In any owner's tool kit, there is sure to be at least one hex screwdriver. Modern industry often uses fasteners in production that require such a tool. Those who are faced with the assembly of furniture with their own hands, convinced of this. What is a hex screwdriver? We will consider its types and distinctive characteristics in more detail.
Device
The classic screwdriver has three working elements:
Handle
Can be made from various materials. These are wood, metal, plastic, rubber. The handle made of powdered plastic is in great demand among professionals. Such material has good strength data, which greatly increase the tool life.
Another feature of the handle is its appearance. It should repeat the shape of a clenched hand, which will create additional comfort during work. For anti-slipeffect, the manufacturer can give the element relief or, for example, use rubberized inserts.
Rod
This part of the screwdriver must meet the maximum strength data, because during operation the main power load falls on it. The technology uses high-strength steel. After stamping, the rods undergo additional hardening.
Working tip
Its shape varies. It all depends on the fastener slot that you have to work with. These are classic cross tips and more complex ones, in which even the edges of a star or hexagon are sharpened at certain angles. Tips with magnetic properties are popular, which further simplifies the work of screwing in fasteners.
As you can see, the simplicity of the device hides a number of features when choosing the right screwdriver.
Design types of hex screwdrivers
The most common version of this tool is presented in the form of an L-shaped hexagonal metal rod. Its torque is 10 times higher than analogues. This tool can be found in a set of furniture fittings.
The quality of the L-shaped element speaks for itself. If in the classic model the handle can crack under physical impact, then this tool is all made of high-strength alloy. The small size makes it possible to work in hard-to-reach places. It is worth noting that there is another type of such screwdrivers with two 90 ° bends made in the opposite direction.direction.
Also, a hex screwdriver is found in the following options:
- classic;
- in a set of screwdrivers with interchangeable blades;
- in a set of screwdrivers with interchangeable bits;
- T-shaped.
Everyone individually selects one or another type of screwdriver for himself, the main criterion is the shape of the slot of screws, self-tapping screws with which to work.
Varieties of tips should be considered separately in more detail.
Hex screwdriver
This modification is used in the assembly of furniture, household appliances, cars. Designated HEX. There are options for screws with an internal recess in the slot in the form of a hexagon. Additional designation of such tips is Driver. There may be more complicated options, for example, with a recess inside the hexagon itself. There are types of screwdrivers for working under high voltage. They are distinguished by a multilayer coating of different colors, one of which is insulating. If the bottom layer is exposed in the process of work, this indicates the unsuitability of the tool for further use.
The tips of these screwdrivers provide a snug fit to the protruding hex slots. Due to this, it is practically impossible to break the head of the fastener. Do not forget about the high torque, which is also an important distinguishing characteristic.
Hex socket screwdriver
This tool can easily replace hex wrenches in function. A processtwisting and twisting will become as comfortable as possible in hard-to-reach places. End models are designed for protruding hex splines. The main characteristics do not differ from the previous type. They are labeled HEX Nutdrive.
Hex Torx screwdriver
This tool is Torex marked. The cross section of the tip is represented as a star.
Used most often in household appliances, cell phones, radio engineering. The presence of such screwdrivers is mandatory in service centers. The fit of the slot and the tip is ensured as much as possible, respectively, the chances of breaking the notch of the fastener cap are minimized.
Main characteristics when choosing
First of all, it is worth clarifying the following points with sellers:
- The material from which the rod and tip are made. As mentioned earlier, raw materials must be of particular strength. Otherwise, during operation, the rod may bend or break. And on the tip, the edges will quickly be erased. Clarify whether the work surface has a magnetic property, anti-corrosion coating, which affects the life of the tool.
- The handle should fit comfortably in your hand. It can be a T-shaped hex screwdriver or a classic version. At the same time, it is important to ensure convenience during work, check for an anti-slip effect, ask about the strength of the material from which it is made.
- Tool size. It is important to remember that the smaller the part that you have to work with, the less the tool shouldbuy, the more - the larger. This will ensure comfortable operation. The length of the rod is also selected based on the specifics of the work.
Be sure to check these points before buying. This will serve as a guarantee of durability and reliability.
Screwdriver sets
The hex screwdriver set with interchangeable heads has become increasingly popular. These kits are universal. They include almost all types of tips (from classics to stars), while taking into account the most popular sizes. Therefore, a 2.5 mm hex screwdriver will definitely be present in the kit.
The cost of such kits may vary. It all depends on the number of interchangeable heads, the quality of the material from which the tool and components are made, and the brand. Interesting sets where the screwdriver handle can change its position relative to the rod, which will significantly increase labor productivity.
You can purchase a set of L-shaped wrenches. The cost of such a kit is low, but the size range will help you easily select the necessary tool for any type of hex slot.
Electric screwdrivers
The use of a screwdriver as a screwdriver is becoming more and more popular. This is due to the maximum speed of work. Manufacturers have taken the path of reducing the size and weight of the tool, while maintaining power. It is important to note that for fasteners with a hex slot, a screwdriver is most suitable due to its snug fit.tip and head. You can form a set of cue balls yourself, buying suitable ones gradually, or you can purchase them ready-made. It all depends on the need and financial possibilities.
Reviews
According to the feedback, screwdrivers with interchangeable bits are in great demand.
Various price ranges from Chinese to German production are being discussed. It is said that the handles can be of any design, both T-shaped and classic, the main thing is not to save on cue balls.
Those who are professionally engaged in the repair of small equipment choose and recommend taking only individual screwdrivers of well-known brands. Because such work is associated with small details and painstaking work. A quality tool facilitates the process of screwing in / out of fasteners.
The hex screwdriver has found wide application in modern technologies due to its main distinguishing properties: high torque and tight grip of the tool with fasteners. These characteristics help to produce any work most quickly and efficiently. Which design and manufacturer to choose a tool depends on financial capabilities and technical specifications. Where high performance is required, the preference is increasingly moving towards power tools, but mechanical screwdrivers will remain in demand for a long time to come.
So, we found out what features the T-shaped hex screwdriver has.
