Screwdriver Differences

[s3dcor]

I know these fluted handled screwdrivers were included in the box from 1964 to 1988. These both have the short taped ends. The SCofS&W book does not note a difference in these but I have two different styles. The longer one has a flatter top, thicker near the bit and is generally longer in the handle and the bit while the shorter one has an oval top. Can someone explain why they are different and what years corespond to each style.

 

[dant]

shank lengths as well as the handle lengths and the finish at the top has changed from time to time from what we have seen...no "set time" period" and have seen this even in the same time period ( one model gun from another) we used to see a LOT of these from working with the LE distributor in our area years ago, as well as through our shops.....same olds true for even the older black, knurled tools as well...........
I recall many if not most of these were made "in house" in the tool room???
and if contracted out, same would hold true from lot to lot my guess.......

also if the "shorter" one is the one flat at the top. maybe someone pounded the end and pushed the shank even further into the handle ( I know , we have done just that ourselves)

 

[Gunhacker]

I've even heard it explained from an S&W insider that the slight variances could also been due to who was operating the machinery at the time not paying close attention to how it was setup.

 

[Skip357]

YES ALL OF THE SCREWDRIVERS WERE MADE IN THE SCREW DEPT.i SAW THEM MAKEING THE PARTS IN 1966.

 

[s3dcor]

Thanks for the replies. I have two of these longer ones and several of the shorter ones so I don't think it was an accidental thing. Maybe a particular machine was set up to make the longer one or maybe it was one individual that applied his own trademark. I had thought at first that they may correspond to a particular year. Just another one of those mysteries...