I've been working on an accurate scale model of the demon core and its beryllium tampers. As far as I've been able to find, the screwdriver in the reenactment photos is the same one used by Slotin. The tape around the handle was apparently used to mark which one he favored for the demonstration. I've seen it described as "which one not to stir your coffee with", though I'm not sure of the source. Through my measurements and the input of others online, I had come to the conclusion it was likely an R-186. I found a post from someone else claiming the original was described as having the R-168 marking amongst post-incident materials. So, despite not having any solid sources myself, it seems fairly likely that was what was used. At least, that seems to be the best bet today if you are looking for a match. The most difficult part has been finding one from the correct era. Most available vintage XceLite screwdrivers have a different version of the logo. The one in the photos has the name "EXCELITE" with "ORCHARD PARK, N.Y." inscribed in smaller text directly beneath. Does anyone know the history of their various markings? So far I haven't been able to find an exact match for sale. In fact, I haven't been able to find a clear photograph of the exact model and design-- just the shots from the Slotin reenactment.
Thanks for the info! The "orchard park" markings are gone from the screwdrivers in the '66 catalog, so I'd guess they changed the logo sometime before. Hopefully someone else can chime in with the info you need.
I have an Xcelite flip-over screwdriver in my remodeling tool pouch, and I actually prefer it to my Klein 10-in-one as it's simpler to use and sturdier with the tips I use most. Like so many others my introduction to the brand was as an electronics hobbyist where they were the preferred brand. I didn't know they went to China- that puts them on my "avoid" list so if I need anymore I'll buy used.
Disappointed you didn't make any mention of the horrific smell their USA-made screwdriver handles have. Those briefcases would slowly build up with the pugnent scent of baby vomit, releasing it in a horrid blast every time you open it up.
Yeah, I think I might be immune to the smell. It doesn't really bother me unless I put the screwdriver right up to my nose. I can see how it would irritate people though.
Not sure exactly what polymer they used... But plenty of other brands have used something similar. A lot of rolling tool boxes out there that have that exact same smell.
I have a ratchet set that was marked a promark still using it really good stuff also still have some of popular mechanic screwdrivers also really good stuff lost a nut driver unfortunately and all the bits
I love those Xcelite screwdrivers cuz 1. The handle shape is perfect for my hands, 2. I love the translucent amber cellulose acetate, and 3. The handle shapes have stayed the same since the 1930s. I found just a handle of an S-5168 Xcelite screwdriver in my dad's tractor, and drove a 3/8" flathead round shank into it. I use that screwdriver for basically any flathead screw or machine screw and LOVE using it. The nut drivers also oddly remind me of some sorta candy with all the different translucent colors. The green 11/32 especially look nice.
Yeah, I'm a big fan of anything with a translucent acetate handle. If you like the green one, check out the Heyco acetate handle screwdrivers. They're a deep dark green and shiny.
While Xcelite made some specialize tools and had some features like nut drivers with deep clearance are good... Most Xcelite Tool Kits were purchase by Government and Corporate buyers that bought Millions of units but have little clue about Tool Quality means the product are barely use before often need replacement because of poor hardness of metal and more problems even if people are careful and use the "right way." That's even in the 1950's to 70's. Is no better that Sears with "Life Time Warranty" Craftsman that made to drive traffic to the stores when cheap screwdrivers and more wear or break then often strips the hardware too. You Don't want Xcelite 99 or base Craftsman screw drivers as the only tool for daily use even for most electronics that many claim is "light" work.
Yeah I still have a soft spot for the color coded mini drivers. I'm still afraid to use the torque amplifier, since one time it got stuck on and I ruined the driver handle getting it off...
Little known fact - the band Metallica insists on using only XceLite tools to work on their guitars and amps. The song "Enter Sandman" is about using the tools to work on their equipment all day. The chorus begins, "XceLite, into night".
My dad used Xcelite as a TV repair man. I worked for Danaher (Matco Tools). Danaher sold Apex (Gearwrench, Armstrong, Weller, Xcelitex, Crastsman amoung others) to Bain Capitol around 2012. After a failed attempt to merge 2 US factories into 1, Apex moved all manufacturing to China and dropped Armstrong.
Except for the ones that Apex still manufactures in Apex NC I guess? (Weller, SATA, Cleco, Xcelite, Crescent, Jacobs, Campbell, Erem/Weller, Gear Wrench, Apex)
There's a chemical breakdown of the cellulose acetate material. Some say it's due to temperature, humidity or bacteria. As the material breaks down, it releases the odor.
@@ballinatorBut most of it was gamma rays. It's only the neutrons that make non-radioactive substances radioactive. The beryllium would have confined most of them inside the sphere, except for the crack where the screwdriver blade was.
@@bpark10001 A good number of them escaped. They were able to estimate the dosages received by all the people in the lab by measuring the activation products in the loose change and other metal objects in their pockets after the incident.
