English Language & Usage Asked on August 17, 2021
I occasionally use the phrase “Birmingham screwdriver” to mean “hammer”, but this evening I heard a hammer referred to as a “Manchester screwdriver”, by someone with no association with either city.
It set me to wonder which is most common/popular/historic, and if any other city is associated with this popular and convenient tool?
On this side of the pond the phrase "Yankee Screwdriver" is not uncommon. I also understand that during WWII the Dutch used it (derogatorily I suppose) after seeing American GIs pounding screws with hammers.
As it turns out, you CAN drive a screw part way with a hammer (coarse tooth deck screw, Robertson head, in softwood only of course...), saving a lot of time with little detriment on its holding ability*. In this sense the term is not necessarily (or strongly) derogatory.
*But in this era of electric screw drivers this is "old technology".
Correct answer by MickeyfAgain_BeforeExitOfSO on August 17, 2021
A Yankee screwdriver is a screwdriver which works with a pump action, so that the blade turns when the handle is pushed toward the screw. It is reversible, but works better on the way in, as on the way out you are turning the screw out but forcing it in. I believe it is a proprietary name.
Answered by user4454 on August 17, 2021
I have only heard the terms "Paisley Screwdriver" or "Glasgow Screwdriver" used in the same way by natives of the opposing places.
Answered by neil on August 17, 2021
In Australia, I have heard a hammer being referred to as an ‘American screwdriver’. I always took it to being used instead of an actual screwdriver in frustration laziness or anger, which are good ol’ American traits.
Answered by Jim on August 17, 2021
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