A screwdriver is not an ancient object, but it has been used since ancient times. This tool is found in a wide variety of industries, but always in typical situations - when you need to screw or unscrew. fastener with a slot. It is considered one of the main hand-held locksmith tools, so at least one, and often all at once basic types of screwdrivers found in most home repair kits.

A screwdriver is an object that has a handle and a shaft. As such, there are no standards for the length of both. In work, a sufficiently large force is applied to this tool, therefore, the material for the rod is usually steel with a chromium-vanadium alloy in its composition. Magnetic tips, specialized for one or another slot. The dielectric coating of the handle and shaft is also considered good practice.

Screwdriver types by slot type

A slot is a recess (groove) that is located on top of a fastener (self-tapping screw, bolt, screw). Its shape is different, the size directly depends on the size of the product itself. Slots and their corresponding types of screwdrivers there are:

Direct

The simplest type. Its markings are SL or slotted. In the description, manufacturers indicate the length of the groove in millimeters, sometimes (for large products) its thickness or depth is recorded as the second indicator, if the tool is specialized for a specific size of the fastener groove.

Cruciform

Has the shape of a cross. It uses a Phillips (PH) marked Phillips screwdriver.

Cross recess with a recess for the guide

In the middle of the connection of the beams of such a slot there is a hole for better fixing the screwdriver and increasing the pressure force.

Advanced cruciform

They have additional beams to stop the ejection of the tip. Marked as Pozidriv (PZ).

Six-pointed

These are, as a rule, grooves in the form of six-pointed stars, used in small parts. The screwdrivers are proprietary torx.

Square

Section in the form of the corresponding figure. Bolts with such a slot are often used in the computer industry. Suitable screwdrivers will be small in size. Markings - Robertson or square head.

Hexagonal

Types of screwdriver slots with six inner edges.

Triangular

Slots in the form of a triangle.

There are also many highly specialized splines that are used in rare areas, for example, space or aircraft construction.

Thus, the most common types of screwdrivers are straight (or flat), Phillips (or Phillips), hex and six-pointed.

Handle modifications

Conventional screwdriver handles are now made of plastic or wood. To reduce slip, a special rubber coating can be applied or different kinds shallow depressions. Modifications are mainly made in order to facilitate the screwing / unscrewing process or to increase the torque.

Ratchet

Like compound socket wrenches, these tools have an attachable ratchet handle that allows you to keep your hand on the product during operation. The complete set, as a rule, includes a set of bits for a straight line, and for a cross recess.

T-shaped or swivel

These types of screwdrivers have either a curved one-piece upper part, or a hole in it for inserting an additional lever.

Heel grip

Standard screwdrivers have a shank that is "sunk" into the handle by about half. But in some subspecies of the tool, the rod passes through and at its other end has a thickening in the form of a heel, which can be hit with a hammer if necessary. Such tools are used when the slot of the fastener is heavily contaminated and simply pressing the screw cannot be solved.

Types of screwdrivers for rod modification

Elongated or shortened

They have elongated or, conversely, shortened handles and corresponding rods. Such screwdrivers are not standard, they are created for the convenience of working in hard-to-reach places.

With replaceable tips

Such a tool, as a rule, has a ratchet handle or a standard handle, but with a universal rod, for which the set includes bits for different splines.

With faceted rods

The standard screwdriver shank is round. The square or hexagonal section allows, if necessary, to add torsional forces due to the lever (as for the T-handle), which can be a conventional open-end wrench.

These types of screwdrivers can be supplemented with a so-called electric screwdriver. She is now widely known. We are talking about a "screwdriver". However, this is not a hand-held locksmith tool that resembles a compound screwdriver, but also incorporates some of the features of an electric drill.

Screwdriver

PROFI stores offer a wide range of repair tools cell phones, apparatus and household appliances.

There is a wide assortment of various purposes: screwdrivers, cable cutters, crimping tools, pliers, pliers, tweezers and much more.

You can familiarize yourself with the full range of tools in our online store:

The history of screwdrivers

First, a little history. It is difficult to say when and where the first screw appeared. The first mentions of screws refer to XVI century; it can be assumed that screwdrivers appeared at about the same time. Initially, the shape of the screw head was rectangular or square. Do not forget that everything was made by hand forging. However, this shape limited the ability to tighten the screw tightly, especially in hard-to-reach places.

