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You Should Know This About Your Screwdrivers

What Are Screwdrivers?

A simple screwdriver has a handle and a shaft, which would end in a tip of the user which would put into the screw head before the handle would be turned. The shaft would be generally made up of tough steel so that it can resist bending or twisting. The tip might be hardened to resist wear, which would be treated with an ark tip coating for improved visual contrast between tip and screw—or ridged or treated for additional 'grip'. The handles would be generally made up of wood, metal, or plastic and are generally hexagonal, square, or oval in cross-section to enhance the grip and prevent the tool from rolling when it would be set down. There are interchangeable tips in some manual screwdrivers which would fit into a socket on the end of the shaft and would be held in mechanically or magnetically. They many a times have a hollow handle which has a lot of types as well as sizes of tips, and a reversible ratchet action which will allow a lot of full turns without repositioning the tip or the user's hand.

Types of Screwdrivers

Are you searching for the different types of screwdrivers? Then don’t worry! All you have to do is to have a look below and then all your doubts regarding its types would be cleared.


  1. Flat Head (or Slotted Head) Screwdriver - One of the oldest types of screwdriver is a flat head screwdriver. It was discovered in the 15th century in Europe and it is one of the most common types of screwdrivers. Now as the name would suggest, it would have a flat shape shaft tip with a single slot which would engage with the slotted screw head only. It can be driven manually or by power, but not many a times power driven because slotted head has ‘cam- out effect’.
  2. Phillips Screwdriver - These days, the world is moving from a manual driven to power or motor driven, as these were the first step towards power driven screwdrivers so that the time can be saved and things can be done more precisely and accurately. These were discovered in the 19th century by Henry Phillips with an aim to introduce the power-driven screwdrivers in most of the industries.
  3. Pozidriv Screwdriver - Pozidriv screwdriver, unlike Phillips screwdriver would have two cross sign which would be offset at 45-degree angles. They would be designed and are used a lot in Europe. The shape would not fully overcome the cam-out effect but at the same time would provide better resistance to slipping and offer more stability than Phillip profile, therefore it is utilized for the applications which would need high torque for tightening of screw.
  4. Robertson or Square Screwdriver - The square screwdriver is also called as Robertson screwdriver, which is named after a Canadian inventor. The engagement of quite tapered square shape opening screw with the square protrusion, with no angle involved would neglect the cam-out effect, thus it would improve the centering. The slight taper shape at the front of the tool would provide a good locking with the screw and thus it would make it more comfortable for utilization.
  5. Torx Screwdriver - A lot of automotive technicians use torx screwdriver. There are a lot of times when they are known as star tips by technician. This driver would have a star shape tip with 6 rounded lobes. Now because of the circular geometry of the lobes, there would be low radial force in a torx screwdriver, which would increase the life of the screw and the screwdriver bit. Unlike Phillips or pozidriv screwdrivers, much higher torque would be able to transfer with the similar amount of force with no chance of tool slipping, even at high driving speed power tools, which would make it more reliable to use.
  6. Hex Screwdriver or Hexagon Screwdriver - There are six straight lobes in this screwdriver, like hexagon. They are utilized to fasten often bolts rather than screws. You might have seen these bits in your ratchet box for tightening up or losing hex bolts, nuts and screws. No slipping or cam- out effect would take place while driving this hence most of the power driver tools can be fitted with hex arrangement bits and thus it would make the production faster and with less error.

How do Screwdrivers Works?

Are you searching how do the screwdrivers actually work? Then all you have to do is to have a look below and then you will be able to understand everything.

 

If you want to use the screwdriver, then it is essential to match the screwdriver tip to the fastener's head. The most common ones which are used are the flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers. A screwdriver would allow you to tighten a screw by turning the driver clockwise and then it should be loosened by turning it counter clockwise. There is a tough steel shaft with a bit on the end of the blade which would be attached to the square, round or hexagonal plastic, metal or wooden handle. The screwdriver -- categorized by its bit type – would have a shaped tip which would engage the fastener, which is what allows you to turn the screw.


