Screwdrivers: types, sizes, application features and reviews. Variety and purpose of curly and flat screwdrivers According to the shape of the slot of the tip, screwdrivers are divided into

The screwdriver is an indispensable tool for every self-respecting owner. It is in almost every home, and you do not need to be a specialist or a craftsman to be able to use it. People began to use this tool extensively in the 18th century, and since then, the screwdriver has undergone significant evolutionary changes. In addition to the fact that new types of splines have appeared, the changes also affected the handles, which are able to reach the target even in hard-to-reach places.

Basic Provisions

Like several centuries ago, a screwdriver consists of three main elements: a handle, a shaft and a tip. The handle for all screwdrivers is practically the same, the main properties that it should have are: ease of holding in the hand, strength of the material and necessarily impassable electricity. As for the rod, it can be of different lengths, depending on the inaccessibility of the fastening element, which must be screwed or unscrewed. The tip has many variations depending on the type of fastener to which the tool will be applied. There are the following types of handpieces:

Markings

Each nozzle has its own marking, which is applied to the instrument in the form of a Latin letter or a combination of several letters and numbers. So, tips have the following designations:

• Flat - SL (Slotted). It is marked with numbers indicating the tip length 1-10 mm.
• Cruciform - PH (Phillips). They have the following numbers indicating the tip diameter: 000 (1.5 mm), 00 (1.9 mm), 0 (2 mm), 1 (2-3 mm), 2 (3-5 mm), 3 (up to 7 mm), 4 (from 7.1 mm).
• Advanced cross - PZ (Pozidriy) PX (Phillips Square-Driv and Philips Quadrex).
• Six-pointed - TORX. They are designated by the letters E4-E44.
• Hexagonal - HEX (Hexagonal).
• Square - Robertson.
• Triangular - Tri-Wing.

When deciding what type of tool to use, you must also consider the size of the fastener.

Some types of special tips for screwdrivers have an empty circular groove in the middle of the slots, such screwdrivers are called "vandal-proof", since they have a narrow range of applications and are not available for every person in the arsenal of tools.

Varieties of handles

The handles of screwdrivers have also undergone significant changes during the evolution of household and professional tools. They have become more comfortable, more powerful and stronger. And some have added complex elements with rotary mechanisms. In addition to the traditional types, there are the following:

Depending on the type of work, the inaccessibility of the fastening element, as well as the type of the fastener itself, various types of nozzles and sizes of screwdriver rods are used. From the miniature rod length, measured in millimeters, to the longest, several tens of centimeters. From the usual flat head to the hexagonal ratchet. And also there is a screwdriver with a flexible shaft for penetrating into hard-to-reach places.

Non-standard applications

It so happens that you need to screw something in a hard-to-reach place where only the screwdriver shaft can crawl through. And there is no special tool at hand that can hold the fastener. Then you have to go to such a trick as magnetizing the tip. Then the bolt or screw will easily adhere to the tip, allowing it to be delivered and screwed anywhere. The following steps will show you how to magnetize a screwdriver at home:

1. With a magnet. A powerful magnet is suitable for this, preferably neodymium. The stronger the magnet, the better the magnetization effect. You can buy the necessary magnet in the market or at a hardware store. If you have old computer hard drives at home, you can use the magnets in it. For proper magnetization, it is necessary to clean the surface of the rod from contamination and dry the surface after processing. Then you need to take the magnet and draw it along the shaft of the tool from the handle to the tip, you need to do this several times, then turn the tool a quarter of a turn and do the same with each side. You only need to drag the magnet in one direction. If, after the end of the procedure, the tool is not able to hold the fasteners, then the whole process must be repeated again. In case of repeated failure, it is worth replacing the magnet with a more powerful one. A good steel tool can hold magnetic domains for up to several months. If the instrument needs to be demagnetized, then the same procedure can be carried out, but in the direction from the tip to the handle, or by knocking the instrument against the floor or wall, which will contribute to the destruction of the magnetic domains.
2. Using a battery. For this method, you will need an electrical wire of a small section with a length of at least one meter and ends stripped on both sides. A single insulated 2.5 square wire is best. The ends of the wire are stripped, and the rest of the not stripped part is wound on the screwdriver shaft, thus forming a kind of magnetic field. Then a battery or crown with a capacity of 6 to 9 volts (no less and no more) is taken, to which the stripped ends of the wire are connected. There is no difference where to connect the negative and positive contacts. It is important to know that it usually takes about half to one minute for the instrument to be completely magnetized. After this time, the battery must be disconnected from the wires, free the tool and check it on the fastener. If the magnetization was unsuccessful, you can try to increase the number of skeins by placing them in two layers on top of each other. An increase in battery power can also help, but fear of electric shock or sparks should be used, so all manipulations should be carried out with dielectric gloves.
3. There are also several options for magnetizing the instrument that would rather be considered hobbyists. You can magnetize the instrument with a silk handkerchief or synthetic rag. If you rub the tip thoroughly with such a cloth for a long time, then for a certain period of time, the screwdriver will be able to hold a small bolt or screw. If there is nothing at hand that can magnetize the tool, then you can use a hammer or a heavy wrench. To do this, position the instrument with the tip towards the north and hit the tip for a long time. Thus, the magnetic domains line up in the direction of the Earth's magnetic field.