Then the hex was invented, which led to the emergence of a wrench with six settings in a range of 360 °. Socket wrenches appeared that provided vertical access to the screw head and the ability to conveniently tighten it with the application of any necessary force.

And, one day, a thought flashed through some person: “And why, in fact, is there necessarily a key? Why is it impossible to cut a groove in the head and work with a screw using a rod with a flat end? " - so a slot appeared, and after it a screwdriver! Why the tool was called a screwdriver and not a "screwdriver" (after all, the screw is first screwed in) remains a mystery.

Slots

Many years have passed, many slots have been "torn off" and screwdrivers have been broken, before users have received the tool that is so necessary in everyday life and production. The design of the screwdriver - the length and diameter of the rod, the shape and size of the handle - began to provide a comfortable and quality work in specific conditions, with specific technological requirements.

On the this moment there are several types of screwdrivers, which is determined by the necessary correspondence between the slotted part of the screwdriver and the slot on the screw (screw, self-tapping screw). Therefore, it is important to immediately clarify this issue.

Types of splines

	Screwdrivers with a straight slot (flat screwdriver) are called in the west "Slotted" (abbreviated SL), that is, slotted
	Phillips (or Phillips) screwdrivers are called "Philips" (abbreviated PH)
	Phillips screwdrivers with additional guides (arms) are “Pozidriv” (abbreviated as PZ) screwdrivers.
	Screwdrivers with an internal profiled six-pointed star - TORX screwdrivers (the name is patented by CAMCAR TEXTRON USA). Widely used in cell phone repair
	Phillips screwdrivers with a hole in the center of the working part for the guide are called Philips Tamper Resistant
	Combo screwdrivers combining a cross and a straight slot in their working part
	One of the varieties Phillips screwdriver- Quadrex. It is a combination of a Phillips profile and a Square rail
	Square Head screwdrivers. Sometimes the name Robertson is used
	Square Head screwdriver with additional guide hole is called Square Tamper Resistant
	Torx screwdrivers are also available with a hole in the center of the working part - Torx Tamper Resistant. They are designed for screws with a cylindrical guide in the center of the "sprocket".
	The Torx Plus profile is also patented. The difference from Torx is that the star beams are slightly shorter and not as sharp.
	The working part of Torx Plus Tamper Resistant screwdrivers is already a five-pointed "star" with a hole.
	Hexagonal internal - "Hex driver". By the way, there is a tool that allows you to loosen (tighten) screws with an internal hexagon at an angle of up to 25 °. These screwdrivers are called "Ballpoint", which means ball screwdrivers.
	Outside hex screwdriver is designated "Nutdriver"
	Hex Tamper Resistant screwdrivers have a hole in the center of the hex for a guide.
	Screwdrivers with a specific three-winged tip are called Tri-Wing. This form is also protected by a patent.
	The four-blade "analog" of the Tri-Wing screwdriver is called the Torq-Set (also patented)
	A screwdriver in the shape of a two-pronged fork is called a Spanner.
	Clutch screwdrivers are made for screws used in Chevrolet and GMC trucks. Practically not used
	Another rare view Eight-Wing screwdrivers.
	Linehead screwdrivers for Nintendo and Gameboy game consoles
	Penta-drive screwdrivers with pentagonal profile. Now they practically do not meet.
	Spline screwdrivers with twelve-point sprocket were used on some Volkswagen models
	Tri-groove screwdriver used on some models electronic technology USA
	Triangle screwdrivers are sometimes found in computing, toys.

Standard sizes

It must be remembered that each slot shape has its own standard sizes. When working with fasteners, it is very important to use correctly sized and shaped screwdrivers. This will save the screw slot, extend the life of the screwdriver, ensure fast and high-quality work, and most importantly, prevent possible injuries. The precise working part of the screwdriver is one of the components of its quality.

Screwdriver shaft

Very great importance also have the properties and quality of the material from which the screwdriver shaft is made, how it is heat-treated ("hardened"). The soft slot of the screwdriver will crumple (curl), and too hard ("overheated") will break ("burst") even with normal effort during operation. A little more about the screwdriver shaft: usually the rod is made of round cross-section, but there are screwdrivers on which a hexagonal or square rod is used to increase the torque, or a special hexagonal thickening is made at the base of the handle. With such a screwdriver, you can work with a wrench to increase the torque. They are sometimes called "power".

