Yankee #30 - Countersink Bit?

[Bill McDermott]

Dad handed down his Yankee Screwdriver (North Bros. #30). I cleaned it up and it's ready to go again. What a great tool -- in so many ways.

I doubt I will ever use it to turn slotted screws. I would like to use it for countersinking. However, the bit is not a traditional round or taperered square shank. It's 9/32" in diameter and has a flat and a notch. Some quick surfing shows that there were various bits for these at one point. Lee Valley sell a number of bits, but no countersink.

Anyone have any idea how I can get a countersink bit to fit a Yankee #30? I'm not a flea market / garage sale shopper, preferring to use that time in the shop.

I'd also be curious to hear if this is a flawed idea. I use a dedicated egg beater for countersinks today. It works great, but this Yankee just has to find a regular job!

Thanks, Bill

[Gary Herrmann]

There are reputable folks who sell vintage tools and accessories on line - such as Patrick Leach (www.supertool.com (http://www.supertool.com)) , Bob Kaune (www.antique-used-tools.com (http://www.antique-used-tools.com)) and Geoge Langford (www.georgesbasement.com (http://www.georgesbasement.com)). I've found all three gentlemen to be very helpful. You can also try ebay.

[Brad Knabel]

It's a little Rube-Goldbergish, but you can get where you want to got by getting the hex adapter from Lee Valley:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=57809&cat=1,43411,43417&ap=1

I did a little looking and found some stand-alone hex drive bits at Northern Tool:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200365201_200365201

There are of course a variety of drill bit/countersink sets that would also work with the hex drive.

[Peter Quadarella]

Thanks Brad! I need to get one of those LV hex adapters. :)

[Bill McDermott]

Brad, That's a good idea. At $6, it's worth a try. I see lots of upside potential. The only problem is that shiny new adapter is going to clash with the well worn tool itself. ;-) I appreciate the idea and the link. Bill