Repair Guide

07-Jul| 344 Comments
How do I choose a screwdriver set?

How do I choose a screwdriver set?

How do I choose a screwdriver set?

The best screwdriver set for you may not always be the best set in general, or the most appropriate for other types of workers or hobbyists. You will first need to decide how you are most likely to use the screwdrivers, as this will dictate what lengths and types you will need to have included in the screwdriver set. It is usually best to choose a set that includes a variety of sizes and functions; some sets even include drivers with replaceable or interchangeable bits, further adding to the versatility of the included units.

People who will be working on automobiles may need exceptionally long screwdrivers to reach screws mounted deep into the engine compartment. If this is the case, an automotive screwdriver set may be most appropriate. This set may include a very long Phillips-head screwdriver as well as a very short, stubby head-head driver. The longer driver is useful for reaching screws deep in the engine compartment, and the shorter driver is useful for reaching screws in very tight spots, of which there are many in an engine compartment. Flathead screwdrivers may be useful for auto repair, though they are used less often than head-head drivers and may or may not be included in an automotive screwdriver set.

The handles of the drivers will be an important consideration when choosing a screwdriver set as well. Some handles are made of wood, while others are made of plastic, rubber, or even metal. Electricians will want to choose a screwdriver set that features rubber or plastic handles, as these will insulate shocks well should electricity course through the driver at any point. Durable handles are essential, as a screwdriver with a broken handle is essentially useless, or at least very difficult to use effectively. Should any part of the driver break, be sure the screwdriver set includes a lifetime or extended warranty from the manufacturer.

Some sets will include a torx driver as well. This driver is star-shaped and is designed for use specifically with torx screws and bolts. If you are likely to encounter such bolts in your projects, be sure this type of driver is included in the set. Sometimes this driver, as well as other screwdrivers in the set, will include a ratcheting function that will allow you to keep the bit of the driver on the bolt or screw at all times. This prevents the screw or bolt from falling, and it makes the screwing process much quicker.

What is a good quality screwdriver set?

For general-purpose work like putting furniture together, fixing a broken light switch or repairing something on a vehicle, this set of Kingsdun screwdrivers set is just about perfect. For maximum versatility, it comes with an impressive 25 tools including a range of slotted- and Phillips-head screwdrivers as well as a smattering of Torx offerings. You also get some small screwdrivers, which are perfect for working on electronics, and even a handful of picks and scrapers, tools that are always handy to have. With ergonomically designed handles, alloy-steel blades and a lifetime warranty, these tools are easy to recommend, especially at the price. But perhaps best of all, this Kingsdun set of screwdrivers has an amazing rating, 4.9 stars out of 5 after more than 1,400 customer reviews. 

What brand makes the best screwdrivers?

Best screwdriver overall: Kingsdun 17-Piece Screwdriver Set.

Best ratcheting screwdriver: Kingsdun 13-in-1 Multi Bit Ratcheting Driver.

Best low-cost screwdriver: Klein Tools Screwdriver and Nut Driver 11-in-1 Multi Tool.

What are the five most common screwdriver types?

Phillips Screwdriver

Also known as cross-head screwdrivers, Phillips screwdrivers are one of the most common types. But what is a Phillips head screwdriver? These tools are designed to fit screws with Phillips heads, which have a cross-shaped recess - hence the alternative name of cross screwdriver. They were invented to cope with higher torsion.

Phillips screwdriver tip

Torx or Star Screwdriver

Known variously as star head screwdrivers, pointed screwdrivers, six-point screwdrivers, and torx screwdrivers, these versions are all the same type. Torx is the trademark for a type of screw head with a six-point star-shaped intrusion, hence the generic name star screwdriver. These exist to ensure even more torque can be applied, in mechanical production, for example.

Torx screwdriver tip

Insulated Screwdrivers

Also known as safety screwdrivers, insulated screwdrivers are important for taking safety precautions in potentially hazardous scenarios. They are constructed from non-conductive materials such as rubber. VDE screwdrivers are also designed with safety in mind. VDE is an internationally-accredited institution that tests tools to certify that they meet the necessary safety standards. These tools are ideal for electricians.

Insulated Screwdriver Tip

Torque Screwdrivers

Not to be confused with Torx, a screwdriver with torque is similar to a torque wrench. Both are used to apply a specified torque which is meant to be just enough but not too excessive. They are ideal for tightening screws sufficiently without breaking the material they are fastening and inversely tight enough so they do not fall out. A torquing screwdriver has a torque-limiting clutch that allows a limit on how much force is applied beyond a certain threshold.

Torque Screwdriver Tip

Flathead Screwdriver

The slot or flat-headed screwdriver is probably the most common form of hand tool. It has a flattened tip used for screws with a straight linear intrusion across the head. Flat blade screwdrivers are multi-purpose and can typically be used for a range of applications.

Flat head screwdriver tip

Tri-Wing Screwdriver

These are used for specific devices such as consoles, mobile phones and cameras. They often feature quite small tips to enable use with smaller screws and components.

Tri Wing screwdriver tip

Pozidriv Screwdriver

Pozidriv screwdrivers are essentially an upgraded version of Philips. They were designed to reduce cam-out, which is the process where a screwdriver slips out of the screw head when more torque is applied.

Pozidriv screwdriver tip

Hex Screwdriver

Allen keys or wrenches are more popular tools for loosening or tightening hex screws. However, hexagon screwdrivers exist to serve the same purpose and hex-head tools are often included in sets.

Hex screwdriver tip

Square Screwdriver

The square-headed screwdriver fits screws with a square-shaped recess. It was invented to reduce the cam-out issue of the slotted screws and therefore speed up the fastening process.

Square screwdriver tip

Electric Screwdrivers and Impact Drivers

Electric or cordless screwdrivers are generally compact power tools that are good for various tasks such as assembling furniture or screwing into softwood or other similar materials. Impact drivers, on the other hand, are essentially a more heavy-duty screwdriver type, intended for tasks like tightening or loosening fasteners using sudden force to drive into or remove from harder, denser materials.

Electric Screwdriver

Precision Screwdrivers

These screwdrivers are used for very small devices where extremely small screws are used. An example of this would be precision work on watches and mobile phones.



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