Screwdriver handle

The main purpose of the screwdriver handle is to transfer torque to the working part. The shape, size and material of the handle can be very different and are determined not only design requirements, but also individual characteristics user (ergonomic requirements). So, someone has a wide palm with short fingers, and someone has a narrow palm with long ones, while the handles need different ones: longer or shorter, larger diameter or less. The handle material can be very different: wood, plastic, rubber. And here you need an individual choice: wood is good, but not strong enough, but not everyone likes rubber - the hand is sweating, although the grip of this handle is completely reliable.

The ergonomic shape provides for the transmission of high torque a zone of large radius at the end of the handle with a wide round "back of the head" without sharp edges, and closer to the shaft - narrow section("waist"). It allows you to quickly twist the tool with your fingers.

The shape of the handle can be very different - the main requirement for it is the reliability of the grip, so that the hand does not slip with the required effort. And further. The end of the handle must be well finished, smooth, so as not to rub the palm during intensive work.

In addition, in most "round" models, a couple of edges are specially grinded so that the screwdriver does not roll off inclined planes. The "holes" towards the end of the handle are the holes for the suspension (it is more convenient to store the tool this way).

The most common handles are plastic, but they are very different. Typically, pens are made from powder and injection molded plastics. The first - harder, but fragile - are afraid of blows, falls; the latter are more elastic, but softer - this is easy to verify with the help of any cutting tool... The first ones are more glossy, shiny in appearance; the second ones are matte, dull, slightly “soapy” to the touch (however, this does not interfere with work with a good shape of the handle, “on the hand”).

Many manufacturers now make screwdrivers with combination handles: two-piece, three-piece. It uses polypropylene, elastomers, rubber. Such handles are the most functional: they are durable and do not break even with the maximum applied force, provide a secure grip of the tool by hand, and are pleasant to the touch.

For hard-to-reach places make short screwdrivers (shortened rod, shortened handle) of the "barrel" type, super-long screwdrivers, where the length of the rod is much greater than the length of the handle. Convenient: I went through all the protrusions and holes of the structure with a long sting and tightened the "annoying and inconvenient" screw! And, of course, you cannot miss the so-called "T-shaped" handles, made for screwdrivers designed to work in difficult conditions, "heavy duty", capable of realizing the maximum force at the point of application.

Let's take a closer look at the types of screwdrivers and start our review with a conventional flat screwdriver. Screwdrivers with a flat, straight slot (sting) will exist for a very long time, as long as fasteners with a straight slot are produced. Their main parameter is the size of the tip, determined by two numbers, for example: 0.5x4 is a tip 0.5 mm thick and 4 mm wide.

There must be a different screwdriver for each size of the head and slot of the fastener. So, if the diameter of the fastener head is 6 mm, and the slot width is 0.8 mm, then the screwdriver tip should be no more than 6 mm wide and not less than 5 mm, and its thickness should be no less than 0.7 mm. This will provide convenience and quality of work, guarantee the reliability of fastening, preservation of the integrity of the slot and the screwdriver itself.

In addition, flat screwdrivers appeared with notches applied to the planes of the tip, which increases the friction between the screwdriver and the slot of the fastener; screwdrivers of all types with diamond coating of the working part; with carbide working part; with magnetized working part for holding fasteners (made of regular steel).

In a chain of stores "PROFI" we can buy straight screwdrivers for every taste. We suggest you familiarize yourself with some of them.

Philips screwdriver

Initially, the shape of the cruciform slot was rather complicated, because in addition to the "cross" itself, it had a cylindrical depression in its center (approximately 2 mm in diameter and about 3 mm deep) - the shape of the screwdriver corresponded to it. However, practice has shown that this guide on a screwdriver is technically and economically unjustified, and the guide was abandoned, leaving just a "cross".

What is the revolutionary nature of the "cross"? It allows you to securely fix the screwdriver in the slot, does not "slip" and when correct work almost completely eliminates the possibility of damage, "tearing" of the slot - the occurrence of burrs, violation of the anti-corrosion coating of fasteners. The area of ​​the working contact between the surfaces of the "cross" and the screwdriver is almost twice as large as with a straight slot.

