You’ve all probably seen Quick-Wedge type screwdrivers for starting slotted screws, but did you know Ullman Devices makes starters for Phillips, Torx, hex and nuts too? After talking to a representative I confirmed that Ullman Devices builds all these tools in the USA.
Of course these are usually called starters because they are only good for starting screws; you can’t actually apply much torque, and so they’re not to be confused with screwdrivers. There are other types of screw holders that can apply torque because they have real screwdriver heads.
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These screw starters have prongs that grab and captures a screw from the sides and from underneath the head. The disadvantage of these types of starters is that the tip is wider and you may have trouble fitting it into narrow recesses.
There are always magnetic tipped screwdrivers, but sometimes the you don’t want to magnetize your screw. Other times, the magnet just isn’t powerful enough to hold a screw securely or steadily enough. And there yet other times when you are using a screw that isn’t ferromagnetic, such as brass, that won’t hold to magnets. That’s where this type of starter comes in handy.
Aluminum-Bodied Screw Starters
To start with, there are Ullman’s single head aluminum handle screw starters. These starters grab the screw when you twist the ferrule and will release the screw once it is started and you pull it away. Theses models also feature a strong magnet on the other end of the handle to pick up screws that you’ve dropped. Ullman makes eight different screw starters of this type:
- D-1: for slotted screws, 2-5/8″ long
- D-2: for slotted screws, 5-5/8″ long, includes pocket clip
- D-3: for slotted screws, 9-5/8″ long
- D-4: for slotted screws, 15-1/8″ long
- PD-9: for Phillips screws, 2-3/4″ long
- PD-10: for Phillips screws, 5-3/4″ long, includes pocket clip.
- PD-11: for Phillips screws, 9-3/4″ long
- PD-12: for Phillips screws, 15-1/4″ long
Nylon-Bodied Screw Starters
Ullman also makes nylon-handled versions of the above screw starters. These work the same way, but are useful for when you’re working with electrical equipment or electronics. The nylon version does not have a pickup magnet though. Here are the different models:
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- N-1: for slotted screws, 2-11/16″ long
- N-2: for slotted screws, 6-1/8″ long
- N-3: for slotted screws, 9-1/8″ long
- N-4: for slotted screws, 15-13/16″ long
- PN-9: for Phillips screws, 2-13/16″ long
- PN-10: for Phillips screws, 6-1/4″ long
- PN-11: for Phillips screws, 9-1/4″ long
- PN-12: for Phillips screws, 15-5/16″ long
Double-Ended Screw Starters
Ullman also makes double-ended screw starters, which are useful in case you only want to use one tool for both slotted and Phillips screws. One side has a Philips starter, and there’s a slotted starter on the other. The DE-1 is a nylon version that’s 9″ long and the DE-2 is a 6-3/4″ aluminum version.
Torx, Hex, Phillips Combination Screw Starter
The aluminum-bodied F-2 is designed differently from the above tools. With this one, pull back the ferrule and it’ll grab Torx sizes T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, and T30, Phillips screws, and most hex screws as well. The opposite side features a magnetic pickup tip. It measures 5-5/8 long and includes a pocket clip.
Nut Starter
Ullman has a nut starter. When you pull back on the ferrule, the spring jaws spread and grab the nut by the internal threads. Once you’ve got the nut started the tool will release by itself. This aluminum-bodied nut starter measures 5-1/8″ long and will work on nuts with threads sizes of 4-40 and 3/32″ to 5/16″. This too has a pocket clip for easy carrying.
How Much and Where to Buy?
A variety of online stores sell many of the Ullman nut and screw starters. The two stores with the most selection and best prices I could find are Amazon and Tools Plus. If you are looking for a single tool, you’re probably better off with Amazon’s pricing with Prime shipping, but if you are going to buy multiple tools or order other tools, Tools Plus charges $8.50 for shipping, but prices are generally cheaper.