During all the manipulations, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules so that neither the human body nor the instrument itself is damaged. When using a neodymium magnet, it should be remembered that it has a very powerful force of attraction and is capable of pinching a part of the skin. All actions must be carried out in special dielectric gloves.

Restoring a Phillips screwdriver

Since this type of screwdriver is the most common, and its slots do not have a sufficient area of ​​contact with the walls of the fastener, it happens that over time the slots of the tool are erased, and it is no longer possible to achieve the desired effect. Then the question arises of how to restore the instrument so that it serves as before.

Of course, after the purchase, it will no longer work to achieve the state in which the instrument was, but with a little effort, you can achieve a tangible effect. Usually, the slots of the screwdriver are erased in such a way that only a thin extension of the rod remains from them, which, resting against the bottom of the fastener, does not allow the remaining slots to catch on the walls of the slots in the bolt or screw. In this case, the splines must be sharpened.

First, you need to cut off the excess part of the rod before the start of the remaining splines. This can be done with a grinder. Then you can use the same grinder to cut new grooves, which will serve as slot dividers. This must be done carefully, with a tool firmly fixed in a vice, wearing a protective mask or goggles. Having slightly cut the grooves with a grinder, then everything must be done with a triangular file with medium dusting.

The file is inserted into the groove so that its lower corner is in the cut groove, and the wall is adjacent to the future slot. With progressive movements, the file is driven back and forth until the required depth is reached. Then you need to go to the next slot and repeat the procedure.

You can use any self-tapping screw to check, if some side of the tip does not fully fit into the groove of the fastener, then this slot needs to be improved.

Almost every home has such a versatile working tool as a screwdriver. Its versatility is ensured by a large number of handpieces that can be used for various needs.

What types of screwdrivers are, what features they have and what their sizes are, we will consider below. We will pay special attention to products of the cross type.

Features of flat and hex screwdrivers

Types such as hex and flat tools are the most common. They are used for screws and self-tapping screws for which there are no special requirements. So, the characteristics of a flat screwdriver are as follows:

Flat screwdrivers are some of the oldest that started used for household needs and are still widespread today.

The description of hex fixtures is as follows:

1. Hex screwdrivers or inbuses are designed for fasteners with a hexagonal slot.
2. The most common type is an L-shaped bent rod with different sizes of a hexagonal section.
3. High torque, well above the torque of a Phillips screwdriver.
4. Areas of application - repair of electrical equipment and unscrewing fasteners in places that are energized.
5. Hex screwdrivers are labeled HEX, similar to the less popular square type screwdrivers.

If the tool tips have a cross section in the form of a six-pointed star then they are marked as Torx. Fasteners with such a slot are used to repair mobile phones and other equipment. Such devices are used exclusively in service centers for the repair of equipment and phones.

Special types of screwdrivers

Special types of screwdrivers are used for self-tapping screws and screws for which there are special requirements, for example, the presence of protection against twisting or maximum tightening forces in the head.

Mostly these types are used for professional fields, in particular, mechanical engineering or electrical industry. Special types of tools of this type include:

• Torx with center pin.
• The Torq-Set is an asymmetrical cross-section device with a strong screw tightening feature. Designed for use exclusively in the aviation industry.
• The Tri-Wing is a trefoil-shaped tool. Used in the aviation industry and in the installation of electronic devices.
• Spanner or 2-pin screwdriver. It is used for the installation of elevators where anti-vandal protection is provided.

Also tools of different types differ in size and according to the materials of the handle. Some are equipped with plastic grips, while others have rubber grips.

Phillips screwdrivers: description, dimensions and characteristics

Cross-type screwdrivers are among the most popular, they are good because they fit a large number of screws or self-tapping screws. Such products are marked cross and letters PH.

By the size of the cross and the number, you can determine the size of the product itself. The smallest Cross tools are numbered 000 (1.5 mm) and are used in the repair of cameras or mobile phones.

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

The most used model is the second size with a magnetic tip. A biggest tool in size, the fourth, is used when repairing cars or other overall equipment.

Also, the marking contains information about the thickness of the tool shank. The higher the number, the thicker the rod will be. And the length of the rod is selected depending on the type of work. The smallest screwdrivers with short handles are needed for work in tight spaces, and long ones are used where access to the fastening element is difficult.

To facilitate your future work with a Phillips screwdriver, you need pick it up very carefully in terms of size. Look carefully so that the size of its tip matches the slot of the self-tapping screw.

