Every carpenter and DIYer will tell you screwdrivers are their most frequently used tools. Since one screw cannot be used to construct a frame, deck, or even work on wood, you should maintain a set of screwdriver heads and screwdriver bits to handle any screw that may arise.
Furthermore, you will probably require electric and manual screws for home maintenance and other woodworking projects. About to start building your toolkit? Here is a list of the different types of screwdrivers and their uses:
Here are the six types of screwdrivers every DIYer, including you, should know about.
Uses Of Screwdriver
In general, screwdrivers serve two main functions: inserting screws and removing them. There are different types of screwdrivers depending on their tips, which are designed for specific screw heads, but there are also variations in how they operate.
If you recognize these differences, you can select an appropriate method of screwing, regardless of the type of screwdriver you use for the task.
What are common types of screwdrivers?
Type 1: Ratcheting Screwdrivers
They greatly reduce the time spent lifting and repositioning the screwdriver tip as you turn it. Ball-bearing mechanisms inside the handle allow the user to easily turn the screw by waving their wrist back and forth.
You can adapt the screwdriver’s ratcheting action to insert and remove the screws by adjusting the button on a screwdriver.
Type 2: Designated Power Screwdrivers
A few manufacturers have developed power screwdrivers designed to work with specific applications rather than just the standard drill.
However, a drywall screw gun, for example, is specifically intended for mounting drywall, whereas a subfloor screw gun is specifically designed for collating screw coils.
Type 3: Yankee Screwdrivers
A type of ratcheting screwdriver, the Yankee screwdriver, operates on the principle of ratcheting with a spring. Yankee screwdrivers do not require wrist action: push firmly into the screwhead and position the tip.
Upon pressing the screwdriver shank, the handle turns, releasing its results in the handle reverting to its original position. You can still buy Yankee screwdrivers at DIY stores even though they’ve been around since the late 1800s.
Type 4: Manual Screwdrivers
This tool’s most widely recognized version features a thick handle and a cylinder-shaped steel shaft that ends in a screwdriver tip (which in some models has an interchangeable bit that can be fitted to different screw head shapes and patterns).
A moderate twisting force is required to twist a screw because the handle is bigger than the tip. While working with a manual screwdriver, you often need to take the screwdriver off the screw head at the end of each turn and reposition it right before each subsequent turn.
Type 5: Converted Drill Screwdriver
Drills have been fitted with screwdriver bits that can be exchanged for drill bits. Hence it is a conversion drill screwdriver.
The strength of ribbed sides on screw heads allows them to hold solidly in wood, making them an ideal substitute for nails in many constructions and improvement projects. Powered drills/screwdrivers dramatically reduce the time it takes to insert and remove screws.
Type 6: Magnetic Screwdrivers
These come with interchangeable bits of different sizes or types. Magnetic screwdrivers are magnetic because the bits are attached magnetically to the shafts.
It is most important to match the screwdriver’s tip to the screw head, whether you use a manual screwdriver or a power drill.
Type of Screwdrivers Heads
This article will discuss some commonly used types of screwdrivers, which can be differentiated based on the screw head drive type. Let’s now take a closer look at each of them.
Flat Head (or Slotted Head) Screwdriver
The screwdriver of this type is among the oldest available. Invented in Europe in the 15th century, this type of screwdriver is widely used today. As its name implies, the shaft portion of the screw has a single slot along the tip that engages with the head of the screws with slots only.
Manually or powered, it can be driven either way, but it is not often powered as the slotted head ‘cams out’ when powered. Now, what exactly is it? This occurs when the torque applied to the screw surface is too high or the screwdriver isn’t properly centered, causing the screw to loosen from the head or to fall off.
They are divided into two types based on their application: keystone and cabinet screwdrivers. A keystone screwdriver has a wider shaft tip than a cabinet screwdriver, making it better suited to woodworking, etc. while cabinet screwdrivers are more suitable for jewelry making and watch repair.
