Today there is not a single professional or home craftsman who would not use screwdrivers 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 characterized by 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 variety of tools.
General characteristics of the tool
Screwdrivers, the types of which are used today, appeared not so long ago. In general, the instrument presented 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 appearance of the tool also changed. As soon as the slot appeared in the fasteners, the screwdriver went into the class of a separate improvised means.
Since then, the design of screwdrivers has been greatly improved. Today it consists of several elements. This is the tip (sting), rod and handle. The first of these elements 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 selected depending on the location of the fastener, as well as its size. The handle allows you to hold the tool firmly in your hand. This increases comfort when using a screwdriver.
Tip Types
The main types of slotted screwdrivers should be considered first. It is on this part that the right tool is selected.
The oldest form is a flat screwdriver. The screw head for which it is designed has a straight slot. These fasteners are designed for domestic use, as they do not withstand heavy loads.
The most popular form is the cross-type sting. With it, you can tighten the fastener more tightly. In this case, the screw has a recess in the center and two cross slots. Its subspecies is a Phillips screwdriver with guides. There are additional clearances for improved grip.
A hexagonal screwdriver is a tool whose torque is 10 times greater than that of the cross type.
The rarest variety is an asterisk screwdriver. Most often, screws of this form are found on mobile technology.
Hex and flat head screwdrivers
In the process of selecting a tool, the master may be wondering what kind of screwdrivers are. The types and sizes are very diverse. First of all, it is necessary to consider flat and hexagonal types. They are used both in hand and electric tools.
The flat screwdrivers in the markings have digits for the length of the tip. It can be 1-10 mm. Although this form is quite ancient, it is still used for domestic purposes.
Hexagonal screwdrivers are also called imbuses. Most often they have the shape 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 repair process of electrical engineering, as well as in equipment under voltage. Marking these screwdrivers looks like HEX. It happens that hexagons have a star-shaped cross section at the end. They are labeled as Torx. Such improvised tools are used only in salons for repairing telephones and other special equipment.
Phillips screwdrivers
The most popular are cross species. The sizes of screwdrivers are the main sign of their classification. In the labeling of such products there are letters RN and a cross.
The smallest species are designated 000. Their tip diameter is only 1.5 mm. Such a tool is applicable in the repair of special digital equipment. It is also very rare at home to use screwdrivers with a size of 00 (up to 1.9 mm) and 0 (2 mm).
Standard household kits usually include products labeled with a size of 1 (2-3 mm). But the most popular is a screwdriver at number 2 (3-5 mm). It is most often released with a magnetic sting. In everyday life, the product under number 3 can also be used. Its size reaches 7 mm.
For the repair of automobiles or large-sized equipment in production conditions, a cross-type screwdriver with number 4 can be used. Its diameter exceeds 7.1 mm.
Varieties of Phillips Screwdrivers
Today, craftsmen use various types of Phillips screwdrivers. Product labels may include the letters PH, PZ, or PX. There is a certain difference between them.
The PH is an abbreviation for Phillips, which has a patent for the manufacture of Phillips screwdrivers, as well as screws with recesses for them. If the markings contain the letters PZ, this is a more advanced kind of tool. The abbreviation stands for Pozidriy. This species 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 technology.
Professional screwdrivers
In addition to household tools, professional improvised tools are widely used. They have a special shape. This tool is most often not suitable for home masters, since their scope is very narrow. These types of screwdrivers, whose names are spelled out in the marking, should be considered in more detail.
Products with a central pin are called Torx. The special Torg-Set tool is used only in aviation. Its shape has an asymmetry of cross-section. This allows very tightening of the screws.
Double screwdriver is called a spanner. It is used when creating or repairing elevators. This form prevents vandalism and inappropriate jokes.
The Tri-Wing section is also intended for aviation. But it is also used to repair electrical equipment. The shape of this screwdriver is made in the form of a trefoil.
Model Overview
A huge number of manufacturers produce the presented types of tools. There are similar forms and types of bits for screwdrivers 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. Such brands as Fit, Stayer, Matrix have established themselves well in the low-price segment.
For frequent use in professional activities, it is necessary to give preference to more expensive varieties. Their service life due to increased strength is much longer. Known products of similar quality are produced by Arsenal and Kraftool.
The most expensive, but very high quality are the Gedoro brand screwdrivers. They are purchased exclusively by professionals. These tools wear out 8 times slower than other models.
Quality requirements
Modern screwdrivers, the types of which were discussed above, must be strong and reliable. For the tool to last a long time, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of factors.
If you have a choice, buy a Japanese or Chinese product, it is better to give preference to the first option. European brands have also worked well. Domestic products can be purchased, but only with the marking of GOST or RS. Otherwise, you can buy a low-quality fake.
The best products are created 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, it is necessary to give preference to products of famous brands.
If the tool is used in aggressive chemicals, do not choose a rubber handle. 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.
Having examined the existing screwdrivers, the types of which are used by home and professional craftsmen today, you can choose the best option for the product.