While modelling this morning I found myself in need of an Allen 'Screwdriver' Now I know that you can buy them, in fact I have had a set on watch on eBay, for several years. But I haven't actually got around to buying them. I have an old tobacco tin that I inherited when my neighbour passed away in which I keep my Slaters wheel Allen keys and a slightly bigger size that fits the grub screw on the former SanCheng/Finescale brass motor gearboxes. In the tin where a couple of my neighbour's 'worn out/bent ones that he had kept. I also had a short length of brass bar which has a slight bend in it. The bend isn't visible but it doesn't run true if I pop it in the lathe. Making use of one of the old Allen keys and the length of bar I made an Allen Screwdriver. I used a slitting disk to chop off the L leg of the Allen key and to square up the other end again. Then I made a handle from the length of brass bar not worrying too much that the turning wasn't quite concentric. The Allen key end also has a slight bend in it, but it works fine and it's something that I hope to use for years to come.
Bravo Rob...... Too much is just thrown away these days, so I applaud your efforts to save the planet in this small way. We need more people onboard thinking about recycling / re-using instead of disposal and replacement of items. Gormo
Very nice Rob. My usual issue with those wee blighters is keeping track of them, they seem to dissapear as quickly as the BA nuts that hold the coupling rods on. Another advantage of the driver is without the 90 degree bend it is harder to over tighten the screws. Paul
Hi Paul, That's why I keep them in the old tobacco tin. I used to have them all over and could never find one when I needed it.
A couple of nights ago I made a second one from another 'worn' hex key using a length of nickel rod. I did have some more bent brass rod but it was only 4mm in diameter which I felt was a bit on the thin side to be able to hold comfortably. This time I had a go at a knurled handle. Although I have had a knurling tool for a couple of years or so, the last time I did any knurling was in the late 1970's at school.
I have made an Allen screwdriver for my O gauge Slaters wheel screws using a pin driver. Loads better than trying to use the Slaters Allen key. Cheers, Pete.
