Turn a Wood-Handled 4-in-1 Screwdriver

Our screwdriver kit can be turned in a few ways. We offer instructions below for two different methods - one using a lathe scroll chuck to hold the wood and another to hold the wood between centers.

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
• 14mm drill bit (9/16” is a good substitute)
• 12mm drill bit (1/2” is a good substitute)
• 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)

Instructions

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 14mm hole 1-1/4” deep in your blank. Next, drill a 12mm hole an additional 2-3/4” deep (for a total depth of 4”). 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 14mm 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
• 14mm drill bit (9/16” is a good substitute)
• 12mm drill bit (1/2” is a good substitute)
• 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)

Instructions

Drill a 14mm hole 1-1/4” deep in your blank. Next, drill a 12mm hole an additional 2-3/4” deep (for a total depth of 4”).

Apply glue to the screwdriver bushing and press it into the 14mm 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.

 

Important Note
Our 4-in-1 Screwdriver Kits changed in September 2020. Kits purchased prior to then (item number 141960), require a 16mm bit for the primary hole (instead of a 14mm bit).