Screwdrivers: types, sizes, application features and reviews

Today there is no professional or home master who does not use screwdrivers in his work. This is due to the wide range of applications of this tool. The richness of sizes and shapes allows you to select it correctly. In this case, the workflow is quick and easy. The result is of high quality. Screwdrivers, the types of which are in demand most of all, should be studied before applying them. This will allow you to choose the optimal version of the tool.

General characteristics of the instrument

Screwdrivers, the types of which are used today, appeared not so long ago. In general, the presented instrument was known to people as early as the 18th century. But at that time the screwdriver looked more like a wrench. In the process of improving the shape of the screw, the type of instrument also changed. As soon as the fastener had a slot, the screwdriver turned into a class of a separate tool.

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

The rod is characterized by different width and length. It is selected depending on the location of the fastening element, as well as its size. The handle also allows you to hold the instrument firmly in your hand. This increases the comfort when using a screwdriver.

Types of tip

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 a flat screwdriver. The head of the screws for which it is designed has a straight slot. These fasteners are designed for household use, since they do not withstand heavy loads.

The most popular form is the cruciform type of sting. With it, you can tighten the fastener more tightly. The screw thus has a recess in the center and two cross slots. Its subspecies is a crosshead screwdriver with guides. There are additional gaps to provide improved grip.

Hexagonal screwdriver is a tool whose torque has a force 10 times greater than the cross type.

The most rare variety is an asterisk. Most often, screws of this form are found on mobile equipment.

Hexagonal and flat screwdrivers

In the process of selecting a tool, the master can be interested in what kind of screwdrivers are. Types and sizes are very diverse. First of all, it is necessary to consider flat and hexagonal types. They are used in both manual and electric tools.

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

Hexagonal screwdrivers are also called imbus. Most often they have the shape of a curved rod. The difference is only in the size of the cross section. They are used in the process of repairing electrical equipment, as well as in live equipment. The marking of these screwdrivers looks like HEX. Occasionally, hexahedrons have a cross section in the form of a star. They are labeled as Torx. Such improvised means are used only in the salons for the repair of telephones and other special equipment.

Phillips screwdrivers

The most popular are cross species. The size of the screwdrivers is the main sign of their classification. In the labeling of similar products there are letters RN and a cross.

The smallest species are 000. They have a tip diameter of only 1.5 mm. Such a tool is applicable when repairing special digital equipment. Also very rarely at home, screwdrivers with a size of 00 (up to 1.9 mm) and 0 (2 mm) are used.

Standard household kits usually include items marked with 1 (2-3 mm). But the most popular is a screwdriver number 2 (3-5 mm). It is most often produced with a magnetic sting. In everyday life, the product can also be used at number 3. Its size reaches 7 mm.

For the repair of cars or large-scale equipment in production conditions can use a screwdriver of the cross type number 4. Its diameter exceeds 7.1 mm.

Types of Phillips screwdrivers

Today, masters use a variety of types of cross-head screwdrivers. The marking of the product may contain the letters PH, PZ or PX. There is a difference between them.

RN is the abbreviation of the name of the company Phillips, which has a patent for the manufacture of Phillips screwdrivers, as well as screws with recesses for them. If there are PZ letters in the marking, this is a more perfect version of the instrument. The abbreviation stands for Pozidriy. This species can have additional rays. This tool is widely used in furniture business, as well as in the installation of profile structures made of aluminum.

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

Professional Screwdrivers

In addition to the household tool, professional tools are widely used. They have a special form. This tool is most often not suitable for home masters, since the scope of their application is very narrow. Such types of screwdrivers, whose names are prescribed in the marking, should be considered in more detail.

Products with a pin located in the center are called Torx. Special tools Torg-Set is used only in aviation. Its shape has a cross-section asymmetry. This makes it possible to tighten the screws very tightly.

A twin-head screwdriver is called a spinner. It is used when creating or repairing elevators. This form prevents vandalism and inappropriate jokes.

The Tri-Wing section is also intended for aviation. But it is also used for electrical repair. The shape of this screwdriver is made in the form of a shamrock.

Models overview

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

To correctly choose the type of instrument, you need to estimate the frequency of its application. If a screwdriver is required from time to time for household needs, inexpensive models can be purchased. Well-proven in the low-price segment such brands as Fit, Stayer, Matrix.

For frequent use in professional activities, it is necessary to give preference to more expensive varieties. Their service life due to increased strength is much greater. Known products of this quality are produced by Arsenal and Kraftool.

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

Quality requirements

Modern screwdrivers, the types of which have been considered above, should be strong and reliable. In order for the tool to last a long time, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of factors.

If there is a choice, to 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 substandard counterfeit.

The best products are created from the 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 the products of well-known brands.

If the tool is used in aggressive chemical conditions, the rubber handle should not be chosen. But for an electrician to work it will be an indispensable means of protection. The screwdriver should fit comfortably in the hand, without overstressing the muscles of the hand. These rules will help you choose the best version of the tool.

Having examined the existing screwdrivers, the types of which are used by domestic and professional masters today, you can choose the best version of the product.