1:45 - NEON tubes inside a screwdriver to test sparkplugs?? Thats so cool. I wanna see one of those. Sounds unsafe haha. I wonder if you could find one. Cheers for another great vid! are these acetate handles then? Is there anything that can be done to un-fog them? A vintage set of the of those color coded nut drivers seems like a great deal on ebay right now.
The USA-made ones do use cellulose acetate butyrate handles. That fog is either corrosion from the handles decaying, which can be easily wiped off with a paper towel; or scuffs and scratches, which can be polished back to translucency with enough work. Be warned, though: The handle material is really strong and durable, but smells terribly. Be wary of keeping them in toolboxes.
They still make the spark testing screwdrivers. I have one but it's broken. The handles can be restored with the process I used in the Craftsman Spinner Handle video. If it's just a light fog, steel wool then Plastix or Flitz polish. They may fog up again over time though.
@@ballinator yeah I googled it after my comment and they def still make those haha. Still wouldn't mind seeing an old example like that one maybe it's more dangerous about it haha
@@Fournier7 yeah I've got some acetate mini Craftsman screwdrivers I've had cooking in a plastic tote for like a decade so and WHEW it's intense when I open that up haha. Smell doesn't bother me too much tho. Thanks for the comments on restoration. I'm a sucker for translucent colored plastics (90s kid 🤣)
Still have my briefcase kit case full of Xcelite (and others) tools. Nothing smells quite like it...
I've been working on an accurate scale model of the demon core and its beryllium tampers. As far as I've been able to find, the screwdriver in the reenactment photos is the same one used by Slotin. The tape around the handle was apparently used to mark which one he favored for the demonstration. I've seen it described as "which one not to stir your coffee with", though I'm not sure of the source.
Through my measurements and the input of others online, I had come to the conclusion it was likely an R-186. I found a post from someone else claiming the original was described as having the R-168 marking amongst post-incident materials. So, despite not having any solid sources myself, it seems fairly likely that was what was used. At least, that seems to be the best bet today if you are looking for a match.
The most difficult part has been finding one from the correct era. Most available vintage XceLite screwdrivers have a different version of the logo. The one in the photos has the name "EXCELITE" with "ORCHARD PARK, N.Y." inscribed in smaller text directly beneath. Does anyone know the history of their various markings? So far I haven't been able to find an exact match for sale. In fact, I haven't been able to find a clear photograph of the exact model and design-- just the shots from the Slotin reenactment.
Thanks for the info! The "orchard park" markings are gone from the screwdrivers in the '66 catalog, so I'd guess they changed the logo sometime before. Hopefully someone else can chime in with the info you need.
I have an Xcelite flip-over screwdriver in my remodeling tool pouch, and I actually prefer it to my Klein 10-in-one as it's simpler to use and sturdier with the tips I use most. Like so many others my introduction to the brand was as an electronics hobbyist where they were the preferred brand. I didn't know they went to China- that puts them on my "avoid" list so if I need anymore I'll buy used.
Your videos about old tool companies are fantastic, keep them up, you are definitely doing a good job.
Thanks, man! The next video in the series will be dropping on Friday.
Disappointed you didn't make any mention of the horrific smell their USA-made screwdriver handles have. Those briefcases would slowly build up with the pugnent scent of baby vomit, releasing it in a horrid blast every time you open it up.
Yeah, I think I might be immune to the smell. It doesn't really bother me unless I put the screwdriver right up to my nose. I can see how it would irritate people though.
Not sure exactly what polymer they used... But plenty of other brands have used something similar. A lot of rolling tool boxes out there that have that exact same smell.
@@hullinstruments standard Stanley screwdriver set has that familiar pong
I have a ratchet set that was marked a promark still using it really good stuff also still have some of popular mechanic screwdrivers also really good stuff lost a nut driver unfortunately and all the bits
Love Xcelite...and would love some USA made stuff...sad the have moved overseas with production..
Keep an eye out at garage sales and flea markets. That's where I've found most of my Xcelite stuff.
I love those Xcelite screwdrivers cuz 1. The handle shape is perfect for my hands, 2. I love the translucent amber cellulose acetate, and 3. The handle shapes have stayed the same since the 1930s. I found just a handle of an S-5168 Xcelite screwdriver in my dad's tractor, and drove a 3/8" flathead round shank into it. I use that screwdriver for basically any flathead screw or machine screw and LOVE using it.
The nut drivers also oddly remind me of some sorta candy with all the different translucent colors. The green 11/32 especially look nice.
Yeah, I'm a big fan of anything with a translucent acetate handle. If you like the green one, check out the Heyco acetate handle screwdrivers. They're a deep dark green and shiny.
Excellent Video! I used Xcelite tools in my job in the military. I loved those tools then.
Thanks! I know Xcelite had a bunch of government contracts back in the day.
