Today there is not a single professional or home craftsman who would not use a screwdriver in his work. This is due to the wide range of applications of this tool. The richness of sizes and shapes allows you to choose it correctly. The workflow is quick and easy. The result is of high quality. Screwdrivers, the types of which are most in demand, should be studied before using them. This will allow you to choose the optimal type of tool.
General characteristics of the tool
Screwdrivers, the types of which are used today, appeared not so long ago. In general, the presented instrument was known to people in the 18th century. But in those days, a screwdriver was more like a wrench. In the process of improving the shape of the screw, the type of tool also changed. As soon as the fastener had a slot, the screwdriver moved into the class of a separate improvised tool.
Since then, the design of screwdrivers has improved significantly. Today it consists of several elements. This is a tip (sting), a rod and a handle. The first of theseelements is the most important. This is the working part, which has a different shape.
The rod is characterized by different widths and lengths. It is chosen depending on the location of the fastener, as well as its size. The handle also allows you to firmly hold the tool in your hand. This improves 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 the flathead screwdriver. The head of the screws for which it is designed has a straight slot. These fasteners are intended for domestic use, as they cannot withstand heavy loads.
The most popular form is the cross type of sting. With it, you can tighten the fastener more tightly. The screw has a recess in the center and two cross slots. Its subspecies is a Phillips screwdriver with guides. There are additional clearances here for improved grip.
The hex screwdriver is a tool with 10 times the torque of the Phillips screwdriver.
The rarest variety is the asterisk screwdriver. Most often, screws of this form are found on mobile equipment.
Hex and flathead screwdrivers
In the process of choosing a tool, the craftsman may be wondering what kind of screwdrivers there are. Types and sizes are very diverse. Primarilyflat and hexagonal types must be considered. They are used in both hand and power tools.
Flat screwdrivers are labeled with tip length numbers. It can be 1-10 mm. Although this form is quite ancient, it is still used in domestic needs.
Hex screwdrivers are also called imbuses. Most often they have the form of a rod bent in the form of the letter G. Their difference is only in the size of the 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. It happens that hexagons have a section in the form of a star at the end. They are labeled as Torx. Such improvised means are used only in phone repair shops and other special equipment.
Phillips screwdrivers
Cross types are the most popular. Screwdriver sizes are the main feature of their classification. In the marking of such products there are letters РН and a cross.
The smallest varieties are designated 000. They have a tip diameter of only 1.5 mm. Such a tool is applicable in the repair of special digital equipment. It is also very rare that screwdrivers with sizes 00 (up to 1.9 mm) and 0 (2 mm) are used at home.
Standard kits for domestic use usually include products marked from 1 (2-3 mm). But the most popular is the screwdriver number 2 (3-5 mm). It is most often released with a magnetic sting. Can also be used at homeproduct number 3. Its size reaches 7 mm.
For repairing cars or large equipment in a production environment, a Phillips screwdriver number 4 can be used. Its diameter exceeds 7.1 mm.
Varieties of Phillips screwdrivers
Today, craftsmen use a variety of types of Phillips screwdrivers. The product marking may contain the letters PH, PZ or PX. There is a definite difference between them.
PH is an abbreviation for the Phillips company, which holds a patent for Phillips screwdrivers and socket head screws. If the marking contains the letters PZ, this is a more advanced version of the tool. The abbreviation stands for Pozidriy. This variety may have additional rays. This tool is widely used in furniture business, as well as in the installation of aluminum profile structures.
The letters PX in the marking indicate the most modern type of Phillips screwdriver. It is used in the repair of digital equipment.
Professional screwdrivers
In addition to household tools, professional improvised tools are also widely used. They have a special shape. This tool is most often not suitable for home craftsmen, since their scope is very narrow. Such types of screwdrivers, the names of which are written in the marking, should be considered in more detail.
Products with a pin located in the center are called Torx. The special Torg-Set tool is used only in aviation. Its shape is asymmetriccruciform section. This allows the screws to be tightened very tightly.
A double-pointed screwdriver is called a spanner. It is used in the creation or repair of elevators. This uniform prevents vandalism and inappropriate jokes.
The Tri-Wing section is also designed for aviation. But it is also used for the repair of electrical equipment. This screwdriver is shaped like a trefoil.
Model Overview
A huge number of manufacturers produce the presented types of tools. There are forms and types of screwdriver bits similar to hand tools. Only they are more often used in screwdrivers.
To choose the right type of tool, you need to evaluate the frequency of its use. If a screwdriver is required from time to time for household needs, inexpensive models can be purchased. Brands such as Fit, Stayer, Matrix have proven themselves in the low-price segment.
For frequent use in professional activities, it is necessary to give preference to more expensive varieties. Due to their increased strength, their service life is much longer. Well-known products of this quality are produced by Arsenal and Kraftool.
The most expensive, but very high quality are Gedoro brand screwdrivers. They are purchased exclusively by professionals. These handy tools wear out 8 times slower than other models.
Quality requirements
Modern screwdrivers, the types of which were discussed above, must be durableand reliable. In order for the tool to serve for 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. It is quite possible to purchase domestic products, but only if there is a GOST or RS marking. Otherwise, you can buy a low-quality fake.
The best products are made from an 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, you must give preference to products of well-known brands.
If the tool is used in aggressive chemicals, the rubber handle should not be chosen. But for the work of an electrician, this will be an indispensable means of protection. The screwdriver should lie comfortably in the hand, without overstraining the muscles of the hand. These rules will help you choose the best tool option.
By looking at the existing types of screwdrivers used by home and professional craftsmen today, you can choose the best option for the product.
