Type and purpose of shaped and flat screwdrivers. Slotted screwdrivers: description, types and subtleties of application Types of tips: what types of tips are there

The appearance of a screwdriver as a construction tool is associated with the 16th century at the time of the appearance of weapons. Their flat varieties have survived to this day. Today, every home probably has at least one screwdriver. There is no need to buy all of their types, and to understand what type of screwdriver you need, just familiarize yourself with the existing varieties and their features.

You cannot do without such a tool when replacing a switch, socket, or when repairing household devices. Many will say that it is better to buy a screwdriver instead of a screwdriver, but a screwdriver is usually not used for minor repairs, since it is easier to take out a screwdriver and tighten a couple of self-tapping screws when replacing an socket.

Device and principle of operation

The screwdriver design includes three main parts, which are shown in the figure:

• The handle of a screwdriver should provide ease of use, but there are other functions of the handle related to indication and ergonomics. Different types of tools make it possible to choose a convenient design for working in different places. For example, the handle can be short or long, hexagonal, round or other cross-section. The handle material can be wood, plastic or rubber, depending on the type and purpose of the tool. The handle can also be made in the form of a pistol or T-shaped.
• The rod makes it possible to select a screwdriver for specific working conditions. The available depth of the hole in which the screw or self-tapping screw is located depends on the length of the rod. But in hard-to-reach and narrow places, a rod that is too long will not allow the tool to work correctly; in this case, a long rod can be considered a disadvantage.
• The type of slot (blade) of the tip depends on the type of fastener that needs to be screwed. The names of fasteners depend on the shape of the slot - screw, self-tapping screw, screw, etc. Previously, the most popular screwdrivers were those with a straight slot in the form of a spatula, since the fasteners had a corresponding groove on the head. Currently, other types of splines are increasingly used - Phillips, hexagonal, Torx, sprocket, etc. An important factor is the hardness and strength of the tip; the higher these parameters, the more durable the tool will be. To prevent the slot from slipping when screwing the fastener, a special coating is applied to it, which increases the coefficient of friction.

The principle of operation of a screwdriver is based on its design.

Operating procedure

• Insert the slot into the grooves of the self-tapping screw, screw or screw.
• Screw in the fastener clockwise.
• Unscrew - counterclockwise.
• The handle may have buttons to enable various additional functions.

Kinds

New types of screws and self-tapping screws with different notches on the head are increasingly appearing in the retail chain. Depending on this, the tool is also improved, and new types appear. The screwdriver was no exception. Today there is a large assortment of such tools of different designs and shapes. Many of them are used in relation to certain types of work. Let's look at screwdrivers, which are widely used and have become very popular in various types of work.

According to the shape of the slot of the tip, screwdrivers are divided into:

• Flat, is marked SL. The names of this screwdriver may vary: straight-pin, flat-head, straight-slotted, straight. The shape of the working tip is made in the form of a flat blade and is used to work with simple screw connections. This is the most popular type of slot in everyday life for fastening household utensils or electrical work. The disadvantage of flat-head screwdrivers is that the tip cannot be centered, which often slips out of the screw head.

• Cross, marked with RN. It has a cross-cone-shaped tip, the edges of which fit into the slot of the fastening element of the corresponding shape. The cross-shaped grooves are located at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. This tool is used to connect various parts of equipment, cars, etc. The fastening is highly reliable. The conical shape of the slot allows you to significantly increase the supporting surface of contact with the head of the fastener, which is an advantage compared to a conventional flat-head screwdriver. The screw head is impacted at four edges. The disadvantage is the high probability of damage to the screw splines due to the impact on it in a narrow area.

• Cross-shaped with guides, marked PZ. This slot profile is made in the form of two crosses, which are offset from each other by 45 degrees, for a tighter fit into the head of the fastener. This shape allows you to create additional supporting edges. The additional cross is smaller in size than the main cross and also has a shallower depth, which ensures the stability of the tool in operation. Phillips screwdrivers with additional notches are used when assembling furniture and other important work. The disadvantage of this spline profile is similar to the conventional cross profile.

• Hexagon(marking – HEX). This type of tool has a hexagonal tip surface, which allows for significantly greater rotational force to be applied to fasteners compared to cross-shaped bits. These screwdrivers are most often used for electrical work.