If they do not match, then you can damage either the material or the instrument itself. In order not to miscalculate, it is better to take screwdrivers of different sizes. The same craftsmen always prefer to use kits for different needs.

What PH, PZ and PX stand for on Phillips screwdrivers

When buying a Phillips screwdriver, many pay attention to the letter markings. What do they mean?

So, by marking Ph, as already mentioned, represent all Phillips screwdrivers... The decoding of this mark is an abbreviation for Phillips - the company that has patents for Phillips screws and screwdrivers for them.

Modern versions of screwdrivers marked as Ph have on the tip additional notches, which are fixed in the head of the screw more tightly, as a result of which the screwdriver does not jump out of the hands.

Marked Pz marked more advanced modifications screwdriver equipped with a cruciform blade. The full name is Pozidriv. Unlike the first type, this modification is equipped with additional beams, and the sting can be fixed in the head of the fastener even more reliably.

Products of this type are used in such areas as:

• Furniture assembly.
• Installation of wooden products.
• Installation of plasterboard products.
• Installation of structures based on aluminum profiles.

But the screwdrivers marked as PX are the most modern and improved models. The cruciform tip is small, blunt, designed to work with fasteners for mobile phones.

There are also a number of other cruciform tools, which, like other curly products, are used much less often than others and have a professional purpose... Among them:

1. Phillips Square-Driv.
2. Philips Quadrex.

Requirements for the quality of Phillips screwdrivers

When choosing a Phillips screwdriver, pay attention not only to whether it matches a particular fastener, but also on the quality of the product... Of course, it is not always possible to determine the quality of products "by eye". In this case, at least look at the country of origin.

Japanese or European products will be of much better quality than Chinese ones. But if you give preference to domestic products, then look to see that they have GOST or RS marking, which testify to their high quality.

Now let's move on to other quality indicators. For example, pay attention the strength of the rod products. According to the standards, the strength level of the screwdriver shaft should be from 47 to 52 units on the Rockwell scale, about which there should be a corresponding mark on the tool itself.

If the indicator is below 47, then there is a high probability that the product will bend, and if it is above 52 units, then it may crack. It is also desirable that the rod is made on the basis of chrome vanadium alloy, such a rod is marked on the tool as Cr-V.

Of course, unscrupulous manufacturers can deliberately put false labels, so it is better to purchase products of famous brands.

The convenience of working with the tool also depends on the quality of the handle. Better to choose products magnetically sputtered on the stinger, a rubber grip is also an excellent choice.

Please note that models with rubber grips can not use in places of contact with chemical reagents. Try the product by touch, it should not overstrain your hand or slip out.

There are screwdrivers on sale at different prices. If you are looking for quality products for occasional and low-intensity use, then pay attention to inexpensive models such brands:

1. Stayer.
2. Matrix.

If you need screwdrivers for production purposes, then it is better to choose professional more expensive models. Compared to the previous ones, they have a tip with increased strength and their service life is much longer.

Among such models, we can note the products of the Arsenal or Kraftool brands. There are also perfect "indestructible" models like the Gedoro, but they are quite expensive.

As you can see screwdrivers differ from each other by type, size, scope, price and other parameters. You can purchase them as a set or separately. And making the right choice is easier when you know how to choose the right one.

It is difficult to assemble the shelf, install the bracket if there is no screwdriver at hand. There are no universal models, despite the loud statements of manufacturers, so choosing the right tool is not easy.

Screwdriver device

The principle of operation of the screwdriver is based on its design, which consists of a handle, a shaft and a tip. The depth and width of the holes into which screws or self-tapping screws are screwed differ for different surfaces and workpieces.

Therefore, the purpose of the tool determines its shape and size of the tool.

Screwdriver details:

• Rod - allows you to choose a screwdriver for the parameters of the upcoming work. The longer it is, the greater the depth of the workpiece is available to it.

At the same time, in narrow and hard-to-reach places, a long rod is a disadvantage, since it does not allow correct insertion of the instrument.

• Tip or slot - the working part of the screwdriver, located at the tip of the rod. The shape of the slot is aligned with the risks on the head of the screws. If the screws are equipped with cross-shaped risks, then the screws have much more shape variations.

An individual slot is provided for each of them.

• A pen - provides ease of use of the tool. There are also additional functions related to ergonomics and display.

The assembled screwdriver works like this:

• The slot is inserted into the risks of the screw.
• Clockwise movement of the handle - screwing in.
• Counterclockwise movement - twisting.
• Additional functions are activated by a button located in the upper or middle part of the handle.

Types of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are divided into types according to the type of slot. Standard marking and its decoding are indicated next to the name of the form.

Other names are straight or straight slot. The shape of the working part is a flat blade.

• Suitable for the simplest single-notch screws.
• Manufacturers additionally indicate the length, thickness or depth of the groove if the tool is supposed to be used for work with specific fasteners.
• The slotted screwdriver is most often used for light electrical fastening.
• The disadvantages of flat models include the impossibility of centering - the bit tends to slip out of the screw.

