THE ALL-AMERICAN SCREWDRIVER
by Stuart Swersie
(April 1997)
Not
being the handiest of men, I was actually shaking when my wife, Rhoda, presented
me with a blister-packed screwdriver she purchased for 25 cents at a garage
sale. It was a tool I had always wanted but felt was too complicated to use so
avoided purchasing one earlier in life. Now, being retired, I certainly had the
time to master the intricacies of the instrument and I eagerly fondled my new
toy.
As I carefully removed the tool from it's
blister-pack I noted it said "ALL-AMERICAN Right-handed SCREWDRIVER, Model 12A, non-magnetic, Made in Korea. In parenthesis, ("Left-handed model
available. See NOTES.") Beads of perspiration formed on my forehead as I
admired the shiny metal shaft and deep red plastic handle. All mine, I said to
myself, don't panic, time is on your side. Just read the instructions and follow
them carefully. Others have done it, you can too. Thus, calmly, although my
heart could be heard beating, I pored over the detailed instruction sheet.
INSTRUCTION FOR USE OF MODEL 12A SCREWDRIVER
(1) Remove screwdriver from blister-pack.
(2)
Place board to be screwed into in front of you and set screw against designated
spot, tapered (pointed) side down with left hand. Be sure the slot in the screw
is facing screwdriver user.
(3) Place flattened end of screwdriver
shaft into the screw slot while holding screwdriver firmly at red plastic end
with right hand.
(4) While applying pressure against the slotted screw
head, gently turn screwdriver clockwise. This turns and starts it's ascent into
the wood surface. Release left hand.
(5) Continue clockwise motion
until screw disappears entirely into wood surface and only screw head remains
visible.
(6) Remove screwdriver from screw, wipe shaft with a clean
rag. Your Model 12A screwdriver is now ready for the next screw.
NOTE: Model 12B is
available for left-handed users.
NOTE: Universal Screwdriver Model 7A
is available for the removal of screws. This model can be used with either the
left or right hand.
Not too difficult to handle at all. After a few trial runs I should have it down pat. Who knows, if I really get into this tool thing I may even ask Rho to buy me a hammer. But I don't want to rush things.