Saturday, July 5, 2008

Rolls Royce & Bentley SCREWDRIVERS


ENGLISH SCREWDRIVERS, Mostly for Rolls Royce- Bentley from 1934 through 1990:


In the 1930’s all English screwdrivers had wood handles. There are basically 2 types: wood worker and automotive. Most were made in Sheffield, England.
The Royces and Bentley of the Pre-WWII period utilized MOSTLY drivers by Robt. Sorby. (Whenever there is ANY discussion about anything on these marques, the term “ALWAYS” is foolish, and can be refuted.) Most of these motorcars used drivers or turnscrews in 6 inch, 5 inch, 4 inch and 3 inch lengths. The tools lists refer to the length of the blade, NOT the total length. Some chassis types utilized all four—some just 2. Further investigation by individual tools lists, and chassis cards is advisable. I have heard conflicting reports from experts far more knowledgeable than myself.

EPW (Early Post War).
The first kits for RR/B had black bakelite solid handles and were 7 inches long. These were used in 1946 though early 1949. I have previously described the tool kit application. In mid 1949 either a long or short wood handle replaced the black bakelite. The shape is an extended long oval.  NO grooves, as the woodworker tools have. Generally Colonel, or Sorby were the makers. I have found some unmarked and some marked “Sheffield”. Please consider that these chassis were built over a 13 year period. There has been MUCH confusion and misrepresentation on these.

The Silver Cloud/”S” Motorcars
This is simple: ALL screwdrivers are 5.5 inches long, and have a FLAT bulb wood handle. Where the EPW handles are an elongated, symetrical handle; these have a wider radius at the top---and have a flatter curve. They are less BULBOUS, and the RHD S/C II kit shows the driver placed flat.

Silver Shadow, “T”
These motorcars have the plastic FLAT toolkit; and have the English STANLEY “88” screwdriver, with the aluminum screw top and 3 bits. Draper supplied the girder, and BRITOOL supplied the DOE.

Silver Shadow II, Silver Wraith II, “T2”
These motor cars have 2 STANLEY black wood handle drivers. They are model “25’. One slotted and one Phillips is provided. This was the first of the BUMP kits, with bulbs in the lid. The DCE spanners are articulated BEDFORD.

The 1980 and onward
These chassis types utilize a black plastic handle STEADFAST,  or HEYCO (German), with 3 bits. Gedore spanners were provided.

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