Greg Guarino wrote:
I found these in a jar in my Dad's garage. I don't know how old they
are, possibly '60s vintage. Anyone seen them before?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguari...ream/lightbox/

They are marked with the screw gage and length, and are tapered for
the threads, shank and countersink, and some even provide for an
extended hole, presumably to accommodate a plug. One is shown with
what must be a removable stop.

I don't know how well these would work in hardwoods, but I used one to
make the pilot holes to attach the back panels to my (plywood)
bookcases. The screws fit perfectly. On a side note, the screws were
"found" items as well; they were in the house when we bought it. Score
one for frugality, even if I did have to drive them by hand, with a
slot screwdriver.

I have a sears set of these. The stop had three notches so you could
set the depth of the countersink. They worked well, but I have
gradually changed to the new Sears set which has a regular drill bit
with a countersink that holds the bit. I seldom use "wood" screws
anymore so don't need the stepped taper.

--
 GW Ross 

 I talk to myself because I like 
 dealing with a better class of people.