Remember the first tool introduced to you? For most of us, screwdrivers are one of the first and the handiest appliances that most of us have used for our little household fixtures. While most people would think that there are only one or two types of screwdrivers to work with, that is not true! When it comes to screwdrivers, there is a wide range that one could choose from. Here is a list of various types of screwdrivers and each of theirs’ advantages:
1. Phillips (Cross Head)
Phillips is one of the most common yet useful screwdrivers today, as almost everything these days, starting from DIY furniture to modern appliances, is compatible with this. One of its significant advantages is its pointed tip that lets the screwdriver go deeper into the screw. That leaves no chances of sideway sliding of the blade.
Phillips screwdriver is the most useful as well as the most preferred screwdriver in almost every field.
2. Hex (Allen wrench, hex key)
As the name suggests, the hex is a headless six-sided metal shank bent that looks like the letter L. An Allen wrench is becoming increasingly popular these days as they are the go-to tool for most home stuff like furniture, appliances, and toys. Mostly this screwdriver comes as a part of an assembly in the packaging these days. Traditionally, Allen wrenches were deployed for bike maintenance. An additional advantage of Hex screwdrivers is the holding and handling comfort it offers because of the bent. They are available in many sizes, companies like Mektronics offer a functional variety of sets you can buy.
3. Torx
Ideal for security purposes, Torx is now used in commercial sectors too. Torx is popular in the appliance manufacturing industry and security fields. Its most significant advantages are its efficiency and its flower head that supports high torque tolerances.
4. Clutch Head (Bow tie)
The clutch head is an automobile industry favorite as it offers a high torque with its head shape. A significant positive about this screwdriver is that it is compatible with slotted drives. The clutch head is useful in dealing with equipment that is lesser maintained.
5. Squarehead (Robertson)
Made in Canada, the Robertson is a lesser-seen yet highly effective tool because of its remarkable torque tolerance for all drive types. The most significant advantage of Square Head is its persistence that makes it the ideal tool for the automotive and furniture industries.
6. Tri-point (3-Prong, Y-type, Y-tip)
The tri-point has a three-edged blade that looks like the letter Y. Because of 120-degree angles, this screwdriver is remarkably popular in handheld electronics and are difficult to manipulate without the correct driver.
7. Tri-Wing
Vaguely resembling a Y, these pinwheel screwdrivers are popular in the aerospace engineering industry. The composition of this tool includes a triangular socket with three straight “wing” extensions, making it suitable for fixing electronic products.
8. Battery-Operated
Many electronic drives use battery power, and this lets you apply torque without the requirement for manual strength. The advantage of battery-operated screwdrivers is that it is incredibly compact.
9. Magnetic screwdrivers
Equipped with a magnetic tip that can hold the screw, these screwdrivers could contain many different bits. An excellent positive of magnetic screwdrivers is that they are one tool that could be used as many. Another great thing about these drivers is that we could use them with one hand.
10. Ratcheting
Screwdrivers with ratchet function turn to one side only. The setting is possible for both clockwise and anti-clockwise movement. The advantage of this screwdriver is that it saves time and does not let the screws get rigged because of incorrect action.
The screwdriver history
The history of screwdrivers is fascinating since they originate from carpentry workshops. Thir introduction was necessary because the nails had a small indentation so that when rotated, it had a more exceptional grip on the wood. Later these nails evolved into the different types of screws that we know today, which have all kinds of shapes, sizes, and tips. A screwdriver is created for a specific use. That is why there are so many different types, such as the following:
• isolated
• precision
• Chisel or Chiseldriver type
• T handle
• Multipoint
• Ratchet type
• Offset
Quality
The quality of the screwdriver is related to the material from which they are made since a poor selection of elements in the manufacture of the screwdriver will be crucial when removing a screw. Usually, the best screwdrivers are made with an alloy of steel and chrome, and these are equipped with an ergonomic handle, this is something indispensable since thanks to its higher mechanical torque are obtained.
Just as there are plenty of screwdriver bits, there are also plenty of brands of manufacturers, among which we can find:
• Witte
• Wiha
• PB Swiss
• Klein
• Felo
• Snap-On
• Wera
• Matco
• Craftsman
• Palm tree
• Wera
• Bahco
Proper Use
Proper use requires the selection of a suitable screwdriver so that its tip fits into the head of a screw of the same size, shape, and type as the trip itself. Therefore, you must choose the right screwdriver according to the kind of screw. Failure to follow this rule will often lead to damage to the screw head and often to the screwdriver itself. Before you start screwing, make sure the screwdriver head is at a right angle so that the tip fits entirely into the screw head. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to twist the screw or counterclockwise to unscrew the screw. For longer screws, you will repeat this operation several times.
Conclusion
Screwdrivers are a hand tool used to loosen and screw screws. There are different models of screwdrivers, depending on the shape of the tip. The tip can be straight, starry, cruciform. This tool also varies in length and thickness of the tip. Another type of screwdriver is the testers used to test the phase in an electrical installation. They are most commonly known as glimmers.
The principle behind this screwdriver is that when it is placed in the socket and fingers rest against the metal cap, a bulb lights up on the handle. This determines the existence of a voltage. Screwdrivers also differ in the material of the handle. It can be made of wood, metal, and more often plastic. Whether you are a professional hobbyist or a hobbyist, screwdrivers can usually be found in craft workshops and households. They are easy to use and handy.
