Expert Guide to Screwdrivers: Types, Parts, Uses, and Sizes to Buy

Introduction

Whether you are working on a simple or complex woodwork project, the chances of using a screwdriver are very high. Also, screwdrivers can be used in many other projects besides woodwork. So long as you need to insert or remove a screw from a workpiece, you will need a screwdriver.

As such, a screwdriver is a type of tool that we use for inserting and removing screws from an object. It can be your woodwork piece or a toy.

Expect to come across different types and sizes of screws. It is then crucial to choose the right one. We will discuss more in terms of the screws buying guide, the types you can expect to find, the uses, and much more.

Parts of a Screwdriver

Screwdrivers are generally simple tools with few parts. The main parts are a handle, a shaft or shank, and the drive tip.

The handle is what you hold in your hand to drive the screw into a workpiece. This part is bigger than the others and shaped in a way to provide more comfort in your hand as you use the Phillips screwdriver or any other type.

The shank or shaft is the long metal part running from the handle to the drive tip. As for the drive tip, this is the end shaped to be inserted in the screw head so that you can insert or remove the screw.

The drive tip comes in many shapes and sizes. Examples include slotted or flathead, Phillips or crosshead, hex, torx, pentalobe, and more.

Best Materials for Screwdrivers

Whether you get a Torx screwdriver or a Phillips head screwdriver, the material used to make it remains important. Some screwdrivers last long because they are built with long-lasting materials.

What are the best materials for a screwdriver set?

S2 tool steel is one of the most common options you will get with screwdrivers. This material offers high hardness and impact resistance. Being tough ensures you can use your screwdriver in heavy-duty applications.

The other option is chrome-vanadium steel. This one remains a top choice for everyday use screwdrivers because it offers a good balance of resistance to wear, durability, and strength. Still, such screwdrivers are often within the affordable range.

Chromium-molybdenum steel is another top choice as well. Expect it to give you the best wear resistance and good strength for the money. This type of material is used in high-end screwdrivers thanks to its toughness and corrosion resistance.

The handle material often varies from one company to another. Plastic remains a top choice for most brands. However, you can get some with wood or metal handles. The primary focus is to always provide grip and comfort while using the screwdriver.

You may notice that a screwdriver tip will be more hardened. This is to ensure it does not strip the screws and also durability is well maintained.

Uses of Screwdrivers

You can choose a precision screwdriver set or electrical screwdrivers for various applications you might have around. Here are the common uses of screwdriver sets today.

• Assembling furniture at home or in the office
• Tightening loose fixtures
• Fixing your appliances
• Opening and repairing electronics
• Working on electrical connections
• Installing hinges and other fittings
• Securing joints and wood panels
• Fastening metal components
• Assembling machinery etc.

The list can continue depending on your needs. It is always crucial to use the right screwdriver type for the job.

Types of Screwdrivers

There are several screwdriver types in the market. Here is what to expect when seeking the top screwdriver sets in the market.

1. Phillips Screwdriver

If you get yourself a Craftsman screwdriver set; expect to come across the Phillips screwdriver. It is probably the most used screwdriver ever, with so many devices using the Phillips head screw.

This screwdriver has an X shape for its tip. They were introduced to deal with issues of the flathead screwdrivers. You get more grip and torque to drive the screw. However, they can still strip the screw head if you use too much force.

2. Clutch Screwdriver

It is used for working on old clutch screws or the new anti-theft clutch screws. You cannot mistake it for other screwdrivers because the screwhead is shaped like a bowtie or butterfly. Looking at the image above should give you a clear understanding of what the clutch screwdriver looks like.

Right now, some companies are using the clutch screws in their devices for anti-theft purposes. This is because the screws are designed with slopping inserts so that you can only drive them using the right clutch screwdriver.

3. Flathead or Slotted Screwdriver

This type of screwdriver is also common in a Milwaukee Screwdriver set. The wedge-shaped flat tip is what gives it the name flathead. It is designed to simply fit in a slotted screw.

There are so many devices with slotted screws making this screwdriver a popular tool to have in your toolbox. The tool will be useful for those who like working on furniture and vehicles, as there are plenty of applications.

4. Offset Screwdrivers

The offset screwdrivers have a z-shape and two different heads on each end. Their design aims to allow for working in tight spaces, where it can be hard to use a normal-sized power screwdriver. Let us say you need to work on loosening a screw under an appliance; you could use the offset screwdrivers.

As much as this screwdriver is meant to help fit in tight spaces, slipping is common. So it should not be what you use daily while working on projects.

5. Robertson Screwdriver

In comparison to a Phillips and Star screwdriver, this one is the best for driving screws at a higher torque. It is used for driving screws with a square shape notch. Being square means it grips all the sides of the screwhead without slipping, even with the increase in torque.

The Roberston screws are common in the furniture and automotive industries.

6. Hex Screwdriver

This is a screwdriver meant for tightening and loosening screws with a hexagonal notch hence the name hex screwdriver. The hex screws are also common in the future products as they offer good performance. You may also notice them being called Allen Keys as well.

