Spiral ratchet screwdriver (Yankee)
Destornillador de carraca en espiral (Yankee)
- Date
- 1895 · confidence low
- Place
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Credited to
- North Brothers Manufacturing Co.
- Field
- Tools
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What it is
A screwdriver with a push handle that turns the bit through a spiral and a ratchet, so the operator tightens or loosens screws with a pumping motion. It was sold under the Yankee brand from 1895.
The date is that of North Brothers' marketing; the spiral screwdriver principle was patented earlier, and the specific priority is not well documented.
What it led to
- fast screwdriving in carpentry and assembly
- ratchet and pump-action screwdrivers
- later, electric screwdrivers