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Ultra low profile screwdrivers.
https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...s_fullsize.jpg
Previously:
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...673#post193666
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...484#post193003
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...185#post165339
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...523#post162451
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...381#post161854
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by WmRMeyers
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.
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Toolmaker51
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by desbromilow
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
Speaking of miniature ratchet wrenches...
After I jury rigged a 4 mm ratchet wrench...
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...t-wrench-86737
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.
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.
Daughter 'borrowed' mine 10 years ago and keeps forgetting to bring it back. Super handy.Quote:
Originally Posted by WmRMeyers
Ummm, the "correct" answer is to gift her the set she took, and buy another set for yourself... or two, or three! ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by NortonDommi
Bill
Well, if you ever remember the name, I'd like to know what they are. I'm with Marv. I've never seen a tool I didn't want.Quote:
Originally Posted by Toolmaker51
Hi! My name is Bill, and I'm a toolohaulic!
Hi! My name is ________________, and I'm a toolohaulic!Quote:
Originally Posted by WmRMeyers
They aren't marked. First examples I remember were retail imports, pair of super stubby Phillips and Flat screwdrivers, with round shanks. That diameter fit in the cam I've described, for accessing difficult fasteners like fender-well trim screws.
I remember those little roller ratchets. I had one until someone decided that they needed it more than I did. I'm pretty sure that mine was Blue-Point branded. I have no idea who made it, but it was not Snap-on. I think that they were house branded for quite a few tool companies.
I don't care for the Chapman. It has a coarse action and lots of back drag.
My favorite bit ratchets are:
https://cutleryshoppe.com/victorinox...ive-4-25-long/
It's a roller ratchet with the smallest head that I have found. The action is smooth but has a bit more back drag than I would like.
https://vimtools.com/product/hbr5/
This is made by Hi-Five in Taiwan. It's been house branded for a number of tool companies. The thumb ring is stamped "Reverse Gear"
Note! senlow's offering of https://vimtools.com/product/hbr5/ site recognizes nothing manufactured is perfect or everlasting. First page shows not only the wrench (yes, they are sold under different brands) but, are you sitting down? I'll wait......
They itemize and describe spare and repair parts?
They itemize and describe spare and repair parts!
They itemize and describe spare and repair parts :idea:
Thanks so much for recommending our tools! As you probably know we're a small shop (about 15 of us!) and the vast majority of our new sales come via word of mouth from existing customers. I really appreciate you plugging our tools and for supporting USA manufacturing.
Thanks again,
Joel
Chapman MFG
In this sort of "chapman" style tools, this is my hands down all time favorite:
https://wfmc.shop/
obviously NOT inexpensive but you will be hard pressed to wear one out in a lifetime of use. Very fine tooth ratchet for swing in tight spaces, and you can apply what feels to be an inappropriate amount of torque to it and not strip out the tool. A pleasure to use.
I have Chapman sets as well, they are nice tools, I particularly like the quality of the bits.
I also have one of these sets that I picked up as an impulse buy at the local NAPA parts store and find it surprisingly nice for an inexpensive tool:
https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-9726-Mi.../dp/B000XW4C8Q
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toolmaker51
Wow, thank you!
I've been here 9 years this summer and it has been an adventure. Some of the most interesting tidbits we've learned from customers because unfortunately the previous owners didn't keep many records. A couple years ago someone in the Seattle area found an old Chapman set on the side of railroad tracks and mailed it to us. It has a label on the inside stating the list price as designated by the OPA, which established price ceilings for essential goods during WWII to prevent price gouging. We knew that our tools were used by the military but did not realize that they were integral to the war effort.
I wish I could see all the places our tools have gone!
Joel
Chapman MFG
Well, you'll need aircraft, ships, submarines, spacecraft, bicycles, vehicles, motorcycles, engine builders, motor builders, pump service shops, gunsmiths, even people assembling the safest weapons known...Quote:
Originally Posted by chapmanmfg
I even know of at least 1 housewife who has owned a setQuote:
Originally Posted by Toolmaker51
Joel, if your stuff wasn't good, I wouldn't recommend it. :) What I have here is a Kit #6320 with 7 of the bits missing. I recently ordered individual Phillips bits P1, P2, P3, & P4, not that there's a place for them in the box. Just wanted those around. As I've time and money, I'll be replacing the ones that are missing, which are Allen head, mostly. I've got to do a good inventory. Attachment 42658Quote:
Originally Posted by chapmanmfg
Pretty sure I've mentioned that I've had these for quite some time, perhaps nearly 50 years. And they weren't new when I got them.
Wow, that's an antique set, and it looks like it has had a lot of use! People love those old red cases even though if you drop one everything falls out. I wish I could get more of them and come out with a vintage set, but the manufacturer went out of business sometime in the late 80's which was when we switched to the plastic yellow cases. I don't think the yellow cases look as cool but at least they stay shut when dropped!
Joel
