The First Cordless Drill

Here we are in the 21st century, and everything is just so high-tech. There are exceptions of course, and in the world of cool tools, there are plenty of oldies that serve a useful function while still having a neutral carbon footprint. So today I give you the Yankee Screwdriver, still the quickest “green” way to turn a screw.

The earliest versions of this tool were manufactured by the Decatur Coffin Company in the late 19th century and were not reversible, leading to the old saw about undertakers needing only a clockwise driver in their work. This tool quickly became popular, and it was a staple of the carpenter’s tool chest well into the mid-20th century. Looking like a long screwdriver with an interesting, cross grooved, spring-loaded shaft, it operates simply by pushing on it, which causes it to rotate in the direction that you set via a small switch. The spiral grooves, a design lifted from the ancient Archimedean drill, are what translates the pushing force into a turning motion.

The current versions of this tool have a bit advantage over the vintage model. They come with a standard 1/4-inch bit holder so you can plug any hex-shanked power bit into it. Drill holes, drive surprisingly large screws, and after each cycle a spring returns the tool to its starting point with a solid click. The really nice versions of this tool are still made in Germany and run $55 to $69 dollars. They have the traditional mahogany stained wood handle and operate like everything else that our friends across the water make: Beautifully. Eazypower also makes two models that are actually quite serviceable, have plastic handles, sell for $25 to $30 dollars, and you already know where they’re made!

Quick Tip: Follow the oldtimer’s advice and don’t forget to oil the mechanism.

All products listed here are available at W.C. Winks Hardware
200 SE Stark St., Portland, OR. Call 503-227-5536 for more information.