Remove the spring and stretch it about 10% longer without tension. That should
restore the action. If not, stretch it again.

On Jul 27, 2014, at 4:02 PM, Thomas Conroy  wrote:

> O Galoots:
> 
> Yard sale four blocks from my house today. I got a MF ratcheting screwdriver
and a North Bros. 30A.
> 
> The 30A is supposed to be non-quick-return, but my new one does have a spring
and the screw pops out when you release the latch. However, its a weak screw,
whether from metal fatigue or because it was made that way. So what goes? Did
the non-quick-return "Yankees" ever have a spring, just a weak one? Or is this
some kind of user modification or aftermarket upgrade?
> 
> FWIW, this 30A has a brass frame with the remains of a black paint job on it.
On the other hand, it has a 1923 patent date as part of the mark. Do these
details together help to date it?
> 
> Tom Conroy
> Berkeley
> 
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