Screwdrivers
How To Use
Theres no special trick to using a screwdriver, simply do the following :
- Choose the right screwdriver
- Match the screwdriver tip to the screw. A cross shape is likely to use a philips and a slot requires a flathead. The size of the tip should also match. The driver tip should fit snugly into the slot, if it does not, try an alternative size.
- Position the screwdriver
- Place the tip of the screwdriver into the slot on the screw, holding it in line with the axis of the screw.
- Turn the screwdriver
- Apply slight pressure through the shaft into the head of the screw. Then turn clockwise to tighten or anti-clockwise to loosen. In some very specific cases this may be reversed.
- Stop turning
- Stop turning when the screw is fully in place or if the screwdriver starts to slip in the slot.
Tip Types
The tips of screwdrivers are the small, shaped ends that engage with the imprint in the head of a screw. They are designed to match perfectly allowing for secure and efficient turning without slippage.
Each tip type has a different name and will match with a specific screw type, like flathead, Phillips, or Torx. Each type also comes in a variety of sizes. below you will find a brief overview of the most common types.
| Tip Name | Profile Description | Profile Image |
|---|---|---|
| Flathead | Single flat blade. | - |
| Phillips | Cross-shaped tip. | - |
| Pozidriv | Cross-shaped tip with an additional smaller cross set at 45° to the main. | - |
| Torx | 6-pointed star-shaped tip. | - |
| Hex/Allen Key | Hexagonal-shaped tip. | - |
Driver Bits
Driver bits are attachments used with drills or drivers to drive screws, transforming these tools into types of powered screwdrivers. The bits are compact metal pieces with two sides: the tip side, designed to fit various screw heads, and the shank side, which has a hexagonal profile that fits into the drill or driver for easy attachment.
Driver bits are typically sold in sets that include a variety of common tip types and sizes.