Force is applied to the opposite (diagonal) outer edges of the slot.

Tapered bit and four facets for Phillips head fasteners.

• The Philips cruciform profile is characterized by two slots at right angles to each other.
• This variant offers a number of advantages over the classic flat design - more points of contact, increased working contact.
• The force is applied along the four edges - screwing in is less labor intensive.
• Disadvantage - Since the force is applied in a narrow area, there is a risk of damage to the screw or slot.

The Phillips profile is often confused with Pozidriv. Improper use can lead to damage and rapid tool wear.

These models or inbuses are recognizable by the hexagon-shaped working part. In comparison with a simple cross model, the torque can be increased up to 10 times.

There are three variants of HEX models:

• Interior - the protrusion is located inside, intended for fastening screws with a corresponding depression. A shape with six edges that are angled to each other.

The disadvantage is the increased concentration of stress, leading to deformation of the fasteners.

• External - a ledge along the rim, used for fasteners with non-recessed heads. Can be used as an alternative to a wrench. This version is also hexagonal in shape with six faces.

They stand at an angle of 120 degrees to each other.

• Vibration proof - the model has a hole in the bit tip that coincides in shape with the projection of the screw head. This ensures stability and vibration protection.

The functionality of all three types is identical.

• Section in the shape of a square.
• Four surfaces at right angles to each other.
• Opposite sides are parallel.
• Due to the small disc area, the profile is ineffective for transmitting high torques.

This model is rare in Russia, practically absent in Europe, but ubiquitous in the United States. Used in addition to standard applications in vintage car mechanics.

The Pozidriv profile is produced in the form of two crosses, offset at an angle of 45 degrees for tight fit into the fastener.

• The additional cross is narrower than the main one and of shallower depth. This provides additional stability and stability.
• Pozidriv is an improvement on the classic Phillips profile.
• Four additional edges or beams in addition to the cross profile serve to push out the tip.
• The cross recess has a recess for the guide.
• It fits more tightly into fasteners than a simple cross shape.

A hole is provided in the middle of the spline to increase the pressure force, but this does not eliminate the disadvantages of the classic cruciform design.

Tool with grooves shaped like a six-pointed star.

• It is used to transmit increased torque in comparison with the classic variations.
• The slot or screw is not damaged during operation.
• There is no danger of the tool slipping, as is sometimes the case with a flat profile.
• Reduced radial forces extend tool life. This is the result of a combination of the circular geometry of the spline petals, sidewalls and a 15 degree drive angle.

Note the differences between TORX and TORX PLUS: they are designed for different fasteners, despite the same functionality and appearance. TORX PLUS has flattened petals rather than rounded ones. This is a reinforced version of the model.

TORX vibration-resistant has the same properties as the classic TORX. The difference is that the tool has a hole located in the tip and the corresponding screw head is complemented by a small center pin.

The characteristics of the instrument are read by its full marking. For example, SL1 * 80 is a flat screwdriver with a 5 mm shank, 80 mm long, suitable for fasteners with a diameter of less than 3 mm.

In combination with the type designation (SL, HEX, PH, etc.), the table gives a complete picture of the characteristics and applications of a particular tool. Sometimes the marking is supplemented with an indication of the metal alloy from which the slot is made.

Screwdriver functions

Screwdrivers are equipped with additional sets of options that are selected according to the type of work and tool requirements.

Electric shock protection and wiring detection are a priority.

• Dielectric coating - a tool for working with live wiring. Electrical insulation can withstand up to 1000 volts. Most often, such models are accompanied by red markings.

The dielectric screwdriver can be covered with a layer of insulation over the entire length of the shaft up to the slot.

• Tester, probe - a device is built into the screwdriver that can detect hidden wiring and the presence of current in the socket. When a voltage source is detected, the instrument emits a light or sound signal.

The indicator screwdriver signals when the upper part is clamped with a characteristic glow. Most often, these models are produced in transparent cases.

For access to hard-to-reach places, untwisting rusted fasteners or long-term volumetric work, special tools or improvised means are used.

Some screwdriver models are equipped with functions that make it easier to work in difficult conditions. There are no universal options, the tool is selected for a specific task.

• Hard to reach places - screwdrivers with flexible shank are used for easy access. Most often, such models provide additional reinforcement, a spring frame or a magnetic bit.
• Handling tight fasteners - most often the difficulty is caused by corrosion, tightly adhering the screw to the surface. For such tasks, models are used that can withstand the blow of an improvised tool (hammer, chisel).

The impact screwdriver is equipped with a metal body and a handle. When the utility tool hits the end face, the screwdriver slot rotates.

• Long-term works - most often these are processes that require reusable twisting of fasteners. To simplify the work, reversible ratchet screwdrivers are used.