Philips screwdrivers are designated PH. Below is a table that indicates the limits of use of Phillips screwdrivers in accordance with the dimensions of the fasteners:

The length of the screwdriver shaft of the same number may be different for different types works. In everyday life, medium sizes are mainly used. Shortened screwdrivers may be used when repairing cell phones.

Pozidriv Phillips screwdriver

Pozidriv is a registered trademark. It denotes the class of screws and Phillips screwdrivers. Pozidriv is an improved version of the Phillips cross recess. Unlike Phillips screws, the flank edges of the Pozidriv tip do not thin out, but run parallel to each other.

The distinguishing feature of Pozidriv screws from Philips screws is that they come from inner corners screw heads posidrive thin radial lines.

Pozidriv screwdrivers have the same edges between the main projections of the cross and are designated PZ. In addition, they also indicate the size ascending (for example, ascending - PZ 000, PZ 00, PZ 0, PZ 1, PZ 2, PZ 3, etc.).

Torx screwdrivers (sprocket)

Screwdrivers of this form are especially interesting for repairmen of cellular telephones. Almost all modern phone models use slotted screws in the form of a six-pointed star. Also, screws and screws of this shape are found in computer components, for example, in hard drives. This form was named TORX and was developed by the American company Camcar. People not familiar with this name usually use the words star or star... Developers new form screwdrivers wanted to create a more reliable tool in operation, outperforming standard straight and Phillips screwdrivers in all respects in mass use in assembly shops.

In addition to assembling cell phones, the TORX system is used in the automotive industry, in bicycle construction, in computers, and consumer electronics.

To indicate the dimensions of the system TORX capital letter is used T followed by a number. For example, T5, T6, T10 and so on (than more number, the larger the screwdriver size). For cell phone repair, sizes T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 are usually used.

Later, the Camcar company developed an improved version TORX PLUS... There is also a Tamper-Resistant TORX version (abbreviated as Torx TR), which has a protrusion in the center that prevents the use of standard TORX screwdrivers, straight and Phillips screwdrivers.

There is also an external version of TORX, which we will not consider. Phillips screwdriver (Pozidrive) WIHA PicoFinish

A set of six screwdrivers for TORX screws (asterisk), designed for repairing cell phones and radio and electrical equipment.

Pentalobe screwdrivers

More recently, Apple has begun to use new screws in its products, which have received the name. The screws have a non-standard head. To work with such screws, you need to have a special screwdriver with five diverging petals. Apple wants to restrict unqualified access to its products in this way: iPhone 4, iPad, MacBook Pro.

In the first iPhone 4, the back cover was fixed with screws with standard heads, but after a while they were replaced by pentalobe screws. Now, if the owner contacts an official service center to service the iPhone 4, the device returns with pentalobe screws, even if the cover was previously secured with standard screws.

Screwdriver sets

Electric screwdriver

V Lately electric screwdrivers (screwdrivers) are gaining popularity. It should be noted the indisputable convenience of cordless tools - they are autonomous, do not require a network connection, extension cords, adapters, etc., and are electrically safe when working outdoors, even at high humidity.

A screwdriver is perhaps one of the few tools that are in every home or apartment. It is a versatile tool that is practically indispensable. Today, there are many different types of screwdrivers, and we will try to talk about all of them in this article. To cover all types of screwdrivers, it is not enough to give only their names and describe them. You should also know about what materials screwdrivers are made of, and which ones, in this case, will be better. Well, first things first, in this article.

Types of screwdrivers

Phillips screwdrivers

One of the most popular types of screwdrivers is the Phillips screwdriver. It is she who is used and suitable for screwing and unscrewing self-tapping screws and screws, standard sizes, and to which special requirements are not imposed. As a rule, such a screwdriver is marked with two letters - PH, as well as a cross.

Also, it is worth distinguishing between Phillips screwdrivers by size. So, the smallest size of a Phillips screwdriver has an index number 000. This screwdriver is most often used in electronics where very small screws are used - for example, in mobile phones or tablet computers, and so on. After, Phillips screwdrivers have big sizes which are marked:

- № 00 and # 0;

- № 1 and # 2;

- № 3 and # 4.

