Full guide on Screwdrivers: Types, Uses and Maintenance

A screwdriver is a simple and common tool used to install or remove screws. Screwdrivers perform simple functions in a simple design and come in several types depending on the shape of the screw. Screwdrivers usually have a plastic or rubber handle and a head made of alloy steel with different types of tips.
Different shapes of screwdrivers transmit different torques and exert different pressures on the screws. Below we will discuss about several common types of screwdrivers and their uses.

Types of Screwdrivers and There Uses
1.Flat Head Screwdriver
The flat head screwdriver is the most common type we use, it is simple and widely used for most installation or removal purposes. We can find this screwdriver in most toolboxes.
The tip of a flat head screwdriver is a wedge-shaped flat head. This type of tool does not transmit more torque and slips easily, so we need to choose the exact size to work with the screws. We think most flat head screwdrivers should need a sharp tip, but this is not the case. A sharp tip is more likely to slip and may damage the top flat grip of the screw or the tip of the tool. This type of tool needs a small flat surface at the end to avoid easy slippage from the screw head.

2.Phillips Screwdriver
The Phillips screwdriver is mostly used in the automotive industry and it has a cross (X) shape at the tip. This type of tool is used to turn screws with more torque to achieve the desired fit and is less prone to slippage. Using a Phillips screwdriver may require greater grip strength. It also requires choosing the right size to work perfectly.

3.Hexagonal Screwdriver
A hexagonal screwdriver is also known as a hexagonal key. It has six sides and is a very common type of tool used in construction and auto repair. This type of screwdriver has a hexagonal tip, which has more grip and can transmit more torque and reduce slippage during work.
Hexagonal keys can be used to work on nuts and bolts, most of which are held in this shape, so hexagonal tools are highly used nowadays.

After understanding the types of screwdrivers commonly used, it's time to talk about the attention to be paid when using them.Although the screwdriver is a relatively small hardware tool, but if you want to have a long service life, it still needs to be used in the process of normal maintenance and care.

Safe Using of Screwdrivers
1. Do not use a screwdriver to tighten or loosen the screws on the workpiece in your hand. The workpiece should be clamped in a fixture to prevent injury.
2. Do not use a screwdriver to pry things apart or to remove metal burrs and other objects.
3. If the screwdriver is damaged or dull, it should always be sharpened. When sharpening with a grinding wheel, it should be cooled with water. If the screwdriver is beyond repair, severely damaged or deformed, or if the handle is broken or damaged, it should be discarded promptly.
4. The appropriate screwdriver should be selected according to the slot width and slot shape of the screw head to be tightened or loosened; a smaller screwdriver cannot be used to screw larger screws; a Phillips screwdriver is used to tighten or loosen screws with a cross recess at the beginning; an elbow screwdriver is used for screw heads with limited space.

In short, screwdrivers are generally used with screws. Follow the above methods to use the screwdriver to ensure that the screwdriver will not be damaged in the process of use.