Which Type of Screwdriver Should You Buy – (Complete Guide)

“Pass the screwdriver” haven’t you heard this a lot of time? Yes, we all are actually familiar with this sentence. Well, there was a time when ancient people used to their work by them even the smallest to bigger tasks are even done by themselves. But now when we are so much in hustle, we just have left these traditions so much far.

DIY tools are not as such a part of our life as before. But definitely, we can’t deny the importance of these tools either we are using it by ourselves or not. Anyways, here we are going to talk about an important tool of the toolbox. Yes, you got it right. It’s “Screwdriver”. The screwdriver is one of the simplest tools to use in the box.

Well, what ‘screwdriver’ actually is! Let me tell you first.

The major and main purpose of the screwdriver is “turning the screws”.

If I turn the pages of history, back to 15th-century ancient people of that time invented the screwdrivers following the need of screws which were the part of metal armors and engines.

The driver is made up of metal rod ended up at the flat or cross-shaped side that is according to the screw. The handle is made up of wood or plastic in different colors and the tool is usually hand-operated. And the shank is made up of hard steel to give the strength to it. A screwdriver is a must-have for the household.

Let’s move further and know about the different types of screwdrivers those can be the part of our daily DIY tasks. Have a look!

Types of Screwdrivers

The dependency of any type of driver is definitely on that type of screw. So, it is as important to know about to different types of screwdrivers as to know about the various types of screws. Here are some all type famous and important types of screwdrivers. Let’s know about these types!

The detailed explanation about each type is just this way. Have a look!

Slotted Screwdriver

The slotted screwdriver is the oldest type of this tool. Generally, it is fully fit on the width of the screws. Either flared or flat driver easily fits on the shape of the screws. These drivers are available in different sizes from tiny to huge even for industrial usage.

Here, we need to clarify the most commonly DIY tasks are operated with two sizes 5.5 mm and 8mm wide screwdrivers.

No doubt, the slotted type is one of the famous and common types but care must be taken while using this. The reason is sometimes, it gets slipped from the actual position when applying the pressure directly. And it can harm your hand or finger or can leave the scratch on the surface of the object.

High-quality drives are designed to have the parallel tip to screws which avoid the chance of slipping out of the slot. So, pick the right size to prevent the object from any damage.

Application: The most common drive is used almost everywhere. Its use is in all products.

Phillips Head Screwdriver

Phillips head screwdriver is one of the most commonly used types of this hand-operated tool. What is the shape of this? Yes, when we see this from the steel rod side its face looks like a cross, but in actual the high-quality Phillips driver has rounded tip.

The sharp-end screwdrivers are not suitable for most screws. So, you must know your actual need before buying it. The numbers engraved on the rod of the drivers show the size and fitting of the driver. The numbers range is from 1 to 4 and the most commonly pick up number is 2 of Phillips drive for DIY tasks.

Application: The most common use of these screws and drivers is in in the manufacture of furniture, electronics, jewelry, and carpentry.

Pozi-drive

Pozi drive has a kind of dull point than the Phillips screwdriver.

The collaboration of Phillips Screw Company and American Screw Company has just developed the Pozi-drive. Because of the rare angles between screw drives and screw the main objective of this collaboration was to bring down or even finish the tendency of normal drives.

The angles of the drive have minimized, this was the cause to engage the contact between drive and tip. This reduction of angles has lessened the chances of any slip of the drive. And then the pozi drive is very powerful with this system. The Pozi drive comes in sizes from 1 to 3.

Application: This type of driver has a wide range of usages especially in Europe. But this type of driver is not common in the USA.

Torx Screwdriver

Torx driver is shaped as the six-pointed star at the top and the rounded off points are the distinction. And one of the important features of this driver is a large surface area for the adjustment of the screw and its driver. This helps to make the right and strong engagement between both. So, the tightness will be extremely high of course.

The drives are deep enough in these screws, so you must be careful while fixing these. You must clean the drive first to make the strong contact. The internal and external drives are available with driver size ranging from T1 to T100.

It wouldn’t be wrong if we say the Torx as the mixture of Phillips driver, Pozi drive, and hex bolt. And such drivers are mostly available in kits.

Application: This driver has the wide use in electronics and automotive industries. It is mostly for heavy usages.

Demolition Screwdriver

“A driver to replace all types of screwdrivers.” This specially made screwdriver is able it does all tasks which can be done by other screwdrivers.  The connection of metal cap on the handle with the shaft directly passes the force to the tip of the screwdriver when pressure is banged onto the head.

Application: Demolition Screwdriver can perform all jobs mostly done by other drives. So, its use is in multi-departments.

Hex Drive

Hex drive or Bolster screwdriver simply derive from the word “Hexagon”. This driver is suitable for the six-sided screw and generally is the bolt fastener. You can go with extra pressure to fix the shaft with this screwdriver.

And here is the need to clarify that these screwdrivers are far different from demolition screwdriver. The hex drive is mostly used in assembling the furniture products.

Application: Hex drive has the large use in manufacturing and assembling the furniture.

Chisel Screwdriver

The chisel screwdriver is a considerable tool to have in your toolbox. The driver has the robust tip which bears the high torque values and doesn’t crack when it is hammered.

Chisel screw is quite ordinary for home improvement purposes. It is commonly used to open the tin packs, cans, paint cans etc. The dealers used this to remove any part of paint from the head of screws with the driver.

To make it lasts for long time period use it for the exact purpose for which it is made to use. And you must wear the goggles or face shield for safety while using a screwdriver as a chisel.

 Application: It can be used for numerous purposes almost for all type of jobs of screwdrivers.

