Screwdrivers Buyer Guide

Screwdrivers buyer guide

Screwdrivers are designed with one simple yet essential purpose – the insertion and removal of screws (and other compatible fastenings). Despite having been around for centuries, the basic screwdriver concept has remained relatively unchanged. In this introductory guide, we’ll be taking a look at the fundamentals of the screw driver and how to ensure you pick up the right tool for the job.

Screwdriver composition

Though there are exceptions to the rule, the majority of screwdrivers are made up of three primary parts as follows:

Handle

Screwdriver handles are manufactured from an enormous range of materials and combinations thereof. Designed primarily with comfort and grip in mind, the handle of a screwdriver is also usually shaped in a way that prevents it from rolling on flat surfaces. A soft-handle is always more comfortable to handle when tackling more difficult jobs than a hard plastic screw driver.

Shaft or shank

The screwdriver shaft connects the tip of the screwdriver with the handle. This is cast from a tough material to ensure it doesn’t bend or twist when the force is applied. The majority of screwdrivers shafts are round or hexagonal in shape, while some can support multiple tips of varying shapes and sizes.

Drive tip or bit

The tip can be fixed or interchangeable as part of a screwdriver set. This part of the tool needs to be the most durable and hardwearing. It allows the tip to grip the screw or fixing without being stripped in the process.

Screwdriver tips are manufactured from a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to:

  • Titanium
  • Stainless steel
  • Tool grade steel or S2
  • High-speed steel or HSS
  • Chromium-vanadium-molybdenum or CVM tool steel

Different types of screwdriver

A comprehensive set of screwdrivers or an interchangeable model will ensure you always have the right tool for the job. Alternatively, you’ll need to carefully consider the type of screwdriver you need. This is primarily established by the shape of the head.

Flat head and slotted screwdrivers

Flat head screwdrivers are the most traditional format. It’s compatible with screws and fixings with a straight, linear intrusion across the head diameter.

Phillips and Pozidriv screwdrivers

The Phillips screwdriver – aka cross head screw driver – makes it much easier to get a good grip on the corresponding fixing and remove it with plenty of torque.

The Pozidriv screwdriver is something of an evolution of the Phillips variation. This advanced design reduces the risk of the tip slipping out of the screw head when performing difficult tasks.

Torx and Star screw drivers

This is a more recent addition to the screwdriver market, which takes the grip and torque of the Phillips screwdriver to the next level with a star shape.

Robertson or Square screwdrivers

Some specialist screws and fixings feature a recess with a squared shape. This requires a square screwdriver – also referred to as a Robertson screwdriver.

Tri Wing screwdrivers

Screws and fixings compatible with the tri wing format are usually reserved for the manufacture of specific items like digital cameras, mobile phones, games consoles and other electronics.

Ratchet screwdrivers

The ratchet screw driver can accommodate any tip (or interchangeable combination). They allow force to be applied in one direction only – the same as a ratchet spanner.

Magnetic screw drivers

There are many instances where screwdrivers with a magnetic tip can be extremely useful. They hold onto the screw or fixing with a magnetic pull to prevent it from being dropped.

Electric screwdrivers and Impact Drivers

High-quality electric screwdrivers and impact drivers can be useful when tackling difficult or time-consuming projects, though not always suitable when working in confined spaces or with delicate materials.

Insulated screwdrivers

An insulated screwdriver is made using non conducting materials and can therefore be used where there may be risk of an electrical current.

Precision screw drivers

Precision screwdrivers have very small heads and usually sold in a set. They are sometimes referred to as watch screwdrivers, and are used for repairing mobile phones, glasses, watches and other intricate jobs.