

We had our Memorial Day Bar-B-Q yesterday since everyone could make it then. When My MIL showed up she said she had some stuff for me. It was a bunch of her fathers tools. A brand new in the original box screwdriver, one of those one that you push and it retracts and spins, can't remember what they're called. I don't think I've seen one of those since I was a kid. The real eye-catcher was a Stanley #3 cherry wood level in the original box. That looked like it had seen some gentle use and been well cared for. That one will find a place of honor in my shop. I don't know what it is, but having a quality tool passed down is something special to me, is that so irrational?

No it is not irrational.
I consider myself a custodian of my Grandfather's tools.

When my Dad passed away, I was the only kid who had an interest in the small handmade box full of tools that my Dad had taken possession of when his Father died. My brother ask me not to sell them, but to pass them on to one of my kids, and if they are interested, teach them how to use them.

I use a few of the tools, and will use more as time goes by. My Dad told me that he added a couple things and took out a couple things, but basically the chest was the same as when his Dad last used it. Of course there were numerous items that I did not know what they were - that I now know. I wish I had talked to Dad more about the tools, but then again, we never expected him to die at the age of 63.

One interesting note: every plane, spoke shave and chisel was sharp and ready to use. And the hand saws only needed minor "tune ups".

Tools may appreciate in value, but often times they are appreciated even more when used.

Take care,
Russ

[dbhost]

I had an old Yankee drill / driver set. They are actually WAY more useful to me than a modern cordless set... I wish I knew where mine was these days!