  1. Examine the Screw's Head - The head of the screw or fastener should then be examined to match it to the correct screwdriver. The head of the fastener would have a single slot, a slotted cross, a hex-shaped indentation, a star pattern and other shapes. The most common head types would be a single slot for a flat-head screwdriver or a slotted cross for the Phillips screwdriver. A star-shaped slot would need a Torx screwdriver, while the other heads would have a square indentation or another shape. The indentations in the head of the screw should match the screwdriver if you want to fasten it safely as well as in the right manner.
  2. A Snug Fit - The tip of the screwdriver should then be inserted into the head of the fastener to check it would fit securely. Now if the tip of the screwdriver would not match the fastener indentations with a tight fit, the screwdriver can slip off the screw as you tighten it. The shaft of the screwdriver should then be aligned to the same angle as that of the screw to ensure the application of proper force.
  3. Hold the Screwdriver Near Its Tip - You should then grasp the handle with your dominant hand and then you should tip with your other as close to the head of the screw as you can. Enough force should be applied to turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screw and the opposite direction to loosen it. There is no need to apply more force than is necessary or the screwdriver could slip from the fastener's head. The shaft of the screwdriver should be kept aligned with the shaft of the screw as you tighten or loosen it for the perfect results.
  4. Other Considerations - The screwdrivers are also available in a lot of different lengths and tip sizes. For instance, if you have to remove a screw from a tight spot, you would require a screwdriver with a small handle and shaft to fit in the available space. The screwdrivers which would be too big for the fastener's head could chew up the head, which would damage it and then make it unusable. The right-sized screwdriver would not extend beyond the indentations in the screw's head. When you would be working with hardwoods, then a small starter hole should be drilled to prevent the wood from cracking as you fasten the screw, and then check if you have the right screws for the job. There are spiral threads in the wood screws and a pointed tip while screws for fastening inside a nut or metal shaft have even threads and a flat end, as there would be no need to bite into the wood.

Purpose Of Screwdrivers

The screwdriver is used for screwing (installing) and unscrewing (removing) screws.

Top Brands For Screwdrivers

If customers trust a brand, then it would make them loyal, and if they are loyal, then they will surely buy more. We are well aware that customers want comfort, cheerfulness as well as satisfaction in their lives and that’s the reason why we offer top quality auto parts brands to our customers. We make sure to provide a positive experience to our consumers from the brands which we are offering so that they can form an opinion that a particular auto parts brand is trustworthy and would give them peace of mind while they are purchasing it for their car. Here we have listed out some top brands for Screwdrivers.


Gear Wrench Screwdrivers

SK Screwdrivers

Sunex Screwdrivers

Titan Screwdrivers

Cal-Van Tools Screwdrivers

Related Parts of Screwdrivers

It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the Screwdrivers related parts.

 

Screwdriver Safety

There is a purpose served by every tool, but according to the National Safety Council, the screwdriver is perhaps the most misused as well as abused tool in the workplace. The misuse might compromise the integrity of the tool by breaking the handle, bending the shaft or dulling the tip, which would make workers susceptible to hand injury when the tool would be used correctly. Now if you want to prevent injury and keep the screwdrivers in shape, then the council recommends:

 

  • Keep in mind that you should not use a screwdriver as a punch, wedge, pinch bar or pry.
  • The tip should be kept clean and sharp so that it can allow a solid grip on the tip of the screw.
  • The handle of the screwdriver should be kept clean and intact to allow for a solid grip.
  • You should never hold the piece which you are working on in your hand. You should always lay it on a workbench or place it in a vice.
  • The screwdrivers should be carried in toolboxes or work belts and not in your pockets. In wood and sheet metal, you can always make a pilot hole for the screw.
  • A screwdriver should not be used during electrical work unless it would be properly insulated.
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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.