  There are three types of hex screwdrivers, differing in the shape of the tip:

  - with an internal hexagonal projection, which serves to fix screws with a corresponding head. Disadvantage - the screw head quickly becomes unusable due to high deformation;
  - with external hexagonal projection along the rim, used for fastening screws with non-recessed heads, sometimes used instead of a wrench;
  - vibration-resistant, with a hole in the tip. This hole aligns with the corresponding protrusion on the head of the fastener, which makes the screwdriver stable when working in high vibration environments.

• Star-shaped(marking – TORX). It has a tip shape in the form of a six-pointed star, used for repairing various types of devices. Recently, this form of fasteners is gaining more and more popularity. The advantages of this type of tips are:
  — the ability to apply high torque compared to other types;
  — there is no slipping of the tip from the screw head, unlike classic flat-head screwdrivers;
  — there is no damage to the screw head slot;
  — increased tool life due to small radial forces, which is achieved by the special geometric shape of the spline petals. There are different designs of star-shaped tips: “ Torx plus" And " Torx", which serve for various fastening elements. Outwardly, their shape is similar, but the difference is in the shape of the star’s petals - in the “Torx plus” they are flattened, and in the regular Torx they are rounded. There is also vibration-proof designs of star-shaped screwdriver tips, in the center of which there is a hole for combining it with a screw pin of a similar shape. This allows you to work in high vibration conditions.

• Square. The cross-section of the tip slot is made in the form of a square, has four surfaces that are at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. The supporting surface through which the force is transmitted is small, so such a tool is not suitable for transmitting large torques. In our country, such screwdrivers are not widely used, but in America they are very popular. This slot shape was previously common on fastening screws in vintage cars.

There are also types of screwdrivers that differ in their purpose for certain working conditions. They are equipped with special devices.

Screwdriver with flexible shaft

In tight working conditions this device is very convenient. It is used in furniture assembly and other hard-to-reach places.

Universal screwdriver

This tool makes it possible to install different tips on the rod, which can be stored either inside the handle or in a separate case, depending on the design and manufacturer.

Dielectric screwdriver

This screwdriver is used for electrical installation work on electrical equipment that is under voltage that is dangerous to humans. The handle and shaft of such a tool are covered with a special insulating material designed for a certain permissible voltage value. Most often this value is indicated on the handle.

Ratchet screwdriver

With the help of such a ratcheting device, the tool shaft can only rotate in one direction. This allows the screw to be removed without removing the tool from its head. Using a special lever, you can change the direction of rotation.

Rechargeable

This electric screwdriver is similar in design. But there are some differences:

• Weight.
• Device.
• Power.

The significantly lower power of this tool is fully justified, since it is not used for drilling holes or fastening powerful screws and screws into particularly durable materials, for example, oak. This makes it possible to use a compact battery and a small electric motor. Therefore, the dimensions and weight of the tool are small.

The included electric screwdriver may also have several different tips for installing them into the chuck.

Marking

To determine the purpose and type of screwdrivers, you should be able to understand their markings. The table shows the most common tip spline shapes and their designations. Phillips screwdrivers with different crosses have their own correspondence table, which indicates the sizes of fasteners and the tools to which they can be used.

The following table shows the dependence of the diameter of the rods and their length on the tool number.

There is another dependence - the diameter of the external thread of the screws on the tool number:

You may also notice that some types of screwdrivers contain both letters and numbers in the designation. For example, PH 4 x 120, where PH means a straight screwdriver, 4 is the tool number indicating the diameter of the screw, 120 is the length of the rod. The marking may include information about the material of the working part of the tool.

When repairing electrical equipment, working with wood or metal, the master will definitely remove one of the screwdrivers from the tool kit. They differ in sizes and tips, and may have additional capabilities and special modifications.

So which ones are a must-buy for home use? Looking at photos of screwdrivers alone is not enough; you need to know exactly what each of them is intended for.

How does the instrument work?

The design of any screwdriver is quite simple: a handle in which a rod with a slot of various configurations is fixed. Since the depth of fastening of the hardware and the shape of the holes in their heads are different, you will need to keep more than one type of tool on hand.

The handle, as a rule, is made of non-slip materials and has an ergonomic elongated shape. In some models it is equipped with an indicator or dielectric coating.

There are modifications where the handle can bend at an angle so that you can unscrew or screw in hardware in hard-to-reach places.

