Gearwrench tools

[isham-research.freeserve.co.uk at pop.pol.net.uk]

> We have a bearing here in our office that is interesting,
> and I wonder if it is what you consider a "clutch" type. It
> is an INA (German) needle bearing, where the needles seem to
> be contained on some kind of taper. They roll freely in one
> direction only, while maintaining accurate diametrical
> stability. Revolving in the opposite direction causes the
> bearing to grip, robustly, allowing the transfer of torque.

That's exactly it.  The Sykes-Pikavant screwdriver is ideal in many
ways.  Although I normally prefer to use 'proper' screwdrivers, I'm
forced into using magnetic bit holders because otherwise I wouldn't
be able to lift the toolbox - it's bad enough as it is.  The problem
I find is the lack of feedback - if you're reaching down into an engine
bay at full stretch, you want to know that the fastener is actually
turning and only an audible ratchet tells you this.  I'm still looking
for a good quality long ratchet bit-holding screwdriver.

FACOM stud removers also work this way, although they're bidirectional -
the great advantage is there is only an axial component to the load put
on the stud.


--
 Phil Payne
 http://www.isham-research.freeserve.co.uk/quattro
 Phone +44 7785 302803   Fax: +44 7785 309674