7. Spanner Screwdriver

You would get the spanner screws primarily being used for commercial applications where they are trying to limit vandalism. This is because only the spanner screwdriver can effectively remove such a screw. The screwdriver has an interesting design of a flat head with a notch in the middle. Its unique design discourages easy theft.

8. Multibit Screwdriver

This is a screwdriver that combines two types into one. Depending on the application, you can always turn the screwdriver to the needed side.

The screwdriver shank has a hollow section for holding the bit. It is usually a hex-shaped shank to ensure the best grip while working on a project.

9. Precision Screwdriver

This is a common tool for many electricians and those who fix glasses. Precision screwdrivers are smaller and narrower than the other types mentioned above. Such a set would have different screwdriver heads for versatility. Let us say you want to repair a smartphone; you will need a precision screwdriver set as it will have the right screwdriver size that works with the screws in the phone.

10. Ratcheting Screwdriver

This one works just like a ratchet. It freely spins in one direction to grip the screw and has resistance in the opposite direction to apply torque to the screw head. These screwdrivers are recommended for applications where you cannot reposition the screwdriver easily and frequently. For example, if you are working in tight spaces, this could be a nice pick for the job.

11. Torx Screwdrivers

The torx screwdrivers have a star-shaped tip that fits in similarly shaped screws. The Torx screws are common electronics and common home appliances. The use of the star shape for screws was meant to minimize stripping with the repeated use.

You may not always use a torx screwdriver, but it is good to have one around, as you never know when you may need to open an appliance.

Expect to come across many other types of screwdrivers. These would mainly be specialty screwdrivers and are not common for everyday applications or repairs.

How to Choose the Right Screwdriver

Now that you know more about the types of screwdrivers, it is time to choose the right one for you. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Screw Head Type

It is vital that you choose the screwdriver depending on the screw head. Examples of the screw heads include hex, torx, Phillips, flathead, and more. The incorrect screwdriver would not be able to loosen or tighten the screw correctly.

This goes in line with the screwdriver type. Use standard screwdrivers for general applications. If you need more torque and speed, ratchet screwdrivers are the right choice. Multi-bit screwdrivers are the best for those who need to carry multiple bits in a single tool. So, each screwdriver type will have its specific use.

Size Matters

The torque on screwdrivers varies a lot depending on the size. That is what you need the right size of a screwdriver. Still, size is important so that the tip can fit in the screw head correctly.

You should avoid oversizing the screwdriver tip. This is because it would not engage the screwhead properly. The same goes for the screwdriver tip that is too small.

Shank Length

If you have the space and you need more leverage, screwdrivers with longer shanks are the best. However, if you will be working in confined spaces, a shorter shank should be better for the application.

Choose the Right Handle

Yes, the right handle may determine how comfortable the screwdriver feels in the hand. The best screwdriver set will have comfortable handles that also offer a good grip. If you have the right grip, it means you can handle and control the screwdriver better.

Durability and Build Quality

We always recommend investing in screwdrivers with the best build quality. This makes the screwdriver last longer and serves you for many years to come. Some of the best materials used to make screwdrivers include carbon steel, chrome vanadium steel, and others.

Price and Brand

The price will vary based on many factors, one of them being the brand. If you get the screwdrivers from top brands, expect them to be pricey sometimes. Just make sure you are getting value for money. Check the overall quality of the screwdrivers to get value for your purchase. Good screwdrivers will also have good reviews despite the price. It would not hurt to read enough reviews about a screwdriver set before buying.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Screwdriver

Sometimes it is easy to make mistakes while using a pocket screwdriver or a Robertson screwdriver. These mistakes can lead to stripping of the screws and other problems. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while using screwdrivers.

• Not using the right screwdriver for the job can lead to screw stripping. Make sure you look at the screws you will be working with to choose the right screwdriver.
• Hold the screwdriver firmly to ensure a good grip for driving the screws. This will also reduce the risks of slipping and possibly leading to injuries.
• Keep your screwdriver tip in good condition. No need to keep using worn or damaged tips. This is because the screwdriver can easily slip, leading to damage to a workpiece or injuries.
• As much as you need force to drive the screws, do not use too much force. When the force is too much, it can lead to the slipping of the screwdriver.
• Safety goggles are recommended when using power tools. For example, if you are using an electronic screwdriver, make sure you have safety goggles to avoid injuries from flying debris.
• If you have to work with electricity, make sure that your screwdriver set has an insulated handle. Such a handle is key in protecting you from an electric shock.
• Dispose of the old and damaged screwdrivers. The last thing you want is for them to break while using, leading to injuries.

Conclusion

Screwdrivers remain important in our lives, considering the number of times you may have wanted to use one. It could be working on a piece of furniture or you want to repair an appliance, expect to find use for a screwdriver. We also see that there are many types available. As such, it is best to choose the right one for the screw head. This ensures easy loosening or tightening of the screw.