The length of the rod allows you to unscrew or recess screws and bolts into workpieces and parts to different depths.

The splined part of the tool is at the end of the screwdriver. It coincides with the marks on the head of the hardware, allowing you to securely grip it so that rotation is productive. Cross notches on self-tapping screws are a kind of standard, but there are much more variations on the screw head.

That is why it is more advisable to buy screwdriver sets for those craftsmen who work in the field of construction, finishing and providing private repair services. For an ordinary home craftsman, it is enough to purchase the basic types of tools with two or three variations in tip size.

It is very simple to work with any screwdriver: the slot is combined with the marks of the hardware, unscrewing is done in a clockwise direction, and screwing in in the opposite direction. If you want to activate the indicator, this is done by pressing the button on the handle.

Where is a flat spline used?

Usually on the handle you can see a marking in which the type of slot is hidden. If the manufacturer indicated the abbreviation SL (slotted) - this means a slotted screwdriver.

Among professionals, the name “straight spline” or simply “straight” is also found; it is easily recognized by its tip in the form of a flat spatula with a slight expansion and thickening at the base.

Its features:

• The spline is difficult to center; it often slips off the mark, especially for novice craftsmen;
• Used for simple hardware that has one longitudinal notch;
• Most often it is in demand when performing simple work with electrical appliances and sockets.

Flat-head screwdrivers for specialized types of fasteners may additionally have markings indicating the thickness of the slot and the depth of the groove in the hardware.

When will there be a job for the cross-head?

Phillips screwdrivers are hidden behind the letters PH or the word Phillips. The protruding grooves on its slot intersect each other at right angles. The tip has a cone shape, which strengthens the bat's design. Due to the large number of contact points, a Phillips-head screwdriver does not slip off like a straight one, and screwing takes less time.

There is only one drawback to such a tool - there is a risk of breaking the threads on the hardware, because the application force is concentrated in a narrow area.

Universal tool

Some tool sets offer the craftsman a screwdriver with bits that can be combined as needed. There is one handle and rod, but the splined part is easy to install depending on the type of marks on the hardware.

Whether to use such a multitool or purchase certain highly specialized screwdrivers is up to each master to decide for himself. Both types of instruments have enough supporters and opponents.

Size that matters

Cross and flat types of splines have parameters that are marked differently. The dimensions of the screwdrivers will help determine the thickness and width of the tip and its dimensions.

Cross varieties are designated, for example, as 0000 - this is the smallest model for thin screws with small heads. They can be found in mobile phones, computer parts, and watches. Further markings proceed in ascending order:

Screwdriver No. 2 is considered the most used, and No. 4 is indispensable for motorists and motorcyclists. Straight slotted tools range in bit width up to 10mm, and the full marking looks something like this: 0.5 X 4. So, with a width of 4mm, the tip is 0.5mm thick.

Phillips screwdriver models are often equipped with a magnet at the tip of the bit. This is a handy feature that allows you to hold the screw while you drive it into the hole.

Specialized varieties justify themselves only if they are used frequently. For example, a modification with a flexible shaft is justified among furniture assemblers, and a dielectric one is worth buying if a home craftsman is able to deal with wiring and repairing an outlet.

The same goes for the ratchet mechanism (allows you to rotate the rod while the handle is held tightly in your palm). For one-time manipulations, a budget screwdriver without additional functions will suffice.

A straight handle is not always effective. Where increased force and high torque are required, a tool with a T-handle will help.

If you need to remove a bolt that is rusted or covered with a layer of paint, it is better to use an impact type of screwdriver. They are made of durable alloy, and the handle has an additional element - an anvil. You can not only hit it with auxiliary tools, but also grab the protruding part with a key to increase the applied force.

If you want to buy a cordless screwdriver, give preference to well-known manufacturers. Otherwise, your mini-screwdriver will bring nothing but disappointment. This tool is not suitable for major repairs or long-term use and requires frequent battery charging.

Remember that every screwdriver has its own weak points. The ratchet mechanism is afraid of dust and larger abrasive particles, impact varieties are not ergonomic, and the indicator often burns out and turns the special gadget into an ordinary tool.

Choose screwdrivers carefully and use them correctly, then you can easily deal with the smallest and most stubborn bolt.

