Corkscrew SD - how to handle it best?

[Simon_Templar]

Dear fellow knights,

There seems to be no thread on this topic yet, so here is my question: how do you handle the small corkscrew SD?

I find that turning it with the fingertips gives me too little torque, while screwing it upside down into the corkscrew and then using the knife handle to fasten a screw often results in the small SD getting rotated deep into the corkscrew in the process. As a consequence, the small SD gets stuck in the corkscrew and is really hard to get out again.

Any better ideas how to efficiently use this tool?

Thanks for your ideas and cheers,

Simon

[Blackbeard]

just spit-balling here, haven't tried yet but will a little later...maybe it can be held under parcel hook like you can do with the pen? also wondering if it will fit into a 1/4" bit adapter or the cybertool bit driver.

[Blackbeard]

too big for cybertool driver, parcel hook can hold it, but awkwardly, not sure if it will give you more leverage or just be too clumsy to use.

[Blackbeard]

this probably also won't help, but looks like you can install one on LM juice corkscrew

[Simon_Templar]

Thanks for your thoughts, Blackbeard. Interesting idea with the parcel hook, but I don't manage to get a firm grip this way. The LM way won't work for me I am afraid, I am a SAK only guy

[SirVicaLot]

I am curious about your usage scenario. Why do you need so much torque on a screwdriver for tiny screws?

On the models with pliers you can use those to add grip/torque. You can also insert it into the corkscrew and then close it. This will result in the screwdriver being jammed against the scale, which should prevent it form being pushed in to far into the corkscrew.
This method might limit reach and usability though.

[cody6268]

If I need extra reach, I chuck it into a 1/4" bit driver. The newer version's handle is exactly 1/4" hex. The hex shape also allows more grip and torque. The old round one, not so much.

But for battery covers, my glasses, electronics, model cars, etc. I don't need any more torque than it allows.

[Myron]

Actually, I find the end of the mini SD is often too big for what I’m trying to do.  I had to modify one to work on my glasses anyway.   

[Simon_Templar]

I am curious about your usage scenario. Why do you need so much torque on a screwdriver for tiny screws?

On the models with pliers you can use those to add grip/torque. You can also insert it into the corkscrew and then close it. This will result in the screwdriver being jammed against the scale, which should prevent it form being pushed in to far into the corkscrew.
This method might limit reach and usability though.

The scenario I have in mind is small electronic devices, in particular a certain USB microphone/speaker device for my computer with Philips-head screws so small only the corkscrew SD will fit (the Cybertool driver works as well though). I cannot drive these screws using just the fingertips.

The idea with the pliers already occured to me, but I found the small SD to be too slippery for a secure grip, also the pliers damage the SD's plastic housing. In addition, I only have one SAK with pliers in my EDC rotation, so I rarely have pliers on me.

I will try driving that screw with corkscrew closed once I get home, but I am afraid the SD could even then get pushed quite far into the corkscrew.

[Simon_Templar]

If I need extra reach, I chuck it into a 1/4" bit driver. The newer version's handle is exactly 1/4" hex. The hex shape also allows more grip and torque. The old round one, not so much.

But for battery covers, my glasses, electronics, model cars, etc. I don't need any more torque than it allows.

Thanks for your input, Cody. I guess I could use additional tools to make the mini SD work better, but that would feel like cheating to me . In the above cases, are you putting the mini SD in the corkscrew or are you handholding it?

[Myron]

The scenario I have in mind is small electronic devices, in particular a certain USB microphone/speaker device for my computer with Philips-head screws so small only the corkscrew SD will fit (the Cybertool driver works as well though). I cannot drive these screws using just the fingertips.

The idea with the pliers already occured to me, but I found the small SD to be too slippery for a secure grip, also the pliers damage the SD's plastic housing. In addition, I only have one SAK with pliers in my EDC rotation, so I rarely have pliers on me.

I will try driving that screw with corkscrew closed once I get home, but I am afraid the SD could even then get pushed quite far into the corkscrew.

Situations like this are when I throw in the towel on the impromptu convenience of having a SAK in my pocket and go and retrieve a specialty tool from my workbench.   

But good for you for being a SAK-only guy and looking for ways to make it work.    I look forward to hearing your solution! 

Myron

[SirVicaLot]

 

[Simon_Templar]

Well, closing the corkscrew did not really make any difference. Looks as if this particular device's screws are simply beyond the capacity of the small SD. Although they really don't offer a lot of resistance: with e.g. the tip of the nailfile of a Vic Evolution it is a breeze to turn them (would work with various tools of the 58mm Vics as well, I assume). Is the small SD just overrated?

[Myron]

Is the small SD just overrated?

Yes.  Although as I mentioned above, I do carry one that I modified to fit in my glasses' temple screws and it works fine for that application.  I've never found another application for them. 

Do you own a good quality set of micro-screwdrivers?  I bought a set a few years ago and have found all kinds of uses for them.

Good luck,

Myron

[Simon_Templar]

Yes.  Although as I mentioned above, I do carry one that I modified to fit in my glasses' temple screws and it works fine for that application.  I've never found another application for them. 

Do you own a good quality set of micro-screwdrivers?  I bought a set a few years ago and have found all kinds of uses for them.

Good luck,

Myron

Myron, yes I do. And I agree nothing beats a well-stacked toolbox. That said, I find it entertaining to try and solve small everyday problems with a SAK. Makes me feel like MacGyver's untalented half-brother

[Myron]

Excellent.  Long live the SAK user! 

 

[SirVicaLot]

Myron, yes I do. And I agree nothing beats a well-stacked toolbox. That said, I find it entertaining to try and solve small everyday problems with a SAK. Makes me feel like MacGyver's untalented half-brother

  Don't we all do that 

[cody6268]

Thanks for your input, Cody. I guess I could use additional tools to make the mini SD work better, but that would feel like cheating to me . In the above cases, are you putting the mini SD in the corkscrew or are you handholding it?

Aside for when I do decide to put it in a bit driver, I mostly use the tool itself, holding it in my hand. Really, for a lot of the jobs I do, the body of the SAK would just get in the way.

[nate j]

The hex shape also allows more grip and torque. The old round one, not so much.

This was going to be my suggestion.  If you're using the older round version, the newer hex version is much easier to grip securely.

[zenderfall]

also wondering if it will fit into a 1/4" bit adapter or the cybertool bit driver.

The newer, hex shaped mini screwdriver fits perfectly into 1/4 hex bit adapters, like the SwissTool spirit ratchet driver.  I think that's why its shaped that way-they meant for it to do that.  I've found it to be the most comfortable way to hold it.  In the pic, I put it on the opposite end rather than the ratcheting end, as I don't want it to turn on me.