If you have to screw in more than ten bolts, a mini-analogue of a screwdriver is used - a cordless screwdriver.

For work with non-uniform fasteners, models with a bit change function are used. If you have to work with flat and cross-type fasteners at the same time, combo models are preferable.

Most often it is a handle with a plug-in rod, on which various types of bits are fixed. Flip the rod in combo models turns the cross bit into a flat one. Another option is a non-removable rod with a magnetic holder for an interchangeable slot.

For diverse work, more often than not a specific model is chosen, but a set of screwdrivers. It is a small case or a suitcase, which contains several screwdrivers or only one - the basic one and a set of replaceable bits for it.

The features of the splines are discussed in detail above, so we will focus on the remaining components of the kit - handles and rods.

Handles are made of plastic or polycomposite. To reduce slippage, a rubber coating, indentations or notches are used. The coating makes the tool ergonomic and comfortable.

• Ratchet mechanism - attachable ratchet handle, similar to those used in compound socket wrenches. During operation, the rod and tip rotate freely, and the handle remains motionless in the hand.

The model does not require unnecessary movements, therefore it is optimal for large-scale work.

• T-shaped - Swivel-type models with a curved or one-piece top supporting the installation of an auxiliary arm.
• With heel - Most often found in impact screwdriver kits. Instead of sinking into the handle, a through stroke is used. The rod at the end free from the nozzle has a thickening - the heel, which softens the load from hammer blows.

Modified handles make screwing / unscrewing easier or more torque. Most often, the functionality is set with a button or a reversing switch on the handle.

Bar modifications add additional functionality to the tool.

• Non-standard lengths - extended or shortened screwdriver models. Length restrictions apply to shaft and handle. Suitable for hard-to-reach areas. Most often found in combo or flex models.
• With the function of changing the tip - the instrument in this configuration is equipped with a ratchet mechanism or a standard handle. The version without a mechanism implies the use of a universal combo rod. For splines of such models, replaceable bits are provided in the kit.
• Faceted rod - square or hexagonal section (standard - round). Supports the use of levers to add torsional force. A handy tool acts as a lever.

Bits and heads - are typical tips for handpieces.

There are magnetic models that support the grip of fasteners in uncomfortable conditions. In terms of external parameters, they correspond to standard types of splines.

There are no individual accessories for screwdrivers. They supplement only kits that combine various types of nozzles or screwdrivers.

Such a kit often consists of a case with grooves for convenient location of basic and spare parts.

• Small or budget kits are small plastic cases.
• Professional models - a suitcase with a handle for comfortable carrying, plastic or rubber-coated.

Inside contains a set of screwdrivers, interchangeable heads or bits.

The larger the set, the more variations there are for different types of work, sizes and shapes of marks.

There are models supplemented with protective agents - anti-corrosion liquid, oil for lubricating metal elements, a brush for cleaning.

Rechargeable models are complemented by a charger and a replaceable battery. Household variations often do without these accessories - the buyer takes care of the timely charge on his own.

Features of screwdrivers are considered in relation to the type of slot of the tool.

• Flat - the tool tightens standard screws and screws, the markings are marked along the width of the tip. Suitable for fasteners with cruciform notches. Flat models are used for household and electrical needs.
• Hexagonal - for fasteners with hexagonal risks. Non-standard options are widespread, representing an L-shaped rod with faces, bent at the top.

The thickness of the bar corresponds to the slot of the fastener for which it is suitable.

Used for electrical repairs, furniture assembly.

• Star-shaped - used in the repair of household appliances and mobile phones. They are rarely used in everyday life, as they require special skills.
• Cruciform - the most convenient for household and professional needs. There are models that support combination with a flat slot. Ideal for tightening all types of self-tapping screws and screws of a suitable shape.

There are special models for narrow applications, adapted for use with only one or several types of fasteners:

• Spanners are two-pin variations for lifts with anti-vandal protection.
• Shamrocks (Tri-Wing) - for aviation and complex electronics.
• Asymmetric (Torq-Set) - Aircraft only.
• Clutch - for Chevrolet and GMC trucks.
• Pentalobe is a five-sided version for Apple technology.

These models are not used in everyday life, but without knowledge of their existence, the repair of complex equipment is not always possible.

Pros of screwdrivers

The advantages of screwdrivers are based on equipment and functionality. A comfortable set of options does not always replace specific functions.

Basic advantages of options:

• electric models or battery type - increased operating speed;
• with reverse - support the unscrewing of fasteners;
• percussion - they cope with tight screws that an ordinary screwdriver will not twist;
• indicator - the ability to determine the phase, search for live wires;
• dielectric - safe for electrical work, preferable when there is no way to de-energize the room.

The merits are usually combined. For example, a dielectric coating is combined with an indication option, a battery with a reverse.

The disadvantages that complicate operation are also related to the feature set. The fewer additional options in a screwdriver, the higher the chance that the tool will last a long time.