Photos of screwdrivers

Any home craftsman, not to mention professionals in one or another field of technology, always has a screwdriver and more than one in his arsenal of available tools. The scope of application has no restrictions, but its main purpose - to unscrew or wrap - it performs simply. The repair procedure sometimes depends on the quality of this tool. Therefore, the selection and acquisition of such a device must be approached with all responsibility.

Components

In an ordinary screwdriver, familiar to everyone since childhood, there are three components: a tip, a rod and a handle. All of them must be made of high-quality material, since the main criterion for such a tool is strength, which depends on the reliability and durability of each element.

Tip or sting

Varieties of tips duplicate all types of fastener splines, which are used for various economic and production needs. For a long time, straight spline fasteners were the most widely used fastener. However, in terms of durability, it left much to be desired, as it became deformed after several uses. Gradually it was replaced by another type of cutting on the caps and heads of fasteners. Therefore, the tool with a flat tip faded into the background.

Cross-shaped slots withstand several working cycles due to the uniform distribution of pressure on the plane of the head. Accordingly, their torque is higher, screws and screws fit into the desired surface more easily. Phillips head screwdrivers are the most common type of tool. For the greatest effort there are hexagonal slots and screwdrivers. Other types of tips are less common.

To work productively with screwdrivers, you need to take into account not only the shape of the tip, but also its length. There is a misconception that a tool with a short tip is universal. This is incorrect, because this end applies the greatest force to the point of impact and, as a rule, the spline breaks off (even a Phillips one), or the device itself breaks.

The third quality of a tip is hardness. The fragile tip will break if the pressure is not very strong. The right material and hardening will help achieve this quality. For clear fixation in the slot, the tip must have roughness or notches. Often a special coating is applied to the edge of the screwdriver. For ease of use in uncomfortable, cramped conditions, screwdrivers with a magnetized end have recently appeared.

Fixture rod

The axial part of the screwdriver, like the others, must be durable. GOST prescribes its limits from 42 to 52HRC (Rockwell hardness unit on the C scale). At low readings the rod will bend, at high readings it will burst. Therefore, high-carbon alloy steel is used in manufacturing. It is determined by the marking on the rod chrome - vanadium. Certainly, the inscription is not a guarantee of quality, since the print is easy to fake. But large manufacturers value their name and sell only high-quality products.

To protect against corrosion, the axial parts are coated with various coatings. There is a tool with a rubber or plastic coating. Most likely, this is a special insulated device of an electrician. The most common devices are those with a base length of 100-200 millimeters. This is optimal for most operations performed with screwdrivers. In tight places, small ones are used, and in hard-to-reach places, elongated or telescopic tools are used.

The diameter of the rod depends on the dimensions of the tip and the applied loads. Its cross-section is most often round. To strengthen it, it is made square or hexagonal. This shape allows you to hook the screwdriver with a wrench to increase the force.

It is important how the axis is secured in the handle. This can only be verified in practice. If the supplier has not paid due attention to this, the rod will quickly become loose and spin in the body. Such damage cannot be restored.

There are impact screwdrivers in which the rod passes through the handle and ends with the striker.

Tool handle

Wood, plastic, and other materials are all suitable for making screwdriver handles. For convenience, they may have rubberized sides. The dimensions of such devices are selected based on working conditions. The diameter is always proportional to them. For small fasteners, a tool with a thinner handle is suitable to avoid stripping the thread or slot.

The shape of the handle should provide a tight, comfortable fit in the hand. But a number of manufacturers, in an effort to distinguish their products from similar ones, forget about this. Market newcomers are especially guilty of this. Rubberized handles are comfortable to hold in your hand, but when exposed to a chemically active environment, they are destroyed. Pistol grips add pressure, but are not very compact.

A useful device is a hole in the handle where a cord or belt is threaded for fastening on a belt.

Main types of screwdrivers

For a long time, two types of screwdrivers were used to loosen and tighten fasteners. They are still in use in all spheres of human activity. But, besides them, other types of tools have appeared that make work easier. Their classification is related to the structure of the sting.

Straight slot tool

The main advantage of this device is its ability to be used for many tasks. A slotted screwdriver, the dimensions of which correspond to the size of the fastener, can be used anywhere. With this tool you can open a lock, configure elements of an electronic circuit, and use it in debugging mechanical devices.

