Each economic person will surely have at hand a "first aid kit". This set of tools for all occasions certainly includes a set of screwdrivers. Is it necessary to disassemble a mobile phone, toy, set-top box, computer system unit - without a special tool it is very difficult to do. A slotted screwdriver will allow you to securely tighten or, conversely, quickly unscrew the fasteners.
The irreplaceable “shoulder blade”
"Shovel", or "sting", they call this type of tool for good reason. Flat, as if a flattened tip really resembles the latter. This design allows you to work with fasteners, in which the head has a direct recess (slot).
A slotted screwdriver is available in several versions. And the difference is not only in the size of the tool. Depending on the nature of the work, you may need a reinforced structure, or a product with an insulated handle, or with special notches that improve friction between the tip and the slot of the fastener.
According to standards
Despite all this diversity, there are strict standards that any slotted screwdriver sold must meet. GOST regulates the dimensions of the working part of the tool and its shape.
So, in the line of five-millimeter “blades” there are products with a tip length of 200, 150 or 125 millimeters. There are shorties of 75 millimeters. In a series of six-millimeter screwdrivers, the countdown starts at 100 millimeters.
In addition to the most popular widths of 5 or 6 millimeters, there are tools with a tip width of only 1 millimeter. The upper (maximum) border corresponds to 10 millimeters.
The concept of "universal tool" does not apply to this category of devices. Screwdrivers must be selected in each case individually. Otherwise, you simply knock down the fastener slot. Or break the tip. Ideally, if the working part is slightly smaller than the size of the slot. The tip then enters the slot freely, but does not turn during operation.
And if you are not inclined to carefully and for a long time complete your box with tools, then you should purchase a ready-made set of slotted screwdrivers. As a rule, the most running devices appear in it.
Ergonomics and safety
Standards regulate and shape the handle of a tool. Manufacturers strive to provide a comfortable grip and a secure stop. Therefore, a slotted screwdriver has a handle that repeats the anatomy of the human hand. Some models even have a thumb recess. Handles made of combined materials are very convenient. Softer inserts do not rub the palm, and the ribbed surface prevents fingers from slipping.
The so-called percussion instruments are supplied with a reinforced handle . These are screwdrivers that are used to unscrew rusted fasteners, when in the process you have to additionally go over the handle with a hammer. In this case, the plastic can simply crumble, so it is better to have a metal handle.
So that the slotted screwdriver does not fail during operation, pay attention to what steel its core is made of. The most reliable products are made of hardened steel.
Remember that a quality tool is your safety.