Turn a Wood-Handled 4-in-1 Screwdriver

Turning with a scroll chuck

Tools and Supplies

• Lathe with tailstock ram
• Turning tools
• Scroll chuck (Oneway Talon chuck, Supernova chuck, etc.)
• Lathe drill chuck
• Drill press or hand drill & drill guide (optional)
• Live center
• 16mm drill bit (5/8” may be used, but you will have to ream hole slightly)
• 1/2" drill bit
• Five Minute Epoxy or thick cyanoacrylate (CA) glue
• Wood blank at least 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 6"
• 4-in-1 screwdriver kit
• 12" bar clamp (optional)

Secure the blank in your scroll chuck with the grain running parallel to the lathe bed. Use your drill chuck in your tailstock to drill a 16mm hole 1" deep in your blank. Next, drill a 1/2" hole an additional 2-1/2" deep (for a total depth of 3-1/2"). Alternately, a drill press or a hand drill and drill guide can be used to drill holes.

Apply glue to the screwdriver bushing and press it into the 16mm hole. Use the glue sparingly and keep it away from the two small holes in the bushing. They need to be clear for the screwdriver tube to engage properly. Press the bushing into the blank using the tailstock ram of your lathe or a clamp. DO NOT tap it in with a hammer or mallet. (Hammering on the bushing greatly increases the risk of splitting the wood.)

When the glue has set, put a live center in your tailstock and use it to support the bushing end of your blank. Turn the blank to whatever shape you prefer. Most screwdrivers have a maximum diameter of approximately 1-1/8" with some profiling for grip and comfort. When you are done, carefully part the handle off.

After sanding your handle, apply the finish of your choice. Low luster oil finishes are favored because they offer better grip when using the screwdriver.

Turning between centers

Tools and Supplies

• Lathe with tailstock ram
• Turning tools
• Drill press or hand drill & drill guide
• Lathe 1/2" drill chuck
• Live center
• 16mm drill bit (5/8” may be used, but you will have to ream hole slightly)
• 1/2" drill bit
• Five Minute Epoxy or thick cyanoacrylate (CA) glue
• Wood blank at least 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 6"
• 4-in-1 screwdriver kit
• 12" bar clamp (optional)

Drill a 16mm hole 1" deep in your blank. Next, drill a 1/2" hole an additional 2-1/2" deep (for a total depth of 3-1/2").

Apply glue to the screwdriver bushing and press it into the 16mm hole. Use the glue sparingly and keep it away from the two small holes in the bushing. They need to be clear for the screwdriver tube to engage properly. Press the bushing into the blank using the tailstock ram of your lathe or a clamp. DO NOT tap it in with a hammer or mallet. (Hammering on the bushing greatly increases the risk of splitting the wood.)

When the glue has set, insert the screwdriver tube into the bushing (you may want to wrap it with tape so as not to mar it) and chuck the blank into the drill chuck. Put a live center in your tailstock and use it to support the end of your blank. Turn the blank to whatever shape you prefer. Most screwdrivers have a maximum diameter of approximately 1-1/8" with some profiling for grip and comfort. When you are done, carefully part the handle off.

After sanding your handle, apply the finish of your choice. Low luster oil finishes are favored because they offer better grip when using the screwdriver.

Download .pdf version of instructions