When unscrewing, you do not need to press hard on the tool. The tip itself is fixed in the slot and does not jump out if the gap between them is minimal. A well-fitted handle provides good torque, which can be enhanced with a hex rod using a wrench.

The only drawback is that it works in one plane due to the original design of the tool. If you slightly distort the force applied, the screwdriver will slip out of the groove.

Crosshead screwdriver

This type of tool appeared to replace a flat screwdriver. This design of the slot, unlike its competitor, ensures tighter wrapping and its preservation under greater effort and several cycles.

The main type of cross-shaped fasteners and tools now is the Philips design. This has nothing to do with the world famous electronics manufacturer. It’s just that the inventor of the slot had that last name. The cross-shaped structure of the slot allows you to tighten the screw with a slight inclination without damaging the surface of the head and without reducing the applied force. Due to this slot, lateral displacement is minimal. This makes it possible to use such a tool in places with limited space and with angular fasteners.

But this design also has its drawbacks:

Despite these disadvantages, the vast majority of structures use just such fasteners. There is a variation of a similar fastening system with a double cross, or an eight-pointed asterisk.

This slot is called Pozidriv and is distinguished by stronger fixation in the slot and less ability to work at an angle. Such screwdrivers have their own area of ​​application:

• Furniture manufacturing.
• Installation of plasterboard products.
• Installation of partitions made of aluminum profiles.

To work with double Phillips screwdrivers, self-tapping screws of the appropriate profile are produced, usually golden in color.

Special devices

In addition to the two main ones, there are also types of screwdrivers whose names are little known to a wide range of users. They are designed to perform special operations. Such shaped screwdrivers are not produced in large quantities, but they are worthy of mention:

There are also tools with handles made of special material for use in aggressive environments and sets consisting of a ratchet shaft with a set of interchangeable heads with splines of various types.

Fixture sizes

There is a flathead screwdriver whose dimensions are designated by the letters SL and numbers indicating the width of the tip. It ranges from 2 to 18 millimeters. For domestic use, it is enough to have in the set of necessary tools devices with the inscriptions SL 3, SL 5 and SL 8.

Phillips screwdriver markings begin with PH:

• PH 00 (1.5-1.9 mm).
• PH 0 (2 mm).
• PH 1 (2.1-3 mm).
• PH 2 (3.1-5 mm).
• PH 3 (5.1-7 mm).
• PH 4 (from 7.1 mm).

The most popular size is PH 2.

Tools with a Pozidriv tip are marked Pz with the size number. Screwdrivers designated Px are equipped with a sawed-off cross-shaped blade for use in radio engineering.

Quality and prices

For home use or infrequent use, an inexpensive but acceptable quality tool from Stayer, Fit, Matrix, costing about one hundred rubles, is suitable. If you are planning a professional activity, it is recommended to purchase a more expensive instrument. It is represented, for example, by the companies Kraftool, Arsenal, costing one hundred fifty to two hundred rubles. The most durable screwdrivers are produced by Gedoro. The cost of his models can exceed a thousand rubles.

The basic rule is to use a tool of a size that matches the splines of the fasteners. The tip of the screwdriver should fit tightly into the head. This will prevent the device from turning in the groove and tearing off the spline. Also, matching the dimensions will have a beneficial effect on the service life of the device itself. Paint and rust must be removed with special liquids before work. The tip of the sting is not sharpened sharply. The angle between the flat end and the side edges is formed like a skate blade, bringing it as close as possible to ninety degrees.

The huge number of screwdrivers that are found on store shelves can confuse the buyer when choosing a device. You can choose a useful item for repair only by holding it in your hands and meticulously examining it. And as in any field, it is better to purchase products from well-known manufacturers, who are less prone to defective products than those who take their first steps on the market.

If you don’t have a screwdriver at hand, then installing, for example, a socket, mounting a bracket or hanging a shelf will not be easy. There are simply no universal models, despite the manufacturers’ statements. Therefore, choosing the optimal tool option will be quite difficult. Let's try to understand what types of screwdrivers exist and what each of them is suitable for.

The operation of a screwdriver depends on its design. It consists of a handle, tip and rod. The depth and width of the holes into which self-tapping screws are screwed are different for different blanks and planes. For this reason, the purpose of the device is characterized by its model and the scale of the device.

