On top of that, chances are you'll find both manual and electric screwdrivers needed for maintenance and carpentry projects around the house. If you're just starting to equip your toolbox, pay close attention to the following types of screwdrivers.
Screwdriver Operation
Screwdrivers have only two purposes: to insert screws and to remove them. While the type of screwdriver is defined by the tip that matches the specific design of a particular screw head, you'll find other variations in the way screwdrivers operate. Understanding these design differences will allow you to choose the best way to handle screws for any given project, with any type of screwdriver.
- The manual screwdriver - the most recognizable variant of the hand tool - consists of a thick handle with a cylindrical steel shank that ends in the working head of the screwdriver (in some cases, it has an interchangeable tip to match some screw head patterns). Because the handle is larger than the tip, only a moderate amount of torque is needed to turn the screw. When using a manual screwdriver, you must lift the screwdriver off the screw head after each turn and reposition it before the next turn.
- A ratcheting screwdriver saves time and reduces the need to lift and reposition the screwdriver head after each turn. An internal ball bearing mechanism allows the user to turn the screw multiple times with a simple back and forth wrist motion. The ratcheting action can be changed from one direction to another by toggling a button on the screwdriver so that the DIYer can both insert the screw (clockwise movement) and remove it (counterclockwise movement).
- With the advent of the electric drill and the ability to replace the drill bit with a screwdriver head, the modified electric drill screwdriver was born. The electric drill/screwdriver dramatically reduced the time it took to insert or remove screws and quickly replaced nails in many construction and remodeling projects because the angled edges of the screws held firmly in place in the wood.
Finally, whether you prefer to use a hand screwdriver or a power drill, the most important factor is matching the screwdriver head to the screw head.
SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Flat/Slotted
While flat-head screws are no longer widely used in residential construction, you can still find them in furniture construction, small cabinetmaking projects and some electrical applications - which makes flat-head screwdrivers useful for more than just prying off the lid of a paint can. You'll need them to install plate covers on outlets and switches, and in other situations where it's important not to overtighten the screws.
Flathead screwdriver bits can be used for ratcheting and drilling, but it's a good idea to keep a flat-head hand screwdriver in your tool bag. When matching a screwdriver to a flat-head screw, pick one that matches the width and depth of the slot in the head of the screw in question.
SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Phillips
Phillips screws are identified by a flared "+" on the head and are widely used in construction and woodworking. Screwdrivers and bits suitable for Phillips screws are marked with a "Ph", but sometimes the size of the screwdriver does not match the size of the Phillips screw marked. You must physically match the screwdriver head to the specific screw. Manual or ratcheting screwdrivers work well when you only have one or two screws to install, but construction projects often use a large number of screws. Choose a drill with an interchangeable Phillips head for more efficient construction.
SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Hex Key
Hexagonal screws are usually very small and are commonly found in door handles, towel bars, and faucet handles. Hexagonal screwdrivers, also called Allen wrenches, are very useful in auto repair.
- A ratcheting screwdriver saves time and reduces the need to lift and reposition the screwdriver head after each turn. An internal ball bearing mechanism allows the user to turn the screw multiple times with a simple back and forth wrist motion. The ratcheting action can be changed from one direction to another by toggling a button on the screwdriver so that the DIYer can both insert the screw (clockwise movement) and remove it (counterclockwise movement).
- With the advent of the electric drill and the ability to replace the drill bit with a screwdriver head, the modified electric drill screwdriver was born. The electric drill/screwdriver dramatically reduced the time it took to insert or remove screws and quickly replaced nails in many construction and remodeling projects because the angled edges of the screws held firmly in place in the wood.
Finally, whether you prefer to use a hand screwdriver or a power drill, the most important factor is matching the screwdriver head to the screw head.
SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Flat/Slotted
While flat-head screws are no longer widely used in residential construction, you can still find them in furniture construction, small cabinetmaking projects and some electrical applications - which makes flat-head screwdrivers useful for more than just prying off the lid of a paint can. You'll need them to install plate covers on outlets and switches, and in other situations where it's important not to overtighten the screws.
Flathead screwdriver bits can be used for ratcheting and drilling, but it's a good idea to keep a flat-head hand screwdriver in your tool bag. When matching a screwdriver to a flat-head screw, pick one that matches the width and depth of the slot in the head of the screw in question.
SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Phillips
Phillips screws are identified by a flared "+" on the head and are widely used in construction and woodworking. Screwdrivers and bits suitable for Phillips screws are marked with a "Ph", but sometimes the size of the screwdriver does not match the size of the Phillips screw marked. You must physically match the screwdriver head to the specific screw. Manual or ratcheting screwdrivers work well when you only have one or two screws to install, but construction projects often use a large number of screws. Choose a drill with an interchangeable Phillips head for more efficient construction.
SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Hex Key
Hexagonal screws are usually very small and are commonly found in door handles, towel bars, and faucet handles. Hexagonal screwdrivers, also called Allen wrenches, are very useful in auto repair.
After reading this full guide on screwdrivers, hopefully your work will go better. SINOTOOLS offers a wide range of screwdrivers, feel free to contact us if interested.
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