Problematic places:

• Rechargeable type - requires constant replacement or charging of batteries. In conditions of major repairs, the premises quickly fail. More often this feature is found in Chinese technology, the quality of which does not always correspond to the needs of Russian conditions.
• Ratchet - sensitive to abrasives and dust. The mechanism breaks down when used in dusty rooms or on a construction site.
• Percussion - unaesthetic due to the metal body, ergonomic models of this type are rarely found.
• Indicator - the main problem is the burnout of the indicator light, after which the model turns into an ordinary screwdriver. Sound indication requires battery change.

The current charge is not displayed on the case, so at the right moment it is easy to find yourself without the corresponding functionality.

Reverse models are not presented in the list of problems, since the mechanism rarely fails. Dielectric variations are akin to ordinary ones, the only difference is in the coating, so their operation does not cause problems.

How to choose a screwdriver

The screwdriver is selected in accordance with the tasks ahead and the type of fasteners with which you plan to work.

The following parameters will tell about the quality of the tool:

• Rod strength - indicated on the case. A tool with a strength parameter in the range of 47-52 Rockwell units is preferred. The indicator below the indicated indicates the likelihood of bending, in the higher - the tendency to cracking.
• Alloy - Cr-V or chrome vanadium is considered universal. It maintains sufficient mechanical strength.
• - ergonomic rubberized handles are preferred. The tool should not slip out of your hands, even if they are wet. It is advisable to select bits with magnetic spraying for comfortable work with small fasteners.

For tools of Russian manufacturers, compliance with GOST 17199–88 is provided. In this case, there is a marking on the body or handle.

The greatest danger when working with a screwdriver is the misuse of the tool.

• Before starting work, select the correct type of screwdriver and make sure that the size of the working area matches the size of the fastening profile.
• When working, it is necessary to use it only for its intended purpose, do not expose it to heating to temperatures above permissible, do not use a screwdriver whose tip is damaged.
• The handle must be insulated and free from chips when working under voltage.
• The screwdriver shaft must be positioned along the axis of the fastener.

Hand tools are covered by a warranty that ranges from 12 months to lifetime service.

• The need to exchange goods or return the funds spent arises if the purchased screwdriver turned out to be defective, deteriorated or broken through the fault of the manufacturer.
• Refusal to receive service under warranty is received in case of non-compliance with the rules for using the tool or in case of mechanical damage.

The budget segment allows people not to contact service centers, but to buy a new tool.

Malfunctions

Basic screwdriver malfunctions are limited to broken handles or bluntness of the slot metal.

• If the handle is replaceable, it is replaced with an analogue. Models with one-piece handles are recyclable. However, craftsmen fix the broken plastic by heating or using superglue.

In this case, the durability of the repaired handle is not guaranteed, the tool is no longer suitable for screwing in self-tapping screws and tight bolts.

• A blunt screwdriver is sharpened with a grinder and a cut-off wheel, a dremel or a file. The last option is the most time consuming. Sharpening a screwdriver with a disc requires it to be locked at a 90 degree angle to create correct bevels.

Self-repair is possible only in the case of a dead battery or clogged ratchet. When the mechanism is clogged, the tool is disassembled, cleaned of abrasive and lubricated for prevention.

Models with complex mechanics are more likely to be repaired under service conditions.

Screwdriver manufacturers

FIT

A budget tool supplier from China. The company itself is located in Canada. They offer a large selection of hand tools. The warranty is for the power tool only and is 1 year.

Gross

German brand, the tool is manufactured in China. They have impeccable quality, reliability and ergonomics that meet European standards for professional work. 1 year warranty.

Hama

A German company that manufactures tools and accessories in various industries. Provide a huge selection (more than 17,000 product names). Warranty terms are not specified.

Professional tool manufacturer from Taiwan. The products are manufactured from high quality materials according to generally accepted standards. It is used in enterprises with high equipment requirements. Lifetime product warranty.

A Japanese manufacturer specializing in household equipment and tools, manufactured in China. Quality and durability are confirmed by a lifetime guarantee and an international quality certificate.

The company is based in the USA and the tools are manufactured in Taiwan. They specialize in hand tools for professionals and amateurs. The main qualities of the products are innovation and convenience. The manufacturer's standard warranty is 1 year.

A young Russian manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of budget tools, power equipment, heating equipment. The company's products are famous for their high quality and durability. The tools are guaranteed for 5 years.

Most often, the diameter of the handle with which the screwdriver is equipped is in the range from 10 to 40 mm, however, there are deviations from these dimensions in one direction or another. Simple mechanics play a decisive role here: the diameter of the handle and the torque generated by the screwdriver are in direct proportion. That is why screwdrivers designed for fine work and small parts (for example, for watchmakers) have thin handles, and vice versa.

The most common shapes of screwdriver blades, depending on the configuration of the slots on the parts, are shown in the figure.