Tool details:

• rod - provides the opportunity to select a screwdriver according to the properties of the work to be done. Significant depth of the workpiece is available with longer duration;
• tip or groove - the working part of the tool, placed on the edge of the rod. The groove model is combined with the marks on top of the screw heads. There are much more alternative shapes for screws if the screws are equipped with cross-shaped risks. Each of them has its own slot;
• handle - guarantees comfortable operation of the device. There are also auxiliary purposes, combined with convenience and ergonomics.

Names and markings

Screwdrivers are divided into types according to slot type. So, let's look at all the classifications.

Modifications

1. Screwdrivers with attachments (removable attachments or bits) are more like a universal tool model, to which you can connect various attachments from a set for all kinds of slots. For example, triangular. Inserts for a shaped screwdriver or bits are also suitable for screwdrivers and screwdrivers.
2. The tuning model is more suitable for setting up equipment that reduces interference from the body and does not disrupt the measurements of an electronic circuit (capacitance, inductance and magnetism).
3. The impact (or impact-rotary) model of the tool converts the impact force into rotation and is equipped with a reverse to change the direction of rotation.
4. Indicating tool for measuring power network parameters. It is used when searching for a phase wire during electrical installation work. The tool model is fragile and not suitable for heavy-duty work.
5. The electric model of the tool drives a removable attachment (electric screwdriver, screwdriver, screwdriver). Used when using a drill is not suitable due to the fragility of the structural parts that need to be worked with.
6. The reversible model of the tool with the so-called ratchet device is a complicated version with a rod in the handle that rotates in one direction. You can change the direction of rotation of the tip depending on the need to unscrew or screw in the screw. The ratchet mechanism has a switch similar to a lever or slide switch. The lever in the middle stops the rotation of the tool base in the handle.

The length of the rod varies in size depending on the need for work. As a rule, the length of the base is about 100−200 mm. In conditions where it is difficult to get a screw, a longer screwdriver will do, but in tight openings you will need a small one. But there are models whose length can be changed using a specially designed fastener that secures the axle in the desired position.

Sometimes the screwdriver handle is made in the shape of a bend, in the form of the letter G or T. The longer the lever handle, the stronger the scrolling torque can be obtained. Also interesting are models with a hinge in the handle, which helps change the angular relationship between the axis of the base and the axis of the handle.

Part of the tool shaft can be a bendable shaft or angular gear, which is very convenient in confined spaces. Strictly complying with the stipulated standards, screwdrivers have a round cross section, less often with a turnkey leash in the shape of a hexagon. There are models with a faceted rod, which increases the scrolling torque.

The dielectric insulation of the instrument is made to provide the necessary protection against electric shock near conductors. But it is safe only within the limits specified by the manufacturer; information about this is available on the handle of the tool.

The models can withstand impacts due to their design, which has a rod with an extension at the end. The tip can be hit with a hammer without fear that the handle will break. Sometimes the heel looks like a hexagonal leash on a turnkey basis.

Today they produce screwdrivers that were not previously known. For example, in China you can order a set of screwdrivers with any type of slot. For home use, you can buy a set of screwdrivers with a magnetic tip. But if there is no money for this, you can replace it with a regular model by magnetizing it yourself. To do this, just put a bar magnet in it and sharpen it.

Different types of screwdrivers differ in purpose, operating features, advantages and disadvantages, and brands. In this article we will tell you how to choose a screwdriver and give useful tips and recommendations.

Types of screwdrivers and their purpose

Rechargeable. This type of tool has a built-in motor to ensure a faster process of tightening and unscrewing fasteners.

1. Indicative. Used to check the presence of voltage in the network using a miniature indicator.
2. With replaceable bits. Such devices have additional attachments (bits) for various types of screws, fasteners, and self-tapping screws for working in hard-to-reach places.
3. For screws. Screwdrivers for tightening/unscrewing screws of various configurations.
4. Drums. Necessary for removing rusty bolts, screws, and self-tapping screws that are difficult to unscrew with a regular screwdriver.

Cordless screwdrivers have a built-in electric motor and power source.

Image of a BOSCH cordless screwdriver for working with fastening elements in places where there is no direct access.

Due to the small battery capacity and low-power motor, these screwdrivers are compact in size. Such models provide an element for quick clamping of the nozzle, as well as the presence of a motor that drives the working part. Thanks to the reverse function, you can change the direction of movement of the bit, this is convenient for unscrewing fasteners.