For example the F-2 is $7.75 with Prime shipping at Amazon but only $4.99 at Tools Plus. Amazon shipping is free for non-Prime members on $35+ orders, Tools Plus offers free shipping on $50+ orders. As always, you should shop around for the best price.
Buy Now (F-2 via Amazon)
Compare (F-2 via Tools Plus)
You can also purchase sets of the Ullman starters. One 5pc set comes with a PD10 Phillips screw starter, F-2 Torx/Phillips/hex screw starter, D2 slotted screw starter, G-2 nut starter, and Ullman’s 15X Pocket Magnet extending pickup tool. Tools Stop has the best price hands down for this set at $28.85 with free shipping.
Buy Now (5pc set via Tools Plus)
See More (All Ullman Starters at Tools Plus)
See More (All Ullman Starters at Amazon)
Have You Ever Used One of These?
If you’re familiar with these kinds of screw starters, what do you think about them? Do you know of a different screw starter that works even better?
It seems like they might be most useful on machine screws that require low torque to start, or for screws that you’ve pre-drilled holes for. Will they work on larger thread-cutting screws? Probably not, except maybe in very soft wood.
NCD
I have had two of these for years, one nylon, and one aluminum………… can’t remember the last time I used either one. I do believe they are of good quality though.
fred
Very useful – especially for brass and other non magnetic screw starting.
Ullman is “the” specialist company for this category – but other make (or sell) similar tools. Proto J9853 and J9855 look remarkably similar to Ullman designs – to make one speculate that Ullman might be the OEM.
As you mention Quick-Wedge is in business – but other’s like Hunter Magi-Tip seem to be no longer available. One other style comes from HJJ:
http://www.hjjcoinc.com/products.html
Stan
I’ve known about USA made Ullman products for a while, but that nut starter looks really useful as well. Never knew that type of product existed.
Harry J Epstein sells Ullman products as well.
fred
If you work a lot with small (e.g. electronics) nuts – you might also take a look at the Menda 35120
Or for really tiny nuts – Western Optical (the Eyeglass repair tool folks) sells this:
http://www.westernoptical.com/products/Dispensing_Hand_Tools/Deluxe_Drivers/universal-screw-and-nut-grabber.html
Royesses
Used them for many years doing tune-ups on distributor ignition points and condenser. Also great for air horn screws on Rochester Q-jet carburetors. many other uses where there is limited access.
MT_Noob
I had one that I loved and used it frequently for starting phillips head screws when attaching a computer motherboard to the case. It was the perfect tool for starting those small screws in a cramped area without cross threading them. Although it has been years since I have done that, and I have misplaced the screw starter. Every once in a while I run into a situation where it would be the perfect tool… so now that I know where to get one, and now that I know about all the varieties, I am going to put these onto my amazon wish list. Great post!
Chris Fyfe
I have a double ended one in my tool box , and a slotted version in my tool pouch – standard item of kit .
Chris
Jerry
I have the standard and Phillips versions of these. They are well- made, and the standard one is self-resetting (not many people seem to know that). If you have a series of screws to start, a little extra twist, with a downward push will reset the little blade that wedges in the screw slot. Press a new screw into place on the starter firmly, and the little blade will ‘snap’ into place, holding the next screw. A real time saver once you learn the technique.
george
bought a few back in the 70’s. still have them somewhere. rarely used them but when needed they were a job saver. I think they are still relevant.
Bill Lee
I have gratefully used these tools for many years and found them to be well made. What I have never found is a source for tools that will hold a nut perpendicular to the axis of the screw. Say you need to get the nut down inside an opening that is too small for your hand and deeper than a long nose pliers will reach. Typically I will put a piece of tape on one side of a box end wrench and stick the nut on the tape in the wrench and then use the combination to get the nut down inside some part. I’ve even taped a rod on the wrench to extend the reach. If anyone has other ideas I’d like to hear them? Thanks.