Top Ten Screwdrivers
Top Ten Screwdrivers
Top Ten Screwdrivers.Whether you’re a DIY pro or new to the home improvement world, having a solid set of screwdrivers is a must-have. Buying one with all the tools you need for any project will save time, money and headaches down the road.
There are a few important things to consider when choosing a screwdriver set, including material, tool count and size. These factors will help you pick a set that meets your needs and budget.
1. Flat or Slotted Top Ten Screwdrivers
A screwdriver is a tool used to drive fasteners using torque. It has a handle for grip and comfort, a shaft and a blade or head at the end of the shaft.
It is important to understand what a screwdriver size means, because it can make a difference in the type of work you are doing. A screwdriver size is based on the width of the driver head and the length of the shaft.
The blade thickness of the screwdriver is also a critical factor in proper fit into the slot of a fastener. Mechanics often grind down the tips of screwdriver blades, which increases their thickness to allow tighter engagement with the slot in a fastener.
Some screwdrivers have a small section of their blades that is parallel to the handle, which can be used to gain additional leverage when driving screws in narrow spaces. They are also called cabinet or offset screwdrivers.
2. Philips
A Philips screwdriver is a handy tool for any DIYer. These are often the only type of screwdriver you can use to unscrew screws without stripping them out, and they come in a variety of designs.
They are usually made from stainless steel or alloys like chromium vanadium, which are both durable and easy to clean. They also typically feature tips made with non-sparking metals or coatings to prevent them from combusting in dangerous situations.
They can be a bit more expensive than other types of screwdrivers, but they will last you much longer. They can also be specialized to fit specific jobs, like those involving electrostatic sensitive devices (ESDs).
3. Torx
Torx is a screw bit with a six-sided star pattern in the head that resists cam-out better than Phillips and flat-head screws. They are used in a wide variety of applications, from automotive to electronics.
Some Torx screws are tamper-proof and have a pin in the center that prevents someone from removing the screw with a normal driver bit. These are called security Torx and can be found in a variety of sizes.
Steelman makes a great line of Torx-tip screwdrivers that are suitable for a wide range of fasteners. They come with a number of different tips, including magnetic and non-magnetic options, as well as short or long handles. They are also available in a variety of shapes and materials.
4. Robertson
A Canadian invention, Robertson’s square-drive screw and driver have been around for over a century. They have a self-centering, slip-resistant head that’s easy to drive one-handed and doesn’t easily strip out of your hands.
They also don’t cam-out, like Phillips and Pozidriv screws do, which makes them more durable. They are a popular choice for woodworking.
In fact, they’re the most common screwdrivers in Canada. However, they have only recently started appearing in specialty wood shops in the United States.
Robertson’s patented driver has a slight taper and slightly rounded corners. The square head is machined from either a one-piece or two-piece bit that’s forged from a steel tip holder part.
5. Hex Key
A hex key, also known as an Allen wrench, is a simple hand tool used for tightening and loosening bolts and screws that have a hexagonal socket. Hex keys are incredibly useful tools for fixing and repairing a variety of things, including bicycles, furniture, and electronics.
They are available in L-style, T-handle, and folding styles. Foldable hex wrenches are convenient for storing, but they don’t provide as much leverage when turning as an oversized L-style tool.
Some hex keys have a ball on one end, allowing you to use them off-axis and at an angle to the screw head. However, this feature can compromise the tool’s strength and limit its ability to exert torque. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it might be worth considering if you’re in the market for a new hex key set.
6. Square
If you want to work with composite materials or angles, square drive screws are the way to go. These screws have a centre square that neatly fits the driver – they are also less likely to slip out of place, so you can drive them with one hand, and the connection is tight.
They are also a popular choice for builders and DIYers, because they are easy to assemble and disassemble without damaging or stripping the screw. The best square driver set will contain a wide range of different sizes and types.
The Vickay 6-piece screwdriver set is a great deal for the price and features a number of strong magnetic tips. It also has a good-sized assortment of screwdrivers, including tiny size “0” Phillips and 1/8-inch slotted heads, which are ideal for electronics repair.
7. Clutch Head
Clutch head screwdrivers are a type of security screw that cannot be removed by a standard slotted screw driver. They feature a specially shaped drive that only allows the screw to be turned clockwise, unless the driver is turned anticlockwise it will not remove the screw and instead simply “slip off”.
These are usually used in tamper proof fasteners such as jail cell hinges and in domestic window locks and exposed door lock screws.
There are many subtypes of clutch head screwdrivers on the market that offer a wide variety of features and functionality for different applications. Some models can be programmed to change torque and RPM settings. Others have limited programmable functions such as remote stopping and starting, torque readout or slow start.
8. Slotted Hex
The slotted hex is one of the most popular screwdrivers around. It is ideal for tightening and removing flat head screws in a variety of applications.
The most impressive thing about a slotted hex is its ability to deliver torque, which is particularly useful for smaller screws and nuts. It is also one of the most durable types of screwdrivers, and a must have in any tool box.
There are several types of drive styles, including hex, square, tri-point and Torx (r). The best one is probably the slotted hex, which uses a slot in the fastener head to help you turn it with a small, precision-cut screwdriver.
9. Torx Hex Key Top Ten Screwdrivers
When you have bolts or screws with a hexagonal socket, a Torx Hex Key is often the best choice. These keys have grooves that mate with teeth in the screw head to prevent slipping.
Hex Keys are most commonly found in a foldable, compact design, making them easier to keep in your pocket or work bag. Some of these sets also include a magnetic end which can help you access hard to reach areas with ease.
Hex Keys are available in a wide range of styles, including L-shaped and short, long and stubby versions. Some offer a ball end for easy access or a t-handle for maximum torque.
10. Flat Hex Top Ten Screwdrivers
Flat or slotted hex screwdrivers are used with a wide variety of screws and fasteners. They come in many different sizes, and they are easy to use.
They are ideal for DIYers who don’t know which tool they need to install or remove a particular screw. They also help prevent stripping.
These screwdrivers are made from stainless steel and can be used in wet conditions without rusting. However, if the screws are left wet or dirty for too long, they can chip and warp.
These types of screws can be turned with a wrench, socket or ratchet. They are also used in combination with a socket driver for maximum torque capacity.