A) Slotted screwdrivers. This is the simplest screwdriver with the most common name: "minus" or "minus".

The marking accepted in the technical literature for such screwdrivers is as follows: SL, ("Slotted") - slotted. For example, marking SL 5.5- means that the screwdriver has a blade width of 5.5 mm), and the marking SL 0.5x4- the thickness of the blade (slot) is 0.5 mm, and the width is 4 mm.

B) Phillips screwdrivers, Phillips screwdrivers. They are called plus, plus or self-pushing.

PH("Phillips"). This designation comes from the name of the American company Phillips Screw Company, which patented it in 1933. It can be seen with the naked eye that the contact area of ​​the working surfaces of the screwdriver and the part is almost 2 times larger than that of screwdrivers of the type SL.

C) A variety of screwdrivers PH- Phillips screwdriver with additional guides. These screwdrivers are often called "posidrive" or "non-self-ejecting".

Common technical markings: PZ("Pozidriv"). Such screwdrivers are not self-pushed out of the slot on the parts, similar to how it happens with screwdrivers of the type NS... Since these screwdrivers have a large slot depth, they are most often used where the screws have large heads, for example, in the furniture industry. And it is this type of screwdriver that is designed so that they have such a large torque that cannot be achieved with screwdrivers. PH("Phillips").

D) Star screwdriver. Why it is called that is evident from the picture.

Technical designation: Torx... It is patented by the American company @Camcar Textron [email protected] Screwdrivers of this type are overwhelmingly used in electronic instrumentation and the automotive industry. In some cases, such screwdrivers can serve as an alternative to the type NS

E) A screwdriver called "sprocket with pin". This is a further development of the previous type of screwdriver. Torx.

F) Screwdriver - "hex".

Technical markings: Hex... These screwdrivers are more like wrenches and are used to tighten screws with similar hexagonal sockets. They are called so - imbus wrenches (the name comes from the German Innensechskantschraube Bauer und Schaurte - a screw with an internal hexagon from Bauer and Schaurte).

Wrenches of this type have a torque of about 10 times that which can be achieved in the simplest flat screwdrivers such as NS. The size of such screwdrivers, or keys, or rather the numbers that are assigned to them, is simply the distance in millimeters between the opposite corners of the hexagon.

G) A rare type of screwdriver is the “square screwdriver”. This is just a variety, it is necessary to say, rather rarely used, screwdrivers of the type Hex.

H) Another exotic screwdriver is the trefoil screwdriver.

Technical designation of such screwdrivers: Tri-Wing. They have a non-standard slot, so products fastened with screws with such a slot are very difficult to disassemble yourself.

I) Rare "Phillips asymmetric screwdriver".

In the technical literature, denoted as Torq... The most important property is a powerful tightening, which is practically unattainable in other types of screwdrivers. In everyday life, these types of screwdrivers are almost never used, but are widely used in high-tech industries, such as, for example, aerospace. Those. where increased requirements are imposed on the fastening of parts.

K) And finally, a two-pin screwdriver called "Spanner". The most common use is in elevator mechanisms, as well as in household appliances, for fastening the bodies of devices that are under warranty service.

Slot dimensions

It is quite natural that the screwdrivers are of the same type, i.e. their slots have different sizes. For example, straight screwdrivers (slots) - different depths and widths.

Slots of other shapes - can have dimensions, which are set each by its own number according to a certain standard. V Table 1 the correspondence between the designations of Phillips screwdrivers and the sizes of fasteners is given.

Table 1

There is also a dependence of the diameters and lengths of the rods on the number of the screwdriver. This relationship can be summarized in the following table.

Table 2.

Today there is not a single professional or home craftsman who does not use screwdrivers in his work. This is due to the wide range of applications of this tool. The wealth of sizes and shapes allows you to choose it correctly. The workflow is quick and easy. The result is of high quality. which are most in demand, should be studied before using them. This will allow you to choose the optimal type of instrument.

General characteristics of the tool

Screwdrivers, the types of which are used today, appeared not so long ago. In general, the presented instrument was known to people back in the 18th century. But in those days, the screwdriver rather resembled.In the process of improving the shape of the screw, the type of tool also changed. As soon as the fastener had a slot, the screwdriver moved into the class of a separate improvised tool.

Since then, the design of screwdrivers has improved significantly. Today it consists of several elements. This is a tip (sting), a rod and a handle. The first of these elements is the most important. This is a working part that has a different shape.

The rod is characterized by different widths and lengths. It is chosen depending on the location of the fastener, as well as its size. The handle, on the other hand, allows you to hold the instrument firmly in your hand. This increases the comfort of using the screwdriver.

Tip types

The main types of slotted screwdrivers should be considered first. It is for this part that the right tool is selected.

The oldest form is the flathead screwdriver. The head of the screws for which it is intended has a straight slot. These fasteners are intended for domestic use as they cannot withstand heavy loads.