Furthermore, they must install outlets, switches, and other instances where nail screws shouldn’t be overtightened.
There are flat-head screwdriver bits for ratcheting screwdrivers and drills, but keep a few manual screwdrivers in your toolbox as well. They’ll be labeled not only with their size but also with the length of the steel shank.
There are many tip sizes, from a fraction of an inch (perfect for tightening eyeglass screws) to several inches (perfect for fitting industrial hardware). Select a screwdriver with blades that match the thickness and width of an exposed screw head.
Phillips Screwdriver
When the world was moving toward being motorized or powered, these Phillips heads (also known as cross-head screwdrivers) were the first steps toward making screwdrivers powered to achieve greater efficiency and perform tasks more accurately and consistently.
Henry Phillips invented them in the 19th century, intending to introduce power-driven screwdrivers to numerous industries. When viewed from the front, these screwdrivers look like crosses.
The cam-out effect occurs on these screwdrivers also (and many DIYers dislike this effect as it damages their work), but it occurs only at higher torque levels. It can resist damaging the screwdriver profile and screw. As a result, the screwdrivers last longer.
A wide variety of woodworking and construction applications require the use of Phillips screws. If you need to install just one or two screws, a manual or ratcheting screwdriver will suffice, but construction projects often involve multiple screws. It would help to use a power drill equipped with interchangeable Phillip bit sets for the most efficient build.
Hex or Hexagon Screwdriver
There are six straight lobes, just like a hexagon. Bolts are generally fastened with these instead of screws. Your ratchet box probably contains bits to tighten or loosen nuts, screws, and hex bolts.
Therefore, there is no slipping or any cam-out effect when operating a motor driver, making hex arrangement bits a practical choice for use with power drivers. Such arrangements make production a lot faster and more accurate.
Bits and screwdrivers for hex-head screws range in size between 0.03″ and 3/8″. There are a variety of Allen-type screwdriver bits available for both ratcheting screwdrivers and drills, although most are L-shaped or T-shaped hand screwdrivers.
Robertson or Square Screwdriver
An inventor in Canada named Robertson invented the square screwdriver. As a result of engaging the square protrusion with a square opening screw, without involving any angle, we avoid cam-out effects and improve centering.
In today’s construction and remodeling industry, Robertson screws, with recess sizes ranging from 1/16″ to 3/16″, are widely used. Square recess screwdrivers are available in manual and ratcheting versions, but power drills are most commonly used to insert and remove the Robertson screw.
The slightly tapered shape at the front of the tool makes it more comfortable because you can lock the tool with a screw. Ford Motor Company first used this screwdriver type for industrial purposes because it speeds up production, reduces damage, and is a highly reliable driver.
Torx Screwdriver
Auto mechanics often use Torx screwdrivers since they are becoming increasingly common. Technicians often refer to them as star tips. There are six rounded lobes on the star-shaped tip of this driver.
Torx screwdrivers are designed with a circular geometry which reduces radial force and prolongs the life of screws and screwdriver bits.
Even with high driving speeds, these screwdrivers can transfer more torque with the same amount of force without any chance of tools slipping, unlike Phillips or Pozidriv screwdrivers.
Screwdrivers with Torx tips come in various sizes, and their tips are divided into a number system, such as T8, T10, T15, T25, and so on. Tooltips grow in size as the number goes up.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three basic types of screwdrivers?
The basic types of screwdrivers include flat head, Phillips head, and Allen wrench.
How many types of screwdrivers are there?
Fourteen types of screwdrivers come with different uses, shapes, and purposes.
What is a standard screwdriver?
The standard type of screwdriver is very easy to use, simple, and most commonly used to replace and remove slotted screws.
Conclusion
Most carpenters and DIY enthusiasts will tell you that screwdrivers are their most frequently used tools. Different types of screwdrivers are required for different jobs, and having the right tool for the task is important.