Nothin' stinks so good as an old drawer of xcelites...
The smell has never really bothered me. I might be immune to it at this point.
While Xcelite made some specialize tools and had some features like nut drivers with deep clearance are good... Most Xcelite Tool Kits were purchase by Government and Corporate buyers that bought Millions of units but have little clue about Tool Quality means the product are barely use before often need replacement because of poor hardness of metal and more problems even if people are careful and use the "right way." That's even in the 1950's to 70's. Is no better that Sears with "Life Time Warranty" Craftsman that made to drive traffic to the stores when cheap screwdrivers and more wear or break then often strips the hardware too. You Don't want Xcelite 99 or base Craftsman screw drivers as the only tool for daily use even for most electronics that many claim is "light" work.
Great story! I loved the small color coded drivers I used at work! The torque amplifier!
Yeah I still have a soft spot for the color coded mini drivers. I'm still afraid to use the torque amplifier, since one time it got stuck on and I ruined the driver handle getting it off...
@@ballinator I remember it holding on as well. I fancy my Xcelite diags and drivers!
Little known fact - the band Metallica insists on using only XceLite tools to work on their guitars and amps. The song "Enter Sandman" is about using the tools to work on their equipment all day. The chorus begins, "XceLite, into night".
Had me going for a second at first. LOL!
cooper tool group was one of the players that bought herbrand tools Canada and yes from the ashes became apex tool group
I have the screwdriver nut driver kit that comes in the red pouch with spline drives
Lufkin is pronounced LUFF Kin not loofkin as a side note my first tape measure in the 70's is a Lufkin
Thanks for the correction
I have a few XceLite tools. My father was a radio/tv man, so I bought what he used. I wouldn't buy Chinese XceLite, though.
Yeah, no sense in paying a premium price for the China made tools, when used USA ones are still plentiful.
My dad used Xcelite as a TV repair man. I worked for Danaher (Matco Tools). Danaher sold Apex (Gearwrench, Armstrong, Weller, Xcelitex, Crastsman amoung others) to Bain Capitol around 2012. After a failed attempt to merge 2 US factories into 1, Apex moved all manufacturing to China and dropped Armstrong.
Thanks for the info. I'm working on an Armstrong video that will drop in a couple weeks. I'll dig deeper into the factory consolidations.
Except for the ones that Apex still manufactures in Apex NC I guess? (Weller, SATA, Cleco, Xcelite, Crescent, Jacobs, Campbell, Erem/Weller, Gear Wrench, Apex)
Great video, some of my favorite screwdrivers
Thanks, man.
So what makes them smell weird.
There's a chemical breakdown of the cellulose acetate material. Some say it's due to temperature, humidity or bacteria. As the material breaks down, it releases the odor.
1:12 lol first thing I saw was the ladies eye here & my soul left my body 😂
I think she might also be a conjoined twin with the guy to her right.
@@ballinator lol the AI stuff is wild
Great. TY
You're welcome!
That screwdriver should be radioactive!
Yeah, everything in that room got a massive dose of radiation.
@@ballinatorBut most of it was gamma rays. It's only the neutrons that make non-radioactive substances radioactive. The beryllium would have confined most of them inside the sphere, except for the crack where the screwdriver blade was.
Interesting. I had just assumed they would have had to scrap everything in the lab.
@@bpark10001 A good number of them escaped. They were able to estimate the dosages received by all the people in the lab by measuring the activation products in the loose change and other metal objects in their pockets after the incident.
1:45 - NEON tubes inside a screwdriver to test sparkplugs?? Thats so cool. I wanna see one of those. Sounds unsafe haha. I wonder if you could find one. Cheers for another great vid!
are these acetate handles then? Is there anything that can be done to un-fog them? A vintage set of the of those color coded nut drivers seems like a great deal on ebay right now.
The USA-made ones do use cellulose acetate butyrate handles. That fog is either corrosion from the handles decaying, which can be easily wiped off with a paper towel; or scuffs and scratches, which can be polished back to translucency with enough work. Be warned, though: The handle material is really strong and durable, but smells terribly. Be wary of keeping them in toolboxes.
They still make the spark testing screwdrivers. I have one but it's broken. The handles can be restored with the process I used in the Craftsman Spinner Handle video. If it's just a light fog, steel wool then Plastix or Flitz polish. They may fog up again over time though.
@@ballinator yeah I googled it after my comment and they def still make those haha. Still wouldn't mind seeing an old example like that one maybe it's more dangerous about it haha
@@ballinator I will check that vid out hadn't seen that one!
@@Fournier7 yeah I've got some acetate mini Craftsman screwdrivers I've had cooking in a plastic tote for like a decade so and WHEW it's intense when I open that up haha. Smell doesn't bother me too much tho. Thanks for the comments on restoration. I'm a sucker for translucent colored plastics (90s kid 🤣)