Dumb question about Yankee Screwdriver

[Jesse Cloud]

Pardon the ignorance, but I'm a tailed-tool guy who's just waking up to the joy of hand tools. The tool in question is a yankee screwdriver I bought on EBay. I love the tool, it feels great and I have more control than with a power screwdriver. But, this one does not automatically ratchet back out. Do I have a bad spring or does this one not spring back by design. There is a big screw on the end of the handle that I suspect might give access to a spring if there is one, but I don't want to stumble in without some idea of what I'm likely to find. Also, on the metal tip, there is a part that looks like it would screw off and a tiny straight piece that looks like it would push down (maybe to allow the knurled knob to screw out??).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, before I wind up with a mess of parts on the kitchen table pursuing a fool's errand :confused:

Thanks in advance.
Jess

[David Abel]

Read this about return springs http://www.nickh.org/yankee/

yours may not have one.

[Bob Smalser]

The spring is contained by the nut at the top of the handle. Soak it in mineral spirits first, as often the wood handle has shrunk oblong around the nut and you'll chip wood getting it off.

You probably don't have one because most of us take them out and throw them away. Works just fine without it. Otherwise it's just a matter of time before you gouge an expensive piece of brightwork with it.

I have a drawer full of Yankee 131 springs if you really want one.

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/5457882/70304708.jpg

You should also extend your screwdriving arsenal to the brace, as they take modern hex head bits nicely in addition to purpose-made bits. Even the Yankee doesn't equal the brace for either power or precision driving or removing screws. In a boat shop the Yankee is only used for small jobs...carpal tunnel preservation demands the brace. Sure, we use DeWalt power drivers...but only to run them up close...quality threads and a long, rot-free life require seating those screws by hand.

As I watch youngsters today jump at those pretty "cabinet screwdrivers", I can only wonder how soon their forearms will fall off. ;)

[Kevin French]

Jesse A MUCH easier way to get the spring action we're looking for is to buy one with a spring in it. I have a couple without spring and like them also.
They are very inexpensive at flea markets, I've found 3 in the dump.

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Jesse

I have a couple of #135s, a #31 and a #131. They are used frequently. 95% of the time I keep them in ratchet mode only. For me, this is their biggest asset since they are much easier/more comfortable to use than a non-ratcheting screwdriver.

<center><div><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Screwdrivers/ScrewdriversWC.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> <br /></center>

One of the #135s is set up with a multi-bit attachment, while the others are used with Philips bits. I have a set of cabinetmakers screwdrivers for woodscrews. There is also a set of Perfect Handle screwdrivers for all the odd jobs (yes, including removing the lids of paint tins!).

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Richard Niemiec]

Where does one get phillips bits to fit these Yankee drivers? I've only seen slotted. Or do you make them from screwdrivers and notch them yourself? regards.

Rich

[Kevin French]

Even better here's the adapter you'd put in a Screwgun made fpr a Yankee driver. You can put Phillips, Torex, Sq drive...
I ordered it but it's back ordered for 2-3 weeks.
http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/index.asp

Schroder Spiral Ratchet Screwdriver Hex Adapter, Medium
Part#: 161851
(Qty: 1 x $9.99)