Screwdrivers: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Screwdrivers?

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A screwdriver is an essential handheld tool designed to tighten or remove a range of screws within various materials by tuning and inserting screws. It operates by amplifying the turning motion of the hand to effectively insert or remove multiple screws with the help of specially designed tips. These hand-operated tools come in several types and styles to suit the corresponding screws and screw drives. They are supplied with comfortable grips with a protrusion to operate conveniently.  Furthermore, they also carry a robust shank, handle, and bits to carry out the effortless operation. The torque (applied force) can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the application. In addition, they come in varied types, designs, and styles and are ideal for a vast range of domestic and industrial applications.

Components of a Typical Screwdriver:

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A screwdriver features three main parts constructed using machines with desired shapes and materials. These components are highly efficient and well-treated with heat to enable them for their desired tensile strength and function. The following are the main parts of screwdrivers:

— Screwdriver Handle:

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As the name suggests, handles are designed to provide a comfortable grip while applying torque to remove or insert screws. They are designed to prevent rolling over flat surfaces and are ergonomic. Depending on the applications, they are shaped to the desired specifications. For grip comfortability, they are also covered with non-slip materials. They are made of exceptionally durable and sturdy materials with a range of materials such as cellulose acetate, composite materials, rigid plastics, and rubber. Additionally, they also come with soft handles made from soft thermoplastic rubber for enhanced grips. 

— Shank/Shaft:

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The shank or shaft is constructed from firm steel for easy bending or twisting screws by applying torque. They are sure to avoid any twisting deformation and come in either rounded or hexagonal shapes. They are also interchangeable and are made of different colours and materials. 

— Drive Bits/Tips:

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Drive bits or tips, also called the head of the screwdriver, are multi-bit tools to insert and remove the desired screw types. They are the integral components of the shank located at its end. Like drill bits, driver tips come as detachable and interchangeable parts called drivers.  

Screwdriver Sizes:

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These hand tools come in various sizes, including small, medium, and large. Their size is usually measured in millimeters, including their blades, tips, and overall tools. The sizes include 0 to 4 offered by some brands (like Phillips), where 0 is a small size, while 4 is the larger one. Additionally, these tools are also classified by their Torx sizes, with their size number next (such as T10). They provide an easy way to identify the required tool sizes. 

Various Types:

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As mentioned earlier, they are classified into several types based on the shape of the driver tip for given screws. They also come as general-purpose or application-specific ones designed to be used for special purposes in various environments. The following are some of the common types. 

• Phillips Screwdriver

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Phillips, also spelled as Philip Screwdrivers, are the most commonly used type of screwdrivers designed to fit screws having Phillip’s heads and can handle high torsion applications. These crosshead feature pointed edges with cross shapes, with the main benefit of auto-adjustments of the desired screws within their center. 

• Pozidriv Screwdrivers

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These are upgraded or improved versions of Phillips’ screwdrivers and are widely used worldwide. These tools feature parallel flanks for comfortably applying force and to prevent camming (slipping screw heads upon applied force).

• Torx/Star Screwdrivers

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Star head screwdriver is the generic name for Torx, is a trademark for six-point star-shaped screw heads and includes six-point head, pointed screwdrivers, and Torx screwdrivers. They are suitable for environments with additional applied torque, as in mechanical production. 

• Torque Screwdrivers

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A torque screwdriver is a hand tool designed to apply certain torque limits enough for the required level. They are highly preferred for tightening screws that require material safety and prevent falling out. These tools feature a torque-limiting clutch for applying a specified limit of force. 

• Insulated Screwdrivers

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These are designed for electricians with non-conductive materials, allowing safety while operating in hazardous settings. These tools are VDE standard with a high level of insulation properties. 

• Flathead Screwdrivers

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Flat or slot-headed screwdrivers are the typical form of multi-purpose hand tools with a flattened tip designed for screws with a straight incision across the head. They are widely employed for an impressive range of applications. 

• Hex Screwdrivers

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Hex or hexagon screwdrivers with a set of hex-head tools are ideal for tightening or loosening hex screws. They function similarly to Allen keys or wrenches, being employed for tightening or loosening hex screws. 

• Tri-Wing Screwdrivers

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Tri-wing screwdrivers are ideal, with small screws and components designed specifically for mobile phones, cameras, and other related consoles. 

• Square Screwdrivers

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These square-headed screwdrivers were invented to reduce the camming of slotted screws and are widely used to fit square-shaped recess screws. 

• Precision Screwdrivers

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As the name suggests, these are designed to be used in small devices where exact precision is required. They are primarily used in mobile phones and watches where small screws are used. 

• Electric Screwdrivers

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Electric screwdrivers are power tools designed for assembling furniture or screwing into softwood. They are mostly suitable for tasks that need compact tools. 

• Impact Screwdrivers

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Impact drivers are heavy-duty screwdrivers that use sudden rotational force to remove or drive into harder and denser materials, even using a hammer. These screwdrivers feature a spring to release a burst of torque and deliver energy. 

Screwdriver Sets:

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The screwdriver set consists of a variety of screwdrivers and related versions of tools in a great range of sizes. They offer various benefits by providing several pieces in one place and for a specific application. Depending on the set, it comprises various tool sizes of the same tool. For instance, Torx screwdriver sets include Torx screwdrivers of varying sizes. 

Types of Screwdriver Sets:

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A screwdriver set consists of related components and tools for a specific purpose. Some of the basic screwdriver sets for electrical, mechanical, and computer repair technicians include:

• Precision Screwdriver Set 

• VDE Screwdriver Set

• Magnetic Screwdriver Set

• Phillips Screwdriver Set

• Stainless Steel Screwdriver Set 

• ESD Screwdriver Set

• Insulated Screwdriver Set

For What Purposes Can Screwdrivers Be Used?

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The screwdriver is one of the most basic and essential tools for tightening or loosening fasteners and bolts. They are the key components for most electricians, technicians, mechanical engineers, and more. As far as the applications are concerned, there are different screwdriver varieties to suit different environments and applications, like general-purpose or insulated screwdrivers for electricians that require safety. However, some of the basic applications include:

• Small Electrical & Electronic Equipment

• Portable Equipment (Mobile Phones, Laptops) 

• Automotive Purposes

• Computer Repairing

• Mechanical Production

• Industrial Production

• Furniture & Carpentry

• Metalwork & Fastening Wood to Metal

• Flammable and Demanding Environments

The Final Thoughts:

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Screwdrivers are small hand tools with impressive applications in a vast range of environments. From electronic to electrical equipment, they are indispensable tools in various day-to-day applications. They come in different dimensions and styles. Regarding types and shapes, they come as T-shapes, Y screwdrivers, standard screwdrivers, Philip screwdrivers, Pacman screwdrivers, etc. It is essential to select the best screwdriver for desired applications.