Abstract: A drive mechanism particularly suited for use in a manual grinder for the grinding of edible grindable product. The drive mechanism includes a toothed ring 15 is engaged with a toothed rack 21. A split sleeve 16 is located within the toothed gear 15 and a shaft 14 is engaged in the bore of the split sleeve 16. The split sleeve 16 is coupled (38, 40) to the toothed gear 15 such that relative movement between the split sleeve 16 and the gear 15 can occur when the rack is moved in a first position. This movement in the first direction results in contraction of the bore of the split sleeve 16 so as to create a driving contact between the split sleeve and the shaft. Upon the rack being moved in the second direction the driving contact is removed whereby the split sleeve and toothed gear 15 can move independent of the shaft 14.