Whether you are a professional who uses a screwdriver on a daily basis or a DIY fan who loves to play with things, you just can't deny the importance of a screwdriver.
Most importantly, choosing the right one is the real key. Here is a guide that will help you choose the best screwdriver for your needs.
What Are The Different Types of Screwdrivers?
Always use the right tool for a job well done! For this, you must know what different types of screwdrivers are available in the market. So, you can buy what suits your needs best.
General-Purpose Screwdriver
General-purpose screwdrivers are widely used due to their higher tool count and the number of different sizes. These screwdrivers offer everything you need. Whether you're setting up a bookshelf or repairing a laptop, the general-purpose screwdriver can handle it all.
In addition to their professional usage, screwdrivers perform well on jobs in the home as well. Mostly, general-purpose screwdrivers are recommended for industry usage. You can totally rely on these for beginners or intermediate-level tasks.
Special-Feature Screwdriver
Some screwdrivers are specially built for professionals that require some extra features. The extra features make these screwdrivers more expensive than general-purpose screwdrivers.
For example, some electricians require safer screwdrivers so they look for screwdrivers with insulation. These types come under special features because they help prevent electrocution.
Swivel head screwdrivers are another great feature you can look for. This screwdriver is specially designed for hard to reach places where screwing is difficult.
Changeable Bits
This is an innovative idea that is easy on your wallet. Changeable bits come with a single handle and plenty of screw bits. You can use whatever screw head you like. These kits are affordable and have a high count of tools.
How To Choose The Best Screwdriver?
Materials Used
Want to know how sturdy your screwdriver is? Just check the quality of its shaft. Strong shafts tend to last years and these are made from a robust material called chrome vanadium.
If you do not know about the material used in your screwdriver, consider it a red light. Prefer buying screwdrivers made with chrome vanadium, as these can last longer than you do.
Tip Of The Screwdriver
The only thing that is regularly used in screwdrivers is its tip. So the tip cannot be overlooked when making the decision of which screwdriver to buy. The stronger and harder the tip, the easier it will be to screw. A strong tip will also last longer, even if you use it daily.
To manipulate the buyer, the manufacturer dips the tip into the paint to make it look hard. So double-check the tips before you buy.
Handles Of Screwdriver
Screwdriver handles determine user experience. If you are a hardcore user, try spending more time looking for what handle suits you. It is best for you to choose an ergonomic design as it does not make your hands fatigued during work.
Handles also play an important role in safety and security. Sturdy and comfortable handles count for safe work but if handles are not comfortable they can cause serious injury. So make sure the screwdriver you select best fits in your hand.
Magnetism
Magnetism seems like an unnoticeable feature but can save you from a lot of hassle. You can pick up the missed nuts easily and place them back onto their position by using just one hand. With the magnetism effect, it’s a lot easier to tighten the screws as they are easy to place.
So, always choose the screwdriver or bits that have a magnetic effect as it is going to save your time and make your work quick and easy..
Types Of Screwdriver Heads
Mainly there are 5 different types of screws that you are going to face. The five different types of screws that have unique shapes require unique heads. So what are those most commonly used heads? Let’s find out!
Slotted Or Flat:
As the name suggests, the head has a flat horizontal tip. These are most commonly used in almost every home appliance.
Philips:
Philips screwdrivers have a cross pattern on the tip that gives some tight grip. These types of screws are used in some bigger machinery.
Torx:
Torx head has six pointed tips that give extra grip to fasten some small screws. Torrox is mainly used in vehicles and motorbikes. Also, gamers and hardcore developers use it during PC building.
Robertson:
These heads have a square tip that fits exactly into the crosspoint screw and gives the user a one-hand operation. You can easily fasten or loosen the screw with just one hand operation. These types of heads are used in electronic devices and circuits.
Hex Key:
The hex key screwdrivers have hexagonal tips that perfectly fit into hexagonal bolts and nuts. These types of screw heads are used in motorcycles and other cars.
What Materials Are Screwdriver Bits Made Of?
Screwdrivers are simple tools made with minimal materials. The tip and rod of the screwdriver are made with steel bars while the handles are made with plastic. Also, some ergonomic designs are made to make the user comfortable. The tips are dipped into nickel or chromium to give them some strength.
Best Screwdriver FAQs
What Are The Dangers Of Using A Screwdriver?
If your screwdriver has a loose grip or a slippery tip then you may get a handy injury. So try to change the screwdriver as soon as possible. Taking precautions is also equally important. When using a screwdriver on an electrical circuit, you must wear insulated gloves.
How Can You Tell If A Screwdriver Is Magnetic?
The magnetic screwdriver attracts other magnets and metals. You can verify this easily. Your screwdriver is magnetic if it attracts nickel or bolt.
What Is Difference Between Insulated And Non-insulated Screwdrivers?
While working on high-voltage electric equipment or high end industrial jobs, you always have the risk of getting an electric shock. To minimize these risks, companies try to insulate the whole screwdriver, so that there is no risk of you getting an electric shock.
On the other hand, non-insulated screwdrivers are used for non-electric purposes such as setting up a bookshelf or fixing a cabinet. These screwdrivers do not come with any sort of insulators, however, they may come with a few standard plastic handles.