snubby screwdriver made for tripod plate screws?

[Terence Falk]

i was wondering if anyone has come across a snubby size screwdriver that really fits the 1/4/20 slotted screws in Sachtler quick release plates, instead of using a coin to attach or remove them? I have always felt the coin never worked that well and its hard on the fingers. A traditional screwdriver head is too thin. thanks for any ideas.

[Drew Bedo]

I have a Leatherman Wave model multitool in a belt pouch that has about whatever zi need to get some job done where ever I am. Not always the optimum tool, but it is there. Other multi work. Task specific tools may do better, but where is it when you need it?

[Jim C.]

I've never come across a screw driver stubby or not that has an extra wide blade.
That's something you'd have to make or if you know someone handy to make it for you.

On the other hand, a watch repairers case opening tool may be the ticket, you'd have to file the end .

https://www.jewelrytools.com/eurotoo...ing-Knife.html

[Keith Pitman]

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...prod22245.aspx

[Richard Wasserman]

I use a Husky stubby driver for similar tasks. The blade is technically too thin, but it works fine. After all how tight do these screws need to be?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-...7720/204254821

[Maris Rusis]

I stick to the coin method. If I had a special screwdriver that could turn the tripod plate screw really really tight I'd need that same screwdriver to undo that tripod plate screw. A conveniently available coin couldn't do it. I sympathetise with Rollei style TLR users who have to get the plate off every time to load and unload film.

[mdarnton]

I think if they'd wanted you to use a screwdriver they would have made it a screwdriver slot. It's not always necessary or desirable to tighten things as tight as humanly possible, though I certainly get to see the results of that attitude often enough in my repair shop.

[Robin H.]

There's either this one by PB Swisstools: https://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-7-screwdriver.html or this one by Facom: https://www.arricamstore.com/crew-to...-t-handle-p231
Both are commonly used to tighten screws on movie cameras, but might be overkill for photographic use. The Swisstools has a slightly thicker blade, but the Facom still fits fine.

[cowanw]

I would get a ordinary stubby and grind the tip to thickness
There is a HUSKY STUBBY FLATHEAD 1/4" SCREWDRIVER - MADE IN USA on auction for 5$

[Paul Ron]

any stubby screwdriver will work... you can get them at harbor freight or home depot for less that $5.

just be sure not to over tighten the screw. you risk pulling out or striping the threaded insert or damaging the camera. if its not holding... its the rubber or cork on the plate thats dried out n doesnt provide enough friction to hold it in place.