The most commonly used screwdriver is number two. Typically, a Phillips screwdriver has a magnetic tip to avoid losing screws or screws. A large No. 4 screwdriver is used, as a rule, for repairing large equipment - cars, motorcycles, and so on.

Also, a type of Phillips screwdriver is the PZ screwdriver. It has practically the same "cross" look, but somewhat smoothed. This is done in order to improve adhesion to the part that will be screwed in or out. As a rule, it finds distribution in such an activity as the production of furniture, as well as during the installation of other structures made of wood or aluminum profiles.

Flat screwdrivers

Calculate such a screwdriver for a flat type of slot. The purpose of this screwdriver is to tighten screws, as well as screws. Unlike a Phillips screwdriver, visually, a flathead screwdriver can be recognized by its flattened “-” tip. According to history, this is one of the first types of screwdrivers that appeared and were distributed in everyday life. This screwdriver is marked according to the width of the tip. Typically, the slot width is approximately 1 mm to 10 mm.

The very same size of the "tip" of a flat screwdriver is determined, marked with two numbers - for example, 0.5x4. This means that the tip of the screwdriver is 0.5 mm thick and 4 mm wide. Naturally, it is necessary to select the appropriate screwdriver for each slot. But, as a rule, in practice it turns out that one screwdriver becomes almost universal, although this, of course, is not correct. But, here you can make some adjustments.

For example, if you have a head with a fastener diameter of 6 mm and a slot width of about 0.8 mm, then you can take a screwdriver with a tip of no more than 6 mm, but at the same time not less than 5 mm. In this case, the thickness of the screwdriver tip should be 0.7 mm. That is, it will provide convenience and high quality screwing. We also note that recently, flat screwdrivers with notches have become widespread, which are applied to the plane of the tip. This increases the friction between the screwdriver and the slot in the fastener.

Hex screwdrivers

It is not difficult to guess that such a screwdriver is intended for use in fasteners with a hexagonal slot. This kind of screwdriver also has another name - inbus. As a rule, these are rods somewhat bent in an L-shaped form, which have different sizes of a hexagonal section.

This tool differs in that it has a very high torque, which is several times higher than that of a conventional Phillips screwdriver. The scope of use of such a screwdriver is very wide - it is used in the repair of electronics, as well as for unscrewing fasteners on objects that are energized. The hex screwdriver is marked "HEX". However, square screwdrivers have exactly the same markings.

Hexagonal screwdriver, popularly has a more familiar name - "hexagon". It is used almost everywhere - both in construction and repair, as well as in the automotive industry, bicycle construction, furniture production, and so on. This is a familiar tool that, along with Phillips or flathead screwdrivers, is included in the multi-key set. V in this case, you cannot use a wrench of the wrong size - it either simply will not fit into the head of the part, or it will be too small and this can "lick" the thread of the part.

Torx screwdrivers

A screwdriver that came to us from the West. Indeed, in countries the former USSR there was no such type of screwdriver, which has a six-pointed star tip. But, today this type of screwdriver, and at the same time the fasteners, is very common, and is used in many areas of production and industry. So, fasteners under given type screwdrivers are present in foreign cars, in mobile phones and other electronics, and so on. Like all types of screwdrivers, it has standard sizes, ranging from small (4 mm) to large sizes.

Special screwdrivers

In this section, we will describe it this way - there are many other types of fasteners that require special types of screwdrivers. This is due to various reasons - in some situations, it is simply necessary to use this type of fastening, and at the same time use a special type of screwdriver. In other cases, it is such a whim of the manufacturer. For example, in Mercedes cars, the spare wheel holder is attached with a special screwdriver, which has the Mercedes brand name, in the shape of a three-pointed star.

photo source in the article site https://f.ua

In general, in this regard, there are quite a few varieties of screwdrivers that, physically, it is impossible to list everything. We have mentioned the most basic types, and we know about them. Now it's time to find out about the materials from which screwdrivers are made.