Robertson Screwdriver

Robertson screwdriver is for a recessed square drive in the screws. This driver has zero chance of any slip as it fits accurately in the drive. High pressure can be put with these screwdrivers.

Application: Square Recess screwdriver is suitably used in manufacturing the furniture products due to its effective drive.

Tri-Wing Drive

Tri-wing screwdriver is similar to Phillips driver to some extent. But as compared to Phillips drive this drive has 3 recesses which make the fix stronger and almost impossible to remove with any other driver. High torque values can be applied to Tri-wing screws.

These drives are less and expensive, hard to find easily. Tri-wing screws are available in sizes ranging from 1 to 3.

Application: Tri-wing has the use in manufacturing electronic products because high pressure can be applied with this drive.

Spanner Drive

Spanner screwdriver is used in the electronics industry and is not common for daily use. The spanner drive with 2 recesses easily turns the screw. Such drivers are available in sizes from 4 to 12. The spanner screw is only able to get turned with spanner screwdriver. So, there is no chance for any other driver to replace it.

Application: This type of drive usages are mostly related to the electronics industry, doors, and elevators.

Important Aspects to remember when buying an Electric Screwdriver

We all know that screwdrivers are the must-have item in the toolbox, and if that is an electric screwdriver then it can be more helpful for DIY tasks. An electric screwdriver is a quick and time-saving tool. So, if you are thinking to buy an electric screwdriver for your help then you are at right place.

Here we are going to discuss some important aspects to consider when buying an electric screwdriver. Here we go!

Some important features to consider!!

Here are some important features you must be looking for and will help you to decide on the required item.

Speed

The speed of electric screwdriver varies from brand to brand. And some have volatile speed which helps in setting the required speed according to the need. The speed can be adjusted to reverse and remove the screw as well.

Length

Length is an important aspect when buying a screwdriver. But it’s better to decide the length of a driver according to the nature of the project.

Cordless Screwdrivers

The fundamental model of the electric screwdriver was with the wire and a switchboard. But as the name is showing the cordless screwdriver is free from any cord and can be moved anywhere you want.

To robust the functionality of such drives, the rechargeable batteries are used to pass the power.

Spindle Lock

The spindle lock is a feature of an electric screwdriver which allows you to use the driver manually. It locks the head of the screwdriver.

Drill Drivers

An electric screwdriver can also work as a drill driver. Isn’t it amazing? I think it is a remarkable DIY tool and can be extremely useful. Well, these type of electric drivers is asserted in a way to fit both screwdrivers and drill heads.

Handles

Handles are obviously making the grip more comfortable and easy. Rubber handles are easy to maintain the grip and some are available with the advantage of absorbing the sweat from the palm. It can prevent from slipping your hand.

Cost

Never compromise the price for the quality. Just buy a quality a product which would be worth paying.

Torque Control

Torque control is the feature that will definitely help you to increase the control when screwing. The large size of screw or harder material you would need more control to fix that.

Accessories

Some more accessories will be found with an electric screwdriver. Such accessories will be heads and bits in tool case.

These are some must consider features when selecting an electric screwdriver for your need. Must remember these characteristics!

How to magnetize a Screwdriver

To magnetize a screwdriver two main methods are involved. Which are:

1. Using a magnet
2. Using a battery

Using a magnet

The first method involves the six basic steps:

1. First, you need to select the strongest magnet bar. Because the power of magnetism depends on the strength of the magnet. Neodymium magnet can be the first choice.
2. Now clean the screwdriver and wipe out all dust or any other filth. Better to use dry cloth for the purpose.
3. Now slightly rub the magnet on the rod portion of the driver. This will develop the small magnet domains on the steel rod.
4. Afterward, removing the magnet repeat the same motion several times in the same direction from handle to tip. But don’t reverse the motion of the magnet.
5. At this step, rotate the driver and repeat the motion from handle to tip. Complete the four sides.
6. At the final step, test the magnetism of screwdriver. If it is not satisfactory then repeat the procedure until screwdriver gets magnetized.

Using a Battery

This method involves the following steps:

1. Take a wire, insulate off the minimum part of both ends of the wire.
2. After that, make a layer of wire on the screwdriver rod and wrap it completely and tightly. You can double back but don’t reverse the direction of the motion.
3. At this step, attach both ends of the wire to the terminals of the household battery. The flow of the current will magnetize the driver.
4. Then disconnect the wire from the battery after max 60 seconds. And check the magnetism if it doesn’t perform so then you must increase the loops of wires and repeat.

How to demagnetize a screwdriver

Here is the method to demagnetize the screwdriver with the heat. The method involves the following steps:

1. First, pick a magnetize screwdriver and any heating element that can be stove, blowtorch or any heating material.
2. Afterward, start the heat source and put the metal rod of the driver on the flame preventing the handle of the driver.
3. At this step, just wait and let the driver rod get fully heat up. It’s the way the drive will lose the magnetism. In this procedure, the rod will change many colors and at the end, it will be whitish which indicates that all magnetism has lost.
4. The last step is obviously to check the result of your effort.

Final Thoughts

When you have a large number of screwdrivers of every size then it’s another job to store them. But first, you have to choose and pick the right tool that would be worth storing for further future use. Because the wrong choice is as easy to make as you can think. But it would be total wastage of time and money. And it can damage or leave a scratch on the surface.

So, if you have the best screwdriver set then it can solve your problem. Buying a complete kit will help you to make the right choice at an affordable price.

After reading this ultimate guide about an important tool of the toolbox, you must be able to pick up the effective and according to the need driver for the usage.

Well, summing up this guide with the hope that this guide will be useful to strengthen your choice for the screwdriver. Always look for quality and reputable product which fulfill your need completely.

Happy Buying!

 

– Written by a freelance writer.