Indicator screwdrivers equipped with a built-in indicator. Such varieties are necessary for a simple and safe determination of the presence of voltage in the network.

Image of the STAYER indicator screwdriver, which can detect the presence of a voltage signal, both contact and non-contact.

There are two varieties:

• contact type device;
• non-contact device.

Contact type devices are equipped with a plate on the handle that the user must touch to correctly detect the signal. There are such varieties with a sound signal. Non-contact varieties - have a battery that allows you to detect breaks in the electrical circuit without a current signal.

With replaceable bits. They belong to the universal types of screwdrivers. There is a set of bits (nozzles) with different tip configurations.

Image of a GROSS brand model with a set of bits and socket heads in the amount of 48 pieces.

There are models in a set with bits (5-50 pieces). They can be either single-sided or double-sided with the included equipment holder.

For screws. There are two largest varieties:

• cross.

Image of Inforce Phillips Screwdriver with Magnetic Chrome Molybdenum Steel Tip

• flat.

Image of a STANDART flat-head screwdriver for use with stainless steel threaded fasteners

A Phillips screwdriver is used only when working with a Phillips slot. It has the shape of a tip, ideal for screwing in screws. The flat one is used to work with flat splines. There are two main varieties:

• dielectric, such models have handles made of conductive material;
• Double-sided rod that can be easily changed.

Percussion. The operating principle is based on reproducing rotation while applying pressure to the nozzle. This force allows you to turn the hardened screw by 2-5 mm. This device is used only for the initial unscrewing of problematic fasteners. Then use a screwdriver other than this type.

Image of a SANTOOL brand percussion instrument with reverse, the ability to change the head and 6 bits

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of screwdrivers

Battery driven screwdrivers:

• Their advantages are the accelerated process of screwing in and unscrewing due to the presence of an electric motor, which is powered by a battery or from the mains.
• The disadvantages include bulkiness compared to simple models and higher cost.

Indicative:

• Advantages - in addition to the main function, such screwdrivers help to visualize the presence of voltage in the network.
• Disadvantages - importance of using according to manufacturer's instructions. Read also the article: → "".

With replaceable bits:

• Advantages: a large selection of attachments, which allows them to work with almost any type of screw or self-tapping screw.
• The disadvantage is that you always carry a set of attachments with you in a special container or packaging.

For screws:

• Advantages: reliability, ease of use. Most manufacturers produce this type of screwdriver from durable material.
• Disadvantages – the need to purchase a model for a specific type of screw/screw.

• Advantages - without much effort they allow you to start unwinding frozen fasteners.
• Disadvantages - use only at the initial stage of unscrewing the screw.

Analysis of tool manufacturers

1. For installation work on electrical networks, flat and Phillips screwdrivers with dielectric coating manufactured by Wera are most often used.
2. Work in hard-to-reach places is easy to do with MATRIX brand tools.
3. For long-term screwing/unscrewing, cordless screwdrivers from the KRAFTTOOL brand have proven themselves well. Thanks to them, you can quickly install fasteners.
4. When working with fasteners of various configurations, it is convenient to use models with replaceable bits from Stayer or FIT.

Screwdriver tips: types, differences, use

• Classic straight slot bit. Denoted by the abbreviation “S” from English. "slot". The marking is located on the side edge of the bit.

Image of a slotted bit indicating its markings and examples of fasteners used Table 1. Working dimensions of bits for a straight slot

This group of nozzles is divided into varieties:

1. The nozzle for a straight slot is classic;
2. TIN-coated straight slot bit.

The classic attachment is suitable for slot widths from 2.0 – 9.0 mm. The thickness of the gap can be 1.0 – 1.7 mm. Tips with TIN coating are more wear-resistant and are used for widths of 4.0 - 7.0 mm and thicknesses of 0.5 - 1.5 mm.

• TIN-coated straight slot bit. A titanium nitride alloy is used. This coating provides high strength.

Image of a TIN coated slotted bit showing its markings and examples of fasteners used

• The bit is cross-shaped. Marked “PH”.

Image of a cross-shaped bit with its markings and examples of fasteners used

Such attachments are often used when working with metal and wood materials.

Table 2. Working dimensions of cross bits

• Cross-shaped bit with notches. Marking – “PZ”.

Illustration of a cross-shaped knurled bit, with examples of its working objects given.