Screwdriver materials

It is clear that we are not talking about Chinese-made screwdrivers, which are made from something incomprehensible, but certainly not from quality metal... Normal screwdrivers are made of high quality steel or alloys, which are very durable. Also, blued steel or chromium-molybdenum alloy is often used. In addition to the metal used as a base for screwdrivers, the handle is also very important. If it is made of a dielectric material, such a screwdriver can be used in live networks. However, most of them are only suitable for operation under a voltage of no more than 1 kV.

Probably, in every home there are at least two screwdrivers - a Phillips screwdriver and a flat screwdriver. For many people, this is enough to screw in or unscrew a screw once a year. But screwdrivers, like any tool, do not last forever, and when the time comes to choose new ones to replace the old ones, a person will be surprised and confused. It turns out that there are not two or even two dozen types of screwdrivers, in a decent store they can be assigned a whole department. How to choose the right one for your needs, and most importantly a high-quality screwdriver, and not get confused in their variety? We will try to answer this question in our article.

Usually a screwdriver consists of three parts: a handle, a shaft and a tip. It is clear that the strength of a screwdriver is determined by the reliability of its weakest link.

Tip (sting)

The shape of the tip of the screwdriver must match the shape of the slot - the groove in the head of the screw or screw. Previously, the most common was a straight slot, but now it is more and more difficult to find fasteners with it, therefore not so many straight screwdrivers are produced.

Now the most common is the cross-head slot (also called Phillips). There is also an improved version of it called Pozidriv. These slots allow you to achieve more torque, the screwdriver tip does not fall out of them as easily as from a straight slot.

There are also hex splines and Torx splines(six-pointed star). They are designed for even greater loads.

Other types of slots can be classified as rare, and we advise you to buy screwdrivers with the appropriate tip shape only if necessary.

In addition to the shape of the tip, you need to pay attention to its size. Ideally, a specific tip size should be used for a specific slot size. Many people ignore this prescription and consider, say, a Phillips screwdriver universal, suitable for any Phillips head. If the tip is not properly sized and shaped, the tool could be broken or the spline sheared off.

How to choose a screwdriver size:

• Flat screwdrivers are labeled with Latin letters SL, then the width of the slot is indicated in millimeters. The width of a flat screwdriver can be from 2 to 18 mm, as the width of the screwdriver increases, so does the thickness of the tip. An ordinary user can get by with three flat screwdrivers for most everyday tasks. different sizes, suppose SL3, SL5 and SL8.
• Phillips screwdrivers are marked with PH symbols with serial number(000; 00; 0; 1; 2; 3; 4). The most popular are PH2 screwdrivers, they are suitable for most self-tapping screws and screws used in everyday life.

The tip of a screwdriver must not only have an appropriate shape and size, it must be strong, solid, not fragile, and securely fixed in the slot. High-quality rod material and proper heat treatment contribute to the achievement of strength characteristics.

In order for the tip to be securely fixed in the slot, it must be rough. The tips of high-quality screwdrivers are coated with a special coating with a high coefficient of friction, or notches are applied to its edges.

Kernel

Screwdriver shafts can vary in length, diameter, shape and strength. The strength characteristics of the bar are characterized by its hardness. According to GOST, it should be in the range of 47-52 HRC. If the hardness is lower, the rod may bend, if higher, it can crack. Satisfactory hardness can be achieved using high-alloy chrome vanadium steel, in which case "CR-V" or "chrome-vanadium" may be written on the rod. But such an inscription does not always guarantee quality, because it is not difficult for unscrupulous manufacturers to apply it. Conversely, eminent manufacturers do not always write what, in their opinion, goes without saying. To provide corrosion resistance all kinds of protective sprays are sometimes applied to the rods. Sometimes the rods are covered with rubber or plastic, this makes the work of electricians easier, but makes the rod thicker than the tip, so it is not always possible to get to the head of the fastener, which is deeply recessed into the part.

The rod length is usually 100-200 mm. For work in confined spaces, screwdrivers are produced with a short shaft and a shortened handle. If the fasteners are in hard to reach place, it is more advisable to use a screwdriver with a long stem and take a telescopic screwdriver with an adjustable stem overhang.

The shank diameter depends on the tip size and the loads for which the tool is designed. The cross-section of the bar can be not only round, but also hexagonal or square. This shape allows you to grip the rod with a wrench and provide more torque.

