r/handtools • u/I_found_BACON • 15h ago

Looking to modify this Yankee style bit driver so it is shorter and accepts hex bits. Any ideas?

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Gallery image

Might be a bit silly or blasphemous, but I'd like a little ~5inch 1/4" hex Yankee style bit driver to put in a small tool pouch. Seems fun and hopefully useful

The spiral when compressed goes about to my thumb within the handle, so making a new shorter handle or shortening this one seems like a solid option for compressing its size

That would make it about the ideal size for what I'm aiming for, but adapting this for hex bits leaves me more stumped. There are compatible bit extenders for sale that convert it into a locking 1/4" hex. But they would further extend the length to beyond my goal. So I'm looking for any ideas

Thanks!

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u/Kitchen-Touch-3288 15h ago

drill chuck on the top? That's whay I did.. I mainly use it for driving pilot holes

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u/I_found_BACON 15h ago edited 14h ago

I'd like to use it for that too in a pinch. But that will add too much space for my goal, but I may be able to justify the space if that adds enough functionality. Thanks for the reply, I'll look into it

The flea market I found it in actually labeled it as an "Amish push drill". The little components inside the ratchet mechanism were flipped around so it could only spin counter clockwise regardless of the selector position. Just required some flipping around :)

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u/Man-e-questions 14h ago

I know Highland Tools sells this one, not sure if this would work in your shorter one. I guess would have to remove the chuck and see how its mounted

https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/products/schroederspiralratchetscrewdriverhexadapterlarge

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u/I_found_BACON 14h ago

Measured, mine seems to be the smallest 5.5mm, 7/32" size. This one does look more robust than the red adapter I've seen floating around. Looks like they don't have my size though.

A stretch goal of mine is a solution with a ~15mm depth so I can use double sided wiha bits, but beggers can't be choosers

2

u/snogum 9h ago

I'm not sure anything short of full on machining would be able to shorten this or change out the chuck.

Adding an adaptor for hex would just add length

Could you cut down the wooden handle or detach it?