The Complete Guide to Screwdrivers

The different types of screwdrivers are typically determined by the drive tip shape which corresponds with the specific head type of a given screw. However, other screwdriver types are application-specific or are intended for particular industries.

Some of the most common types of screwdrivers are detailed in the sections below.

Also known as cross-head screwdrivers, Phillips screwdrivers are one of the most common types. But what is a Phillips head screwdriver? These tools are designed to fit screws with Phillips heads, which have a cross-shaped recess - hence the alternative name of cross screwdriver. They were invented to cope with higher torsion.

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

Also known as safety screwdrivers, insulated screwdrivers are important for taking safety precautions in potentially hazardous scenarios. They are constructed from non-conductive materials such as rubber. VDE screwdrivers are also designed with safety in mind. VDE is an internationally-accredited institution that tests tools to certify that they meet the necessary safety standards. These tools are ideal for electricians.

Not to be confused with Torx, a screwdriver with torque is similar to a torque wrench. Both are used to apply a specified torque which is meant to be just enough but not too excessive. They are ideal for tightening screws sufficiently without breaking the material they are fastening and inversely tight enough so they do not fall out. A torquing screwdriver has a torque-limiting clutch that allows a limit on how much force is applied beyond a certain threshold.

The slot or flat-headed screwdriver is probably the most common form of hand tool. It has a flattened tip used for screws with a straight linear intrusion across the head. Flat blade screwdrivers are multi-purpose and can typically be used for a range of applications.

These are used for specific devices such as consoles, mobile phones and cameras. They often feature quite small tips to enable use with smaller screws and components.

Pozidriv screwdrivers are essentially an upgraded version of Philips. They were designed to reduce cam-out, which is the process where a screwdriver slips out of the screw head when more torque is applied.

Allen keys or wrenches are more popular tools for loosening or tightening hex screws. However, hexagon screwdrivers exist to serve the same purpose and hex-head tools are often included in sets.

The square-headed screwdriver fits screws with a square-shaped recess. It was invented to reduce the cam-out issue of the slotted screws and therefore speed up the fastening process.

Electric or cordless screwdrivers are generally compact power tools that are good for various tasks such as assembling furniture or screwing into softwood or other similar materials. Impact drivers, on the other hand, are essentially a more heavy-duty screwdriver type, intended for tasks like tightening or loosening fasteners using sudden force to drive into or remove from harder, denser materials.

These screwdrivers are used for very small devices where extremely small screws are used. An example of this would be precision work on watches and mobile phones.

The three main parts that constitute a screwdriver are as follows:

• Handle
• Shaft or shank
• Drive tip or bit

All three parts are made in a production process using machines to form the correct shape of material using an extruder and heat-treating it to achieve the desired tensile strength.

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. The materials used in the manufacturing process have changed over time and there is now also more variety for tools intended for use in specific applications. Most commonly, the handles are ergonomic and made of a composite of hard plastic such as cellulose acetate and rubber. They can also be covered in a non-slip, soft material like thermoplastic rubber to improve grip.

The shaft or shank is commonly made of strong steel to ensure that bending or twisting deformation does not occur when applying force. The shaft will be rounded or hexagonal to allow a spanner or wrench to be used to apply increased torque. The shaft is generally different colouration and material to the drive tip which can be interchangeable.

The drive tip can be an integrated part of the shank if it is not detachable. Alternatively, it can be an interchangeable part known as a driver - similar to drill bits. These are designed for use with multi-bit tools. The tip may also be known as the screwdriver head.

Screwdriver sets are highly useful when it comes to having a variety of pieces in one place. For example, there are precision screwdriver sets for delicate electronic work, as well as more multi-purpose electrician screwdriver sets for professionals.

Sets typically contain a variety of tools in a range of sizes. Depending on the set, this could include multiple different types or varying sized versions of the same tool. A popular example of this is torx screwdriver sets. The best set of screwdrivers will ultimately depend on your requirements so be sure to select the most suitable set for your task or industry.