Everything to Know About Screwdrivers

A screwdriver is a hand tool used to insert and remove screws. Next, we will detail various knowledge about screwdrivers.

Uses and Applications of Screwdrivers

The screwdriver is one of the most basic hand tools in any toolbox. In many situations and occupations, screwdrivers are indispensable for performing specific tasks that revolve around loosening or tightening fasteners.

Some of the most common uses for screwdrivers include.

-Electronic and electrical equipment

-Machinery and industrial production

-Woodworking and carpentry

Types of Screwdrivers

The different types of screwdrivers are usually determined by the shape of the drive head, which corresponds to the specific head type of the particular screw. There are also other types of screwdrivers that are application specific or intended for specific industries.

Some of the most common types of screwdrivers are described in detail in the following sections.

1. Phillips screwdrivers

Phillips screwdrivers, also known as Phillips-head screwdrivers, are one of the most common types. These screws have a cross-shaped recess - hence the name Phillips screwdriver. They were invented to cope with higher torsional forces.

2. Flat-head screwdrivers

The slotted or flat-head screwdriver is probably the most common form of hand tool. It has a flat tip and is used for screws that have straight lines intruding throughout the head. Flat head screwdrivers are versatile and can usually be used for a range of applications.

3. Phillips screwdrivers (star screwdrivers)

Known as star-head screwdrivers, pointed screwdrivers, six-point screwdrivers and Torx screwdrivers, these versions are all of the same type. Torx is a trademark for a screw head with a six-point star intrusion, hence the generic name for a star-shaped screwdriver. These exist to ensure that more torque can be applied, for example in the production of machinery.

4. Hexagonal screwdrivers

Like an Allen key or wrench, a hexagonal screwdriver is a tool used to loosen or tighten hexagonal screws. This tool can be of great use in auto repair applications.

5. Magnetic screwdriver

Screwdrivers with a magnetic head make the screws magnetically attracted. This reduces the risk of accidental drops. Magnetic tools are useful for working with electronic products that have small screws that can easily fall into hard-to-reach places.

6. Ratchet screwdriver

Ratchet screwdrivers have a built-in mechanism that allows force to be applied in only one direction while allowing free movement in the other. These hand tools function similarly to ratchets.

Parts of a Screwdriver

The three main parts that make up a screwdriver are as follows.

-Handle

-Shaft or shank

-Drive head or bit

All three parts are machine-made during the manufacturing process using an extruder to form the correct shape of the material and heat treat it to achieve the required tensile strength.

1. Screwdriver handle

Screwdriver handles are used for gripping and are generally shaped to prevent rolling on flat surfaces. They can also be ergonomically designed to improve comfort when gripping. Over time, the materials used in the manufacturing process have changed, and there is now a wider variety of tools for specific applications. Most commonly, the handles are ergonomic and made of a hard plastic compound. They can also be covered with a non-slip soft material, such as thermoplastic rubber, to improve grip.

2. Shaft or shank

Shafts or shanks are usually made of strong steel to ensure that they do not bend or twist when force is applied. The shaft is round or hexagonal to allow the use of a wrench to increase torque.

3. Drive head or drill bit

The drive head can be an integral part of the shank and is usually non-detachable. There are also replaceable screwdriver heads that are called drivers - similar to drills. These are designed for use with multihead tools. The tip may also be referred to as a screwdriver bit.

SINOTOOLS is a reliable and professional screwdriver manufacturer. We are committed to providing high quality products at competitive prices.

Tool Box Vs Tool Bag: Which One Is Right For You?

There are quite a few options around when it comes to tool carrying and storage accessories, but the most common is a tool box or tool kit.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. We'll do a comparison of tool boxes and tool bags to try to figure out which one is right for you. 

Tool Box Vs Tool Bag

First, let's briefly sort out the pros and cons of tool bags and toolboxes.

Tool Bag

Pros

-Very portable

-Lots of storage space

-Lightweight

-Good for lots of small tools

-Fairly inexpensive

Cons

-Not that durable

-Not great for tool safety

-Don’t lock

Tool Box

Pros

-Very durable

-Keep tools safe

-Can lock

-Good for organization

-Can usually gold a fair number of tools

Cons

-Not as good for portability

-Can be very expensive

But this is all very general and may not apply to a specific toolbox or tool bag. Therefore, our comparison of the two storage options also focuses only on important considerations, such as storage capacity, portability, weight, size, etc.

1.Durability

There are some pretty durable tool bags available these days. These can be made from many different materials, often using sturdy synthetic materials. However, the durability of fabric is still worse compared to the metal materials commonly used in toolboxes. Also, due to the presence of sewn seams on tool bags, they may tear when they are subjected to too much weight.

Toolboxes are usually made of plain steel, stainless steel, aluminum or other tough metals. It's heavier than fabric and probably less portable, but if durability is what you're after, a toolbox is a good choice.

