Hand tools
Screwdriver Uses and Applications
The screwdriver is one of the most 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:
Electronics and electrical equipment
Opening mobile phones
Opening computers
Mechanical and industrial production
Woodworking and carpentry
Metalwork and fastening wood to metal
Flammable environments
Types of Screwdrivers
The different types of screwdrivers are typically determined by the drive tip shape which
corresponds with the specific head type of a given screw. However, other screwdriver types are
application-specific or are intended for particular industries.
Some of the most common types of screwdrivers are detailed in the sections below.
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
, 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.
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.
, 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.
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.
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.
, 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.
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.
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.
Screwdriver Uses and Applications
The screwdriver is one of the most 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:
Electronics and electrical equipment
Opening mobile phones
Opening computers
Mechanical and industrial production
Woodworking and carpentry
Metalwork and fastening wood to metal
Flammable environments
Types of Screwdrivers
The different types of screwdrivers are typically determined by the drive tip shape which
corresponds with the specific head type of a given screw. However, other screwdriver types are
application-specific or are intended for particular industries.
Some of the most common types of screwdrivers are detailed in the sections below.
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
, 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.
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.
, 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.
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.
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.
, 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.
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.
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.
