Making a Really Nice Nut Driver

[rgsparber]

This article, intended for those new to the metal working hobby, explains how to forge a nut driver. You will need a lathe and a few hand tools plus a heat source.

If you are interested, please see

http://rick.sparber.org/FND.pdf


Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.

[DIYer]

Very nice, Rick! Heating the rod to form the hex is clever. Is heat treatment recommended for longevity purposes?

[rgsparber]

If I was going to heat treat the tool, I would start with W-1 drill rod. Not sure it is worth the trouble given the expected number of times I will use it and how little torque I need to drive a 2-56 nut. Yet it would be an interesting experiment. Hmmm.

[Paul Jones]

Rick,

Great explanation on the technique and I agree that heat treating is probably not needed for something driving a small 2-56 nut. The 2-56 and M2.5x0.45 size nuts are pretty common on small stationary steam engine models and having a homemade nut driver would be a nice addition.

Thanks for sharing, Paul

[Captainleeward]

Great build Rick, gotta love those DIY tools oh yea....:O)

[CedarSlayer]

Nice method Rick, I will have to try it. I have made collets in bronze by carving a hexagonal hole, but your method looks easier.





I took a long hex tool and ground a high angle edge on it. This was rotated and driven with a mallet into a hole similar to the one you used.

Bob

[kbalch]

Thanks Rick! I've added your Nut Driver to our Metalworking category, as well as to your builder page: Rick Sparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Nut Driver by Rick Sparber

tags: lathe, hand tools, nut driver

[DIYer]

Thanks, Rick and Paul, for pointing out that heat treatment, in this case, is not really necessary.

[Altair]

That's an interesting method. Little machining required.

[DIYer]

I agree. Softening the metal then driving in an Allen wrench or bolt is clever.