Comments on: Ode to a Magnetic Screwdriver

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:00:26 +0000

Ah – that’s exactly how the Yankee push drill works! Cool. Thanks for following up.

By: Joe Hyam

Joe Hyam — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:56:52 +0000

A ratchet screwdriver allows you, by means of a ratchet mechanism, to fit the blade into the head of the screw and simply push forward. The head of the screw is then rotated by the forward motion alone, which is repeted until the screw is tightened or loosened. I have had one for years and found that because it provides extra purchase can be particularly useful with intractable screws.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:58:00 +0000

What, they don’t have men like that in New Jersey? I’m disillusioned.

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:28:28 +0000

I’ve been enjoying these odes, too. They make me wish for a man versed enough in both hand tools and poetry to share them with.

;-)

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:17:12 +0000

Thanks, Dick. I’m glad this one worked for you.

Joe – I should probably know what a ratchet screw driver is, but I’m afraid I don’t. Sounds intriguing.

I’ve been debating whether I should write about the Yankee push drill – I’m afraid that might be too obscure, too. As it is, my “hand truck” threw several people for a loop.

By: Joe Hyam

Joe Hyam — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:26:04 +0000

No mention yet of the ratchet screw driver which might almost introduce a new metaphysical dimension.

By: Dick

Dick — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:17:34 +0000

Good to read so splendid a paean to my favourite tool in the box, Dave.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:37:56 +0000

Joan – I’m glad this one resonated with you. I still use screwdrivers, too – in fact, I used one today, prompted by the poem, to remove my bathroom drain. That was when I realized that the poem took a decidedly limited view of the screwdriver’s applications: it ain’t just wood, and it ain’t just screwing in. But then of course realism was never the point, was it?

Rachel – Thanks. My first draft was more explicitly Christian – and probably a lot less fun. Best not to over-determine things with these tool odes, since one of the main ideas is to try and liberate tools from their narrowly defined roles.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:17:40 +0000

I love “can only solve for X” and “like a purpose-/ driven whirlwind” and “inclining ever so slightly / toward magnetic north.” Great hints of Christian imagery in this one — the tilted cruciform of X, the hint of “purpose-driven life,” age of faith and someone possessed and even the desert reference. Nice.

By: Joan

Joan — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:13:58 +0000

Dang! I love these tool poems! Who would have thought the humble tool had so much metaphor in him. Too many favorite lines..too little time.. but as a benighted user of the “age of faith” hand screwdriver, I can relate to everything said and wish I had said any one of those things. “insect in amber”, “solve for x” , “purpose driven whirlwind in a desert of wood”. Am also seriously checking while on my next project to see if I’m inclined toward magnetic north. When does the book come out? I need to save up.