Do not forget that the rod must not only be strong, it must be securely fixed in the handle. Visually, this factor cannot be controlled in any way, therefore unscrupulous manufacturers often pay insufficient attention to fixing the rod, and over time it begins to turn. Such a screwdriver can be safely thrown away, because it will not be possible to reanimate it.

Sometimes the shaft of the screwdriver goes through the entire handle and ends with a heel that can be hit with a hammer. Such a screwdriver will help out if you need to unscrew a screw with a painted slot.

Handle

Screwdriver handles are made from various materials, for example plastic, wood, they may have rubber inserts.

The dimensions of the handle must be selected based on the working conditions. If you have to work in cramped conditions, a short handle is better suited. Its diameter is almost always proportional to the size of the tip and the diameter of the rod. That is, the more powerful the tool is designed for, the more torque is needed and the thicker the handle should be. For screwdrivers for small fasteners, the handles are deliberately made thinner so that there is no risk of cutting the slot or destroying the part into which the fasteners are screwed.

The handles of modern screwdrivers can be of various shapes, often manufacturers are guided not only by ergonomics, but also try to somehow distinguish their product from the rest due to the shape of the handle, sometimes sacrificing convenience. Therefore, when choosing a screwdriver, we advise you to always hold it in your hands.

The handle of a screwdriver can be not only cylindrical, there are T-shaped handles or pistol-type handles. They provide more torque but make the tool less compact.

Most screwdriver handles are made of plastic with rubber inserts... This combination is ideal for everyday tasks, but for working in contact with aggressive environments it is advisable to opt for a material that is more resistant to their effects, for example, plastic or wood.

On the back of some handles there are metal wrench heads - not a must, but very useful in some cases.

It is desirable that there is a hole in the handle, so the screwdriver can be hung on a hook or a string can be pulled into it and hung around the neck.

Additional features

Some screwdriver shafts can be replaced with a flexible shaft or equipped with a hinge, thanks to which you can screw the screw in a place where a conventional screwdriver cannot be reached.

There are also ratchet screwdrivers. Thanks to the ratchet, free rotation of the handle in one of the directions is provided, that is, you can screw in the fasteners without taking your hands off the handle.

Nowadays, there are more and more screwdrivers with interchangeable tips that will satisfy the majority of ordinary users, but the pros will bypass them, like any other "universal tool".

Remember that you can only visually evaluate the quality of a screwdriver on a store counter. Therefore, all manufacturers (conscientious and not so) try to make their products look as attractive as possible. We advise you to buy only well-known brands.

Modern home appliance manufacturers, automobiles and construction workers are moving away from the use of flathead screwdrivers. However, don't rush to throw away this tool. You will need a flat screwdriver more than once! After all, you can convert it into a few less common instrument varieties!

Minus screwdriver - hello from the past!

A flat screwdriver has existed for about 4 centuries with little or no change - most of the unusual shapes of the tip (tool tip) were invented at the turn of the last and the present century. However, a screwdriver with a straight slot is still needed - this tool can play the role of a neat chisel, it is convenient to pry and push various parts with a spatula on a long rod. The structure of a screwdriver looks quite simple - a steel rod, round or square in cross-section, flattened on one side, and a plastic or wood handle.

Modern tools have a more complex structure - the slot is made from a stronger or hardened metal, notches are applied to it so that it does not slip out, and covered with magnetic spraying. The slot is never sharpened to sharpness - it must be blunt so as not to disturb the screw head. In addition, the sharper the slot, the easier it is to crumble. Blade thickness is one of the most important parameters of a screwdriver. The slot should be completely free and to the full depth enter the recess on the head - only then can you be sure of high-quality unscrewing without harm to the fasteners.

Often at home they use the tool that they have, regardless of the thickness of the blade - that's the reason for all the screwed-up hats on the screws. If you destroyed the spline before reading this article, then the situation can still be corrected by making a cut with a hacksaw blade on metal in the slot to a great depth. True, this option is not always possible if there is no access to the slot. Therefore, if you do not have the necessary screwdriver, it is better to adjust the thickness of the blade to the slot by removing the excess with a file. Remember that most screwdrivers are made from durable tool steels, while screws are made from softer metals such as brass. So the latter will always "suffer" from inept actions.

