Screwdriver Uses and Applications

The screwdriver can be used for a wide variety of tasks, and it can come in handy in many different situations.

The screwdriver is one of the essential hand tools in any tool kit. There are many situations and professions where a screwdriver is integral to carrying out a specific task revolving around loosening or tightening fasteners.

Some of the most common uses of screwdrivers include:

1. Electronics and electrical supplies
2. Oil and gas industry
3. Mechanical & industrial manufacturers
4. Woodworking and carpentry
5. Metalwork and fastening wood to metal
6. Explosive environments

Utility

The most common ways to use a screwdriver are:

There are generally two types of screwdrivers: one suited to electrical work and others that are used for a range of applications. Electrical screwdrivers are insulated to protect the user and the general-purpose ones use Phillips or flat blades, which depend on the application.

Complete with different size types to fit any application; screwdrivers also have a variety of shapes for the drive tips. Common shapes are called Phillips and slotted, as well as Torx and tamperproof.

Our Screwdriver Models

Here are a few common types of screwdrivers:

Phillips Screwdriver

They’re called Phillips because they’re shaped to fit screws with Phillips heads, which are shaped like a cross. It was invented to deal with the high torsion needed to turn them.

Torx or star screwdriver

There is a type of screwdriver available that differs from the standard flathead and Philips models. Known variously as star head screwdrivers, pointed screwdrivers, six-point screws, and torx screws, they are all one type of screwdriver.

Torx is the trademark name for a particular version of this type of screwdriver with a six-point star-shaped intrusion. These versions exist to ensure additional torque can be applied in mechanical production processes, such as manufacturing.

Safety Screwdrivers

The most common type of screwdriver is the insulated or “slip-joint” screwdriver. This particular type of screwdriver has insulated handles to protect against shocks.

Safety screwdrivers are important for taking safety precautions in potentially hazardous scenarios. They’re constructed from non-conductive materials such as rubber, which prevents them from conducting electricity.

VDE-approved tools are also designed with safety in mind. VDE is an internationally-accredited institution that tests tools to confirm they meet the necessary safety standards. These tools are best used by electricians.

Torque screwdrivers

Torque is measured in inch-pounds and should be just enough to tighten screws but not so excessive that it destroys the piece. Torquing tools are intended for use on nuts and bolts, wrenches for a nut or bolt, specifically when there are rotational forces.

General Purpose Screwdriver

The flathead or slot screwdriver is typically the most common hand tool. It has a flattened tip that drives screws that have a straight, linear intrusion into the head. Flat-blade screwdrivers are multi-purpose and can typically be used for many applications.

Tri-wing screwdriver

As the name suggests, screwdrivers come in various shapes and sizes, with many being quite small for use with smaller screws. In addition, they often have a specific type of tip for use with certain devices.

Hex Keys or Hex Screwdriver

Allen keys or wrenches are tools for loosening or tightening hex screws. However, hexagon screwdrivers exist and often come with a set of hex-head tools.

Square and Screwdriver

A square-headed screwdriver can be used to unscrew screws with a square-shaped recess. This screwdriver was invented to reduce the cam-out issue that slotted screws are prone to, and therefore make fastening faster.

Impact drivers and electric screwdrivers are two different tools for driving screws. It’s important to know the difference between the two so that you have the right tool for the job.

Electric or cordless screwdrivers are small and compact power tools that are often good for assembling furniture or fastening it into materials like wood. Impact drivers, on the other hand, are a more heavy-duty type of screwdriver that is used for tasks like tightening or loosening nuts and bolts in hard, tough material.

Precise Screwdrivers

These screwdrivers are designed for precision work on small items like watches and mobile phones.

Other Types of Screwdrivers

Triangle Screwdrivers

There are many different types of tools for all sorts of jobs. Triangle heads, for one, are not as common but are great for specific tasks. Triangle-head screwdrivers have a built-in security rod, making them tamper-resistant and more secure than other options. They’re often found in the appliance, toy, and electronics repair shops.

Magnetic Screwdriver

Magnetic tips on screwdrivers will allow screws to be attracted with magnetic force. This reduces the risk of accidentally dropping them while you’re working. People often use magnetized tools when they work with electronics because screws are small and can easily fall into hard-to-reach places.

Ratchet Screw Drivers

Ratchet screwdrivers are just like ratchet spanners (except you can only move in one direction), and they use a built-in mechanism that allows force to be applied only in one direction while allowing free movement in the other.

Allen Keys

Allen keys are also called Allen wrenches, which are tools that come in various shapes and types. Here’s a quick guide to understanding it all!

Allen Keys Application

Allen keys are necessary to install and remove fasteners with a hexagonal socketed head. They don’t require any power tools or specialized bits, so they make removing caps easy.

Allen keys are less likely to strip fasteners quickly because they are used with hexagonal screws. These wedges can lock onto the existing shape much tighter than other common screwdrivers and wrenches, so it’s less likely your screws will be stripped.

Among other things, they’re used to assemble furniture. Furniture often comes with one or more. Using them, consumers can tighten the joints in their furniture later.

Allen Key Models

There are multiple types of Allen keys, but they all have an L-shape and a hexagonal head. They are typically metal, with one piece that has been bent to form a right-angle shape on either end. Both ends of an Allen key are the same shape, meaning you can use either one to install or remove screws.

Allen keys are ratcheting screwdrivers. Not all the competitive insert tools out there have a mechanism that will work either, unless they’re slightly older.

Allen keys are like a lot of other screwdrivers and wrenches but with some subtle differences. To use one, place one end inside the socket head hole or slot of the fastener and turn it clockwise to tighten it. To loosen or remove the fastener, turn it counterclockwise.

Traditionally, Allen keys are shaped like the letter ‘L’. One side is long, while the other is short. You can create more torque by twisting the long arm, making installing or removing stubborn fasteners easier. Or, you can alter the shape of the Long arm to fit the Allen key in small spaces.