The most demanded shape is the cross-type tip. It can be used to tighten the fastener tighter. The screw has a recess in the center and two cross slots. Its subspecies is a Phillips screwdriver with guides. There are additional clearances here for improved grip.

A hex screwdriver is a tool that has 10 times the torque of a Phillips version.

The rarest variety is the star screwdriver. Most often, screws of this shape are found on mobile equipment.

Hex and flat screwdrivers

In the process of choosing a tool, the master may be interested in what kind of screwdrivers are. The types and sizes are very diverse. First of all, you need to consider flat and hex types. They are used both manually and

Flat screwdrivers in the marking have numbers for the length of the tip. It can be 1-10 mm. Let this form be quite ancient, but it is still used in everyday needs.

They are also called imbuses. Most often they have the shape of a rod bent in the form of a letter L. Their difference is only in the size of the section. They are used in the process of repairing electrical equipment, as well as in energized equipment. The markings on these screwdrivers look like HEX. It happens that the hexagons have a star-shaped cross section at the end. They are labeled as Torx. Such improvised means are used only in salons for the repair of phones and other special equipment.

Phillips screwdrivers

The most popular are the cross types. The sizes of screwdrivers are the main feature of their classification. In the marking of such products there are letters RN and a cross.

The smallest varieties are designated 000. They have a tip diameter of only 1.5 mm. Such a tool is applicable for the repair of special digital equipment. Also, very rarely, screwdrivers with sizes 00 (up to 1.9 mm) and 0 (2 mm) are used at home.

Standard kits for household use usually include products with markings from 1 (2-3 mm). But the most popular is the screwdriver number 2 (3-5 mm). It is most often produced with a magnetic sting. Product number 3 can also be used in everyday life. Its size reaches 7 mm.

For repairing cars or large-sized equipment in production conditions, a Phillips-type screwdriver number 4 can be used. Its diameter exceeds 7.1 mm.

Varieties of Phillips screwdrivers

Today, craftsmen use a variety of types of Phillips screwdrivers. The product labeling may contain the letters PH, PZ or PX. There is a certain difference between them.

PH is an abbreviation of the name of Phillips, which has a patent for the manufacture of Phillips screwdrivers, as well as screws with grooves for them. If the letters PZ are present in the marking, this is a more advanced version of the instrument. The abbreviation stands for Pozidriy. This variety may have additional beams. This tool is widely used in the furniture business, as well as in the installation of aluminum profile structures.

The letters PX in the designation indicate the most modern type of Phillips screwdriver. It is used in the repair of digital technology.

Professional screwdrivers

In addition to household tools, professional improvised tools are also widely used. They have a special shape. This tool is most often not suitable for home craftsmen, since the scope of their application is very narrow. These types of screwdrivers, the names of which are spelled out in the marking, should be considered in more detail.

Products with a center pin are called Torx. The special tool Torg-Set is only used in aviation. Its shape has a cruciform asymmetry. This allows the screws to be very tightly tightened.

A two-shank screwdriver is called a spunner. It is used to create or repair elevators. This form prevents vandalism and inappropriate jokes.

The Tri-Wing section is also designed for aviation. But it is also used for electrical repairs. This screwdriver is shaped like a trefoil.

Model overview

A huge number of manufacturers produce the presented types of tools. There are similar shapes and types of screwdriver bits to hand tools. Only they are more often used in screwdrivers.

To choose the right type of tool, it is necessary to assess the frequency of its use. If you need a screwdriver from time to time for household needs, inexpensive models can be purchased. Brands such as Fit, Stayer, Matrix have proven themselves well in the low-price segment.

For frequent use in professional activities, it is necessary to give preference to more expensive varieties. Due to their increased strength, their service life is much longer. Well-known products of this quality are produced by the Arsenal and Kraftool companies.

The most expensive, but very high quality are the Gedoro brand screwdrivers. They are purchased exclusively by professionals. These tools wear out 8 times slower than other models.

Quality requirements

Modern screwdrivers, the types of which were discussed above, must be durable and reliable. For a tool to last for a long time, you need to pay attention to a number of factors.

If there is a choice, buy a Japanese or Chinese product, it is better to give preference to the first option. European brands have also proven themselves well. Domestic products can be purchased, but only if there is a GOST or RS marking. Otherwise, you can buy a low-quality fake.

The best products are made from an alloy of chromium and vanadium. Their strength should be in the range of 47 to 52 on the Rockwell scale. In order not to buy a fake, it is necessary to give preference to products of well-known brands.

If the tool is used in a harsh chemical environment, the rubber grip should not be chosen. But for the work of an electrician, this will be an indispensable means of protection. The screwdriver should fit comfortably in your hand without overstraining your hand muscles. These rules will help you choose the best tool option.

Having considered the existing screwdrivers, the types of which are used by home and professional craftsmen today, you can choose the best option for the product.