Straight screwdriver - varieties of tools

There are three types of flathead screwdrivers in total. The first type has a range of more than 70 sizes. The length of the rod is from 100 mm to 400 mm. The slot width is from 0.3 mm to 4 mm. Usually these screwdrivers are equipped with a plastic handle. The second type is products with a wooden handle, with a shorter shaft ranging from 150 mm to 320 mm and a slot width from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The most durable is the third type, with a shaft that starts at the end of the handle. The slot width is from 0.8 mm to 2 mm. This type is able to replace even a small chisel or chisel - the blade can always be sharpened.

However, for household work, it is enough to purchase a set of flat screwdrivers from a dozen tools, with a rod length of 200 mm and a blade width from 1 mm to 5 mm.

Typically, these are the slots found on household fasteners. Modern screwdrivers, in which the blade is made as a separate part, have a significant drawback - if the blade fails, such a tool can be thrown away, since the rod is made of softer steels. But the older tools that you inherited are a real treasure! The flat screwdriver, the GOST of which corresponds to the old standards, is all made of high quality steel, so that the rod can be used and sharpened many times.

Flat screwdriver - modifications

In addition to the variety of sizes, there are many modifications that play a special role. For example, dielectric tools are coated with a completely special material that protects the craftsman even from high voltages. A minus screwdriver with a double-sided rod will come in handy for lovers of multifunctional things. Its shaft can be easily removed and inserted into the handle, and each side of the shaft has a different size. Thanks to this, the master needs to carry with him half the tools.

Power impact screwdrivers are used only in extreme cases, when the screw or nut is firmly stuck to the surface. The tool is designed in such a way that the handle will withstand hammer blows. However, will the nut withstand the blows? It is almost impossible to use this tool without harm to the fasteners. Carbide-tipped screwdrivers or diamond-coated tools are particularly durable and resistant to heavy mechanical stress. Almost every type of screwdriver is additionally magnetized so that the master can easily hold small fasteners. The notches on the tip create additional contact between the slot and the tip of the tool.

Slotted screwdriver - do it yourself

You can make a flat screwdriver completely yourself. For these purposes, any steel wire a decent diameter. Having cut off the desired piece, heat the wire on gas burner red-hot, and rivet one end to the formation of a scapula. This is not necessary if the width of the metal suits you - it is enough to grind off the two sides until a blade is formed, which should be dulled. The blade shape is convenient when you need to connect a wrench to the screwdriver.

A straight screwdriver is an excellent material for creating more complex tools, for example, the same... To do this, a straight slot must be carefully cut at right angles to the rod. Then clamp the rod in a vise in such a way that it is convenient for you to work with the resulting end. Draw two cross-shaped lines on the cross-shaped end, and cut four notches between them with a triangular file. Use a Phillips screw to try on. It is recommended to harden the resulting Phillips screwdriver, however, if you need a tool for one-time actions, then you can do without hardening.

Recently, more and more manufacturers have been using fasteners with a rare type of slot, for which you need a screwdriver in the shape of a plug, they call this. The life hack for creating a spanner turned out to be quite simple! To do this, you need a slotted screwdriver, a hacksaw, and files. In the spatula, carefully make a cut in the middle with a hacksaw and bring out the formed “forks” with files to the required distance. From screwdrivers that are not suitable for their intended use, you can make punch, center punch, chisel. In short, do not rush to throw away the tool!

Screwdriver handle - handy flat screwdriver set

When choosing a tool, it is important to pay attention not only to the working part, but also to the handle. Its main purpose is to transmit torque to the sting, however, depending on its shape, it can cope with this task in completely different ways. And the user himself must "try on" screwdrivers on himself, because everyone's hands are different. People with long fingers It will be more convenient to work with long handles and vice versa, short handles are intended for craftsmen with short fingers.

Nowadays, handles are made mainly of plastic and rubber - these materials can boast of good strength. The main requirement for this part: so that the palm can reliably grip it, and does not slip with effort. The end must be made neatly so that there are no sharp edges that could hurt soft tissue arms. Several edges, which are usually found on handles, also help with the grip of the handle, and prevent the tool from rolling even off an inclined surface. A hole at the end of the handle is provided for hanging and convenient storage of the tool.