Yankee No. 41 Push Drill Shank Adapter
By Gordon DeWitte
Pictured above is my very own “YANKEE” No. 41 (from North Bros. Mfg. Co. in Philadelphia, PA) that I got many (many) years ago from my dad. I have no idea how old it is. My dad may have gotten it from my grandfather, but I can no longer ask either one of them. Soon after I got it, I broke one of the bits, but was able to stop into my friendly local hardware store and pick up a set of replacements — those were the good ol’ days. It’s an oldie but a goodie that I still like to use. In fact, I recently broke — well, kind of bent it (see above picture) — a bit, and found that replacement bits are now somewhat harder to find and getting expensive as they’re often classified as antiques or collector’s items. Fortunately, a bit of web searching turned up a possible solution: a shank adapter complete with bits.
It’s available for $32 (plus $3 shipping). Another alternative is the $20 set of eight spare bits from Garrett Wade’s push drill that, they say, “should” fit an old Stanley push drill.
What do you think? Should I modify the old classic so it can use standard bits, or should I try the spare bits from Garrett Wade?
Shank Adapter [Manufacturer's Site]
Garrett Wade [Website]
August 6th, 2009 at 10:24 am
You guys have previously posted your answer:
http://toolmonger.com/2008/06/25/push-pull-click-click/
I would be tempted to frame my dad’s yankee screwdriver and hang it on the wall, and buy and use the new one and move on in life. The new one has a ratcheting handle, as well as the standard 1/4 hex quick release power bit drive.
On a tangent, I have found this tool to be da bomb when doing electrical outlet work. You can zip the screws in and out without breaking most of your parts.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:02 am
@ MattW
Turns out that I also have a plastic-handled Stanley 133H to which I’ve added a 5.5mm hex adapter from Lee Valley, so it can use any 1/4″ hex bit. I like my posted Yankee No. 41 for drilling small pilot holes.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/Page.aspx?c=2&p=57809&cat=1,43411,43417
August 6th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
If it says North Bros on it, it was made prior to 1946, which is when Stanley acquired them. I’ll admit to having a pushdrill jones. I’ve got several different kinds. I think the old fluted bits actually cut better and faster than twist bits and they’re really easy to sharpen and reshape.
I actually prefer the Miller Falls pushdrills with the + shaped jaws. You can use them to grip regular round shank bits up to about 1/8″.
I say keep using it, if you like the connection to your family. I have a few tools from my Dad that I treasure. I use them though. That’s what they’re for.
You can also keep your eyes open on eBay. If you don’t need a pristine set in the wooden tube, you can pick up a set of 8 for less than $20 – if you want to keep using the original bits.
August 6th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I’m old enough to have worked on jobsites where nearly every electrician and phone installer had one yankee push drill of the type shown – and every carpenter had a Yankee spiral ratchet screwdriver. The latter even had an adapter (Stanley #4077) to drive 3/8 ” square drive sockets. The Yankees were replaced first by corded screw guns and then nearly completely by battery-powered cordless drivers.
I’m told that Yankee screwdrivers still find use in communities where religious beliefs will not allow the use of power tools.
August 6th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I’ve got one of these in fairly good condition, including many bits; just checked eBay, they aren’t selling for very much so perhaps I should just put it on display.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
OBTW, why don’t I use it? It doesn’t have a laser.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
@ Old Coot
That’s probably why I bent the bit: couldn’t zero in on the proper location without laser guidance.
August 6th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Coot, wait till the market improves. A friend of mine bought a #41 mint with 8 bits 2 years ago. I think he paid about $60, but he likes shiny tools.
August 8th, 2009 at 2:33 am
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