2.Portability

Portability is usually a pretty big deal as well. Everyone wants a portable tool to carry and store items. You want something that isn't too heavy, can be carried easily, and won't get in your way when you're moving from one job site to another. So, which is easier to carry, a tool bag or a tool box?

Tool bags are definitely very portable. Their fabric construction makes them fairly lightweight, which is always nice when hauling around tools. Also, tool bags are usually not that big, making them easier to carry. There are also wheeled tool bags so you can easily drag them around with one hand.

Toolboxes tend to be quite heavy, much heavier than tool bags, due to their metal construction.

In addition, toolboxes are square and bulky, which can make them awkward to carry. Yes, toolboxes usually have some sort of carry handle for carrying, but they also tend to be a bit awkward to handle.

3.Storage and Organization

The last feature we'll talk about is storage and organization. After all, the point of both toolboxes and tool bags is to store and transport your tools in an organized manner. So, in this sense, which is better, a toolbox or a tool bag?

When it comes to storage, tool bags are decent. These things usually have one large internal pocket, many smaller internal pockets, and many external pockets. They can hold a fair amount of tools, but they are usually better suited for smaller tools.

Also, in terms of organization, tool pouches are OK, but not the best. However, tool bags tend to be quite roomy, which is what many people like.

When it comes to tool organization, toolboxes are absolutely top notch. They usually have several different levels and compartments to store tools. With these things, keeping your tools organized is often easy. In terms of storage space, it depends on the size of the toolbox you get.

Wire Stripper Tool Guide

What is a Wire Stripping Tool?

What exactly does a wire stripper do? These handheld tools are used to precisely strip the outer sheath or insulation from the end of a wire to connect a second wire, a terminal, or a connector. Standard connection methods, such as crimping, splicing or soldering, require contact with the wire core.

Commercial wire strippers are the standard tool for electricians and they are also widely used by electrical engineers. Other models are designed for hobbyists and DIYers. Wire strippers are also known as cable strippers, or even cable strippers.

Types of Wire Stripper

Various models are available, each designed to tackle particular wire stripping tasks, from light insulation peeling to cutting through tougher materials like copper and conduit. Many are based on the classic plier design.

Some of the different types of wire stripper are explained in more detail below:

Manual Wire Strippers

This is the simplest form of wire stripping tool, ideal for lighter jobs which require minimal force. They typically feature spring-loaded, self-opening handles and a safety lock.

Variations include:

Adjustable wire strippers - these typically have manual and automatic adjustment mechanisms; insert a wire and the unit will automatically adjust to fit, but precise manual adjustments can also be made

Triple Action Wire Strippers - These specialized models allow the user to apply three different cutting actions - spiral, linear and rotary. The spiral type is particularly well suited for stripping materials such as rubber.

Sheath Strippers - In contrast to the triple action models, sheath strippers offer a simple and effective rotary cut, ideal for two and three core wires and cables. They also typically have automatic adjustment for different diameters.

Pistol Strippers - These models have self-adjusting blades that grip and strip the cable in one motion.

Steel Armored Wire Strippers - These devices feature a reinforced blade specifically designed to cut steel, copper or aluminum shields and conduits in fiber optic or armored cables.

Insulated Wire Strippers - These devices have VDE handles, industry standard certification, indicating that they are insulated against electrostatic discharge.

Automatic Wire Stripping Machine

Automatic or automotive models have synchronized jaws that allow users to easily cut and strip wire sheaths with just a squeeze of the handle.

Laser Wire Strippers

Laser wire stripping tools are a high-end alternative to traditional insulation removal solutions and are favored in situations where a high degree of precision work is required. This may include cables with exceptionally small diameters, unusually hard insulation, or very specialized cables, such as those used in medical equipment.

The laser radiation emitted by the tool vaporizes the insulation, but the internal components are highly reflective and therefore unaffected by the standard beam. If the cable includes any metal shielding, it can be cut using a different type of laser.

How to Use a Wire Stripping Tool Safely

Wire stripping is a crucial, everyday job for electricians and engineers, but like any task involving electrical equipment, safety considerations are crucial. Wire strippers are designed for safety. You can strip smaller wires with a sharp knife, but as a specialist tool, wire strippers are much safer and minimise the risk of injury.

Safety considerations vary according to the type of wire you are working with. Here are a few guidelines:

Thin wires are highly susceptible to damage during stripping, so proceed with caution and use a suitable adjustable stripping tool. This includes TV and broadband cables

Plastic-sheathed cables require preliminary treatment with a stripping tool specifically designed to access the multiple individually sheathed wires within them.

Wires are potentially dangerous, so make sure they are not energized before performing any work. Follow standard electrical safety procedures. Choose wire strippers with insulated handles for added safety, and pay close attention during operation to ensure that nothing is damaged, as this can lead to dangerous electrical failures.

Certain types of wire, such as coaxial cable or wall and floor installations, should only be worked on by professional electricians who are fully trained.