There are eight character of screwdrivers , and each has a particular employment .

Adam Albright

A screwdriver is one of the more well - known cock , but many the great unwashed may not know all eight type of screwdriver and their unique uses . There are several more screwdriver than the vulgar Phillips and flathead , and each variation of the handheld tool is suited for a specific use . The divergence lies in the fountainhead of the screwdriver , which is orient toward drive a picky type of fastener . Using the correct screwdriver will help yourhome improvement projectsgo much more smoothly , efficiently , and quickly , so having the power to mark the different type of screwdrivers is very useful .

Overhead shot of various screwdrivers nails and measuring tape on wooden surface

Credit:Adam Albright

Types of Screwdrivers and Their Uses

Familiarizing yourself with the eight type of screwdrivers ensures you know which is best for your chore . Here , we ’re break down the uses of each screwdriver so you could decide which are deserving stashing in yourtoolkit .

Flathead Screwdriver

Best for : Remodeling , electrical undertaking , self-propelled stamping ground , finish work , low-spirited - torque program

Flathead screwdriver , sometimes called slotted - head screwdriver or level screwdrivers , are among the most unremarkably used screwdrivers . Consisting of a flat private road confidential information that fits into a single slot on a screw head , the flathead screwdriver is unbelievably basic yet extremely effective . In addition to meet prison guard with a exclusive slot , flathead screwdrivers can also be used for loosen Phillips school principal screws at hazard ofstripping . In some way , every type of screwdriver on this inclination is an betterment or adjustment of the flathead screwdriver .

Flathead screwdriver can easily slip from the fucking head , posing a safety danger to the exploiter . Where possible , put back slot screws with Phillips or Torx nookie for applications that require high - torque fixing .

Overhead shot of flathead screwdriver

Credit:Adam Albright

Phillips Screwdriver

Best for : Generalhome maintenanceand repair , DIY undertaking , construction , reconstruct

The Phillips screwdriver is the second most coarse type of screwdriver and likely one that nearly everyone is intimate with . The drive tip of a Phillips screwdriver sport the same flat end of a flathead screwdriver with the addition of a second perpendicular annexe . This tool slides into a fastening with an " X " time slot on its capitulum . The added perpendicular flank self - centers the drive tip in the fastener , admit it to take hold advantageously during tightening and laxation .

Though you may check different - sized Phillips screwdrivers in the same screw , opt the right - size screwdriver will prevent stripping the nooky head .

Overhead shot of Phillips screwdriver

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Pozidriv Screwdriver

Best for : mellow - torque Phillips software , construction , remodeling

Pozidriv screwdrivers look a stack like Phillips screwdriver , but the former is an improved variation of the latter . Pozidriv screwdriver feature the same " X " stylus movement tip but integrate a petty , little " X " between the wings , which greatly increases the clutch of the Pozidriv screwdriver when used with Pozidriv screws .

Torx Screwdriver

Best for : Automotive repair , framing , DIY projects , woodworking , high - torsion fastening necessity

Torx screwdrivers drive fastening with a recessed 6 - sided " ace " head , which is why the type of screwdriver is commonly call a " star bit . " standardized toelectric screwdriver , star - head fasteners are used whenever the drug user needs to torque the fastener with minimal slippage for demanding projects likebuilding a deck . The minimal slipping and maximum driving force power of a Torx screwdriver is thanks to the in high spirits traction declare oneself by the star pattern , which greatly increase the contact open orbit between the morsel and the nous of the fastener . The ego - centering top dog has six surfaces to fight against as it tightens or loosens the fixing .

Security T Screwdriver

Best for : Tamper - proof practical software

A security measures MT screwdriver is almost identical to a standard Torx screwdriver — so much so that you may not notice the dispute at first glance . To differentiate the two types of screwdriver , look at the bakshis . The security system T driver boast a small indentation in the shopping center of the tip , while the standard Torx driver is bland on the tip . This indention fits over a conjure up detail in a security measure T fixing , preventing the fastener from being relax by a stock Torx machine driver . This add an surplus stratum of security measures for items that should n’t be fiddle with .

Hex Screwdriver

well for : Automotive repair , computer hardware repair and adjustment , fixture repair and adjustment

Hex screwdrivers , often called Allen - head screwdrivers , are drivers with 6 - sided private road tip . Unlike the 6 - sided drive tip of a Torx screwdriver , the six side of the hex screwdriver are flat like a hexagon . Hex drivers follow in many dash , such as screwdrivers , moment , sockets , and hex key , which are L - mold tools with whammy driver on each end . Hex drivers also come in a wide range of sizes , from tiny jinx drivers suited for hard - to - see fasteners to massive driver that can handle highly torqued holdfast .

Robertson (Square) Screwdriver

considerably for : Construction , remodeling , automotive and poke stamping ground

Robertson screwdrivers consist of a simple square drive pourboire , moderate them more commonly to be called square driver . The Robertson screwdriver ’s square shape was the original answer to screw slippage , as it gripped better than flathead and Phillips screwdrivers . While still used , many manufacturing business opt for Torx screwdrivers instead of Robertson screwdrivers for gamey - torsion practical program that require minimum slippage and maximum drive power .

Precision Screwdriver

Best for : Electronics repair , glasses haunt , jewelry repair

Precision screwdriver are bantam iterations of the most common types of screwdriver , such as Phillips , flathead , and Torx . While you likely wo n’t find a use for precision screwdriver when reforge your kitchen , these mini screwdriver are unreplaceable for fragile tasks like adjusting glasses , work on electronics , tightening jewellery , service tools , or anything that need a tiny screwdriver tip . Precision screwdriver function the same as received screwdrivers but often feature a spinning cap , which allow the user to place their finger on top of the tool to steady it as they work .

Which Screwdriver to Put in Your Toolbox

Whether you ’re an avid DIYer , aserial home renovator , or assembling your first tool cabinet , you ’ll find several types of screwdriver utile . You may use some , like the flathead and Phillips , daily . Others , like precision screwdriver and hex keys , are deserving having on hand for unexpected repairs . If you ’re unsure which eccentric of screwdriver to buy for your toolbox , you ca n’t go wrong with a multi - turn screwdriver solidification , which features a handgrip with similar bits .

Frequently Asked Questions

A flathead screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver are the most common types of screwdriver . Most home betterment project and furniture assembly involve one of the two , though a hex screwdriver is popular for the latter as well .

The more link points a piece of ass has , the less likely it is to strip . Phillips and Robertson prison guard have four inter-group communication decimal point , making them less likely to deprive than a time slot screw . Six - sided hex and Torx fucking are even more superior , as these types of screwdriver have additional traveling bag and leverage for minimum slippage and maximal drive power .

Overhead shot of pozidriv screwdriver

Credit:Adam Albright

Overhead shot of torx screwdriver

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Overhead shot of security t screwdriver

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Overhead shot of hex screwdriver

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Overhead shot of robertson (square) screwdriver

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Overhead shot of precison screwdriver

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