Almost every house has a large set of various tools. However, the most sought-after item is a screwdriver. This tool is used for installing outlets, vehicle maintenance, assembling and disassembling furniture, repairing household appliances and computers, carrying out repairs in the house, and so on. At the moment, there are many types of screwdrivers.
A bit of history
Different types of screwdrivers did not appear immediately. Initially, such a tool was something like a wrench. A screwdriver appeared as soon as the screw was created. It happened around the 17th century. When the heads of hardware began to change, tools with different tips were invented. As a result, screwdrivers appeared. More modern tools may consist of several interchangeable parts.
What a screwdriver consists of
Recently, many types of screwdrivers have appeared. Moreover, each tool has a specific purpose. However, it unites all screwdrivers - a simple design. A similar tool consists of the following parts:
- Tip or tip. This working part is a screwdriver. It is this part of the tool that determines the main differences between the tools. The scope of the screwdriver depends on the shape of the tip. Some are intended only for repairing phones and laptops, while others are only for furniture collection.
- Kernel. This part of the screwdriver may have a different thickness and length. These indicators affect the size of the tool, as well as on what hardware can be screwed in or out with it.
- Lever. This part of the tool has only one requirement - ergonomics. The screwdriver should fit comfortably in your hand. There are two varieties of handles: a cylindrical classic coated with special anti-slip materials, as well as a T-shaped. The latter option is considered more convenient, since the design significantly increases the torque.
The main types of screwdrivers
Some screwdrivers are equipped with a metal tip. It is located at the end of the handle and can be hexagonal or flat. Such a screwdriver is a shock. In other words, you can hit it with a hammer. The main difference between the tools is the tip. Today is very popular:
- flat or rectilinear;
- cross
- cruciform with guides;
- Hex
- screwdriver sprocket.
In addition to the above tools, specialized devices are available for sale. Often, such screwdrivers are developed by manufacturers of expensive and proprietary equipment who are trying to protect their products from copying, as well as from unauthorized opening.
Features of tools with a cross tip
A Phillips screwdriver is usually marked with two PH symbols. This is the most common variety. It is worth noting that two recessed slots on the hardware provide reliable grip with the tool tip. Due to this, the mount is fixed more securely. A screw with such a screwdriver can be screwed more tightly than a flat one.
If the hardware is made of high-quality metal, and not of crude steel, then it is simply impossible to break the slots from the tool. Screws are used both in everyday life and in professional construction. Therefore, a Phillips screwdriver is used in many areas.
There is another kind of tool. The furniture industry uses a Phillips screwdriver with rails. Such a tool has not only a sting, but also additional faces, which provide a more reliable grip with the hardware.
Hexagon screwdriver
Such a tool is marked HEX. Such a screwdriver allows you to apply a torque that is 10 times superior in strength to that of a Phillips screwdriver.
With this tool, you can screw the hardware used to fasten certain parts in household appliances and electronics, furniture and so on. A hex screwdriver is used in many industries, as it guarantees a reliable connection.
Features of flat tip tool
A slotted or, in other words, flat-head screwdriver is usually marked with several Latin SL characters. The main purpose is to screw in or unscrew the screws having one straight slot on the heads. It is worth noting that such hardware is not able to withstand heavy loads. Most often they use it for minor household repairs.
A flat screwdriver does not allow the screw to be tightly screwed, since the peculiar head does not allow tightening the fastener. With a strong push on the hardware, the tool slot is often cut off. It is not always possible to unscrew the rusted screw with a flat screwdriver.
Star tool
An asterisk screwdriver is marked with TORX symbols. Such tools are used infrequently and they are not available in every home. Their feature is the extraordinary shape of the tip. Such tools are usually used to fix hardware, which are used to protect thin computer and mobile gadgets. The main purpose of such screws is to restrict access for people who do not understand such a technique.
Selection rules
As already mentioned, the size of screwdrivers can be completely different. Therefore, when choosing such a tool, special attention should be paid to markings. The code consists not only of letters, but also of numbers. What do they mean? The numbers are the size of the product. You can see the following data:
No. 0 - the tool has a core with a diameter of 4 millimeters and a length of not more than 80 millimeters;
No. 1 - a screwdriver is equipped with a rod, the diameter of which is 5 millimeters, and a length of 80 - 100 millimeters;
No. 2 - in this case, the diameter of the rod is 6 millimeters, and the length is 100 - 120 millimeters;
No. 3 - a screwdriver has a rod, with a diameter of 8 millimeters and a length of 120 - 150 millimeters;
No. 4 - a tool with a core thickness of 10 millimeters and a length of 150-200 millimeters.
Marking screwdrivers
To determine what type of hardware this or that screwdriver is suitable for, it is again worth paying attention to the marking:
No. 0 - suitable for hardware with a diameter of not more than 2 millimeters;
No. 1 - for screws whose diameter is 2.1 - 3 millimeters;
No. 2 - for hardware with a diameter of 3.1-5 millimeters;
No. 3 - for screws with a diameter of 5.1 - 7 millimeters;
No. 4 - for hardware, the diameter of which is more than 7.1 millimeters.
Universal screwdriver
For home use, it is better to purchase a universal screwdriver. They are sold in large sets and have many nozzles. As a rule, in the handle of such a tool there is a hexagonal recess, as well as a powerful magnet that allows you to hold the sting. By the way, the tips in this case are called bits. Six faces allow you to keep the sting from twisting, and the magnet - from falling out. The last element of the tool transfers its abilities to the tip. Due to this, a screw or screw is held on the slots.
It is worth noting that professionals do not use such screwdrivers, since most of the bits remain unclaimed. But for home use, such kits are ideal. After all, you never know which screwdriver is needed.
Electric screwdriver
Every electrician knows how to use an indicator screwdriver . This tool has a unique handle that allows you to easily determine where the phase is located and where zero. Just insert the tip of the screwdriver into the socket. A lit indicator indicates phase.