Thanks to additional notches, such bits can withstand heavy loads during long-term operation. The choice of tip is made according to the dimensions of the fastener. Read also the article: → "".

Table 3. Classification of screwdriver types by fastener sizes

• Hexagon shaped tip. Designated “N”.

Image of the appearance of a hexagonal tip, with examples of its working objects

These bits work with screws and self-tapping screws. They create tight contact with the fastener.

• Star-shaped nozzle. Marked - “T, TX”.

Image of a star tip showing its markings and examples of fasteners used

The hexagonal base allows the nozzle to be in reliable contact with the fastener.

• A nozzle with a square slot. Marking – “R”. Used in specialized types of work.

Image of a square slot tip, indicating its markings and examples of fasteners used

• Nozzles with anti-vandal slots. Marking – “SP”. High-strength steel is used, such attachments are very durable and reliable.

Image of a tip with anti-vandal coating, indicating its markings and examples of fasteners used

• Tips with Tri-Wing - slot. Marked – “TW”. Such attachments are used for assembling and repairing electronic household appliances.

Image of a tip with a Tri-Wing slot, indicating its markings and examples of fasteners used

• Torq-Set – tips. Markirvoka – “TS”.

Image of a Torq-Set tip with its markings and examples of fasteners used.

Tip #1. If you need to do work in hard-to-reach places, then the best choice is a flexible screwdriver.

Picture of the working principle of a flexible screwdriver for working in hard-to-reach places

Tip #2. When assembling, it is better to use the dynamometer variety. It allows you to control your efforts thanks to an indicator scale.

Image of the working elements of a torque screwdriver for quality control of work performed.

How to choose screwdriver size

Each type of screwdriver indicates its nominal size of width and thickness. It will be enough for the average consumer to have models or attachments (SL3, SL5, SL8). The parameters of such varieties are 3-20 mm. Among the cross ones, the most popular ones are PH2, which work with most self-tapping screws and screws.

Among the manufacturers we can note:

1. FIT . Budget Chinese brand. Offers a very large selection of different modifications. But you can’t count on high quality here.
2. GROSS . A German company with a reputation for producing tools of high quality and reliability for professional purposes.
3. Stanley . An American brand that produces devices for professionals and amateurs. The basic feature is the ease of use of its products.
4. STAYER . A Russian brand that produces budget screwdrivers. At the same time, it guarantees high quality and long service life.
5. Wiha . A manufacturing brand that produces tools for complex production tasks. High prices for equipment are compensated by reliable operation.

FAQ

Question No. 1. What types of screws are there?

Type of screws:

• on wood;
• instrumental.

Based on the specified criteria, screws are selected for a specific job.

Question No. 2. When are threaded connections used?

There are two types of screw connections:

• soft – when there is soft material (for example wood) under the screw itself;
• hard – the case when a hard material (for example metal) is screwed with a screw.

Question No. 3. What factors should I pay attention to when using a cordless screwdriver?

When working with such a screwdriver, recoil is felt. This process depends on:

• noises;
• nozzles popping out;
• torques.

Question No. 4. How to protect yourself from the possibility of bits (attachments) slipping?

Reasons for bits slipping:

• the overall parameters of the nozzle do not correspond to the dimensions of the fastener sockets;
• Incorrect installation of the bit into the fastening part of the electric screwdriver. Read also the article: → "".
• misalignment of the tip during operation;
• very strong or very weak pressure of the electronic tool to the fastener.

Consequences for such errors:

• the likelihood of operator injury;
• causing defects on a working part;
• failure of the screwdriver attachment;
• damage to the fastener.

Mistakes when choosing a screwdriver

1. Selecting the groove width. If you select a screwdriver tip that is smaller than the fastener itself, then heavy scrolling will occur; in the case of using a cross-shaped screwdriver, the teeth and groove of the fastener will break.
2. Thickness selection. If the thickness is less than the size of the fastener, the scrolling will not be clear, and additional effort may be required when turning. With a larger value, the tip of the screwdriver simply will not fit into the groove.
3. Selecting handle material. The plastic coating will cause slipping and rubbing of the hands during prolonged use. A rubberized base will help eliminate these defects.
4. Choosing the tip itself. For reliable operation, it is necessary to use only the tip for the specific fastener. Otherwise, the quality of work will be low and costly.

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