S&W Expert Need on Smith Wesson Screwdriver/SAT type Tool Id

[Jerry N.]

Picture of taper common to all

 

[sethconnor]

I'm no expert but to me it just looks like an unfinished screwdriver. The taper is to get the tip to the right size before grinding the flats (which obviously) was never done. Look how all your other screwdrivers have that same taper as you move toward the tip. I'm not sure how the taper was created but I think the pimple is just left over metal from the machining, not something that had a purpose. Again, no expert, but that's my guess. You might have to get hold of S&W to confirm what exactly that is.

I guess that it could very well be unfinished...it just seemed odd that the convex "pimple" on the end was perfectly rounded like it was done so intentionally for a function. Also, it seems that further machining of the end would create a flat surface too narrow for a SAT blade unless they shortened the shaft considerably more than any SAT I currently own. Actually having an error/unfinished screwdriver, if that is the case, seems kind of neat to me too.

I am going to get a letter from S&W on a 32' k22 outdoorsman soon and I may as well ask the question of Mr. Jinks at the same time.

Thanks for your comment!

 

[-db-]

I think Jerry N. has nailed it. The raw shafts are probably saw cut to rough size and then chucked in a lathe where a facing cut is made (resulting in the small pimple) and then a taper cut prior to moving to a grinding jig where the flats are produced. Final finishing would be grinding the tip down to proper width, eliminating the pimple.

For whatever reason, yours skipped the grinder and someone put a handle on it anyway.

 

[sethconnor]

Thanks Jerry, DB and all!

Wow...you guys are good! I really appreciate you both and others taking the time to figure this out. I will consider the case solved unless S&W has a different answer. I will let everyone know what S&W's comment is on this matter and if it is actually an unfinished error the rarity factor if any. Hope the same guy that did this didn't assemble one of my revolvers!

Thanks again!

Sethconnor

 

[Green Frog]

Seth,

Is the "pimple" of proper dimensions to engage a roll pin? I don't know what S&W would have used a roll pin for, but that came to mind when you mentioned the bump. You already have the correct procedure in progress though, ask Roy! Please be sure to let us know what he says... curious minds...

Froggie

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Seth
Unless you speak with a long time employee at Smith & Wesson, you may be disapointed in their answer. Remember screwdrivers were discontinued some 20 years ago. They may not be aware that screwdrivers were included with guns. Anyway here are some of my Smith & Wesson screwdrivers

 

[sethconnor]

roll pin question

Seth,

Is the "pimple" of proper dimensions to engage a roll pin? I don't know what S&W would have used a roll pin for, but that came to mind when you mentioned the bump. You already have the correct procedure in progress though, ask Roy! Please be sure to let us know what he says... curious minds...

Froggie

Hi Froggie,

It might engage a roll pin but it is definitely a micro bump in nature and perfectly centered, smooth and convex but dome shape doesn't protrude out far (i'd say half the thickness of a dime and not rough or a burr).

I will let you/everyone know if I get a response from S&W. I'm curious too!

Thanks, Patrick

 

[sethconnor]

Seth
Unless you speak with a long time employee at Smith & Wesson, you may be disapointed in their answer. Remember screwdrivers were discontinued some 20 years ago. They may not be aware that screwdrivers were included with guns. Anyway here are some of my Smith & Wesson screwdrivers

Ran into the same problem with a question for Colt employee regarding a nickel Diamondback 22...1980 was too far back for him to know much about variations.

Is the SAT in your 2nd photo similar to mine??? Looks like it has a cone end too.

I will accept your earlier 2 for 1 trade offer if it includes your prewar one!

Thanks so much for your efforts here!

Sethconnor

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I called Customer Service to speak with a friend that worked in that department. My call was answered by a young lady. After she told me what I wanted to know, I thought I'd have a little fun. I asked her if they had any grip screws left for the Revolving Rifles. She told me that they had sold the rifle and shotgun lines to Mossburg. I told her it was from a rifle that they made back in the 1870's. She said,"Oh, were we in business back then". I thanked her for her time and hung up. So, good luck calling them. By the way, I thought about your trade proposal, No thanks.

 

[sethconnor]

Contacting S&W for help............

I called Customer Service to speak with a friend that worked in that department. My call was answered by a young lady. After she told me what I wanted to know, I thought I'd have a little fun. I asked her if they had any grip screws left for the Revolving Rifles. She told me that they had sold the rifle and shotgun lines to Mossburg. I told her it was from a rifle that they made back in the 1870's. She said,"Oh, were we in business back then". I thanked her for her time and hung up. So, good luck calling them. By the way, I thought about your trade proposal, No thanks.

Yes, wish me luck when dealing with S&W as it sounds like I'm gonna need it! I kind of figured that a trade for your prewar SAT would involve my error/odd SAT plus a thousand bucks! You have a great evening and thanks again for your help.

Sethconnor