UllmanDevices D-2 Alloy Steel Slotted Mechanical Screw Starter, Aluminum Handle, 5-5/8" Length

More than 40 years ago I bought one of these screw-starters from Sears, under the Craftsman name. A couple of weeks ago while working on a project for my wife, the little stop pin that controls how far the knurled slot head turns so that you can place the screw you're trying to start fell out of the tool's main shaft. I couldn't find the pin to put it back, so after using my trusty old Craftsman for I don't know how many thousands of screws started, I had to retire it and look for a replacement. I did find new, old stock Craftsman available and was sorely tempted, but my wife searched the 'net and found these Ullman Devices brand. What made me decide to give them a try was their offer through Amazon had the typical slotted screw starters and, new-to-me, a starter designed to do Phillips screws! Plus, the two of them were priced just a little more than one new-old-stock Craftsman! I thought I'd chance giving them a try, thinking if they arrived looking cheap I'd just return them. To my great surprise these Ullman Devices are every bit the quality of my original Sears starter. In fact, I don't know how long Ullman has been around, but after comparing the two, I would say Ullman could have been the company that made my Craftsman! They are made of identical materials, design and quality. The only difference I found on the slotted one is the newer Ullman Devices is slightly more stout in the barrel diameter. This isn't a problem for me, as for any of you who are getting on in years knows that larger diameter anything is easier to grip with aging hands than skinny, slim-shaped items. Both the slotted screw starter and the newer Phillips screw starter work great! I had my doubts about a Phillips starter working at all, expecting it to easily come out of the screw head, especially if they have some wear on them. To my great surprise and happiness, Ullman's Phillips screw starter holds Phillips screws like you can't believe! And it doesn't seem to matter if they are worn, as it seems to find a way to find a "purchase" inside the screw's X slots. Ullman seems to have come up with a design that has two thin spring metal "fingers" that fit into the X in one of the head's slots and a sliding "ferrule" holds the fingers "spread-out," holding the screw's slots under compression on the outside edges of the fingers. I imagine the edges of these fingers are finished with a sharp edge so they can get a grip in the screw's slots, but however Ullman has done it, this tool is simply amazing in how well it works. Well, it's probably only amazing to those who have had to get a Phillips screw started in a difficult-to-impossible position where there isn't room to hold the screw and you can't find a way to hold the screw on the end of the screw driver. Well, enough said. These Ullman Devices are great quality, the price is excellent and I cannot recommend them more highly!

If you've ever assembled or disassembled anything ever, you've learned how difficult it can be to place a screw or bolt in a hole without dropping it into the crowded innards of the assembly, or worse, the black hole that exists somewhere on a shop floor. That's why a screw starter becomes absolutely necessary. I have a few of these, for both slotted and philips screws. and they're all about the length of a pen. Which is fine 90% of the time. But once in a while, the screw that must be installed is down in the tight confines of the machine. A normal screw starter is just too long to get down in there. So, when I saw this little shorty, I ordered it right away. It's no money at all, and at less than three inches long, allows me access to areas that my longer starters just don't fit. It works as intended, gripping the screw like a leach. Solid construction, the head has a strong spring for a tight grip. An added bonus is the nylon handle. It can be used on live electrical connections. Electricians will understand what I'm talking about. A great little tool that belongs in every tool box. Five stars!

You need thiswhen you are trying to start a screw in a difficult to reach or see clearly. This holds the screw firmly and allows you to get it started easily and run it down to snug.

HAD ONE FOR 50 yrs .DROPPED A VICE ON IT & IT BROKE !!! THIS ONE IS JUST LIKE THE ORIGINAL - INDISPENSABLE WHEN WORKING WITH SCREWS.

I've owned these things before. They are very handy and useful, but a bit easy to loose behind a cabinet or box.

This is a cheap toy and just doesn't measure up to the ones from years ago

Didn’t work for me. Can’t attach #6 slotted screw. No instructions included to explain twist/spring action. Useless. Will return.

Nothing replaces this in tight spots to start a screw.