In the tool kit of any owner, there will certainly be at least one hexagonal screwdriver. Modern industry often uses fasteners in the production for which such a tool is needed. Those who faced the assembly of furniture with their own hands were convinced of this. What is a hex screwdriver? Its types and distinctive characteristics we will consider in more detail.
Device
A classic screwdriver has three working elements:
It can be made of various materials. This is wood, metal, plastic, rubber. For professionals, the handle made of powder plastic is in great demand. Such material has good strength data, which significantly increase the tool life.
Another feature of the handle is its appearance. It should repeat the shape of a clenched hand, which will create additional comfort during work. For an anti-slip effect, the manufacturer can give the element a relief or, for example, use rubberized inserts.
This part of the screwdriver must meet the maximum strength data, because during operation the main power load falls on it. The technology uses high-strength steel. After stamping, the rods undergo additional hardening.
Its shape is different. It all depends on the slot of the fasteners with which you have to work. These are classic cross tips and more complex ones, in which even the edges of a star or hexagon are sharpened at certain angles. Tips with magnetic properties are popular, which further simplifies the work of screwing fasteners.
As you can see, the simplicity of the device hides a number of features under itself when choosing a suitable screwdriver.
Design types of hex screwdrivers
A more common version of this tool is presented in the form of a L-shaped hexagonal metal rod. Its torque is 10 times higher than analogues. This tool can be found in a set of furniture accessories.
The quality of the L-shaped element speaks for itself. If in the classical model the handle can crack under physical impact, then this tool is all made of high-strength alloy. The small size involves work in hard to reach places. It is worth noting that there is another kind of such screwdrivers with two bends at 90 °, made in the opposite direction.
Also a hex screwdriver is found in the following options:
- classical;
- in a set of screwdrivers with interchangeable working rods;
- in a set of screwdrivers with interchangeable cues;
- T-shaped.
Each for himself individually selects one or another type of screwdriver, the main criterion remains the shape of the screw slot, self-tapping screws with which to work.
Varieties of tips should be considered separately in more detail.
Hexagon screwdriver
This modification is used in the assembly of furniture, household appliances, cars. It is designated HEX. There are options for screws with an internal recess in the slot in the form of a hexagon. An additional designation of such tips is Driver. There may be more complicated options, for example, with a recess inside the hexagon itself. There are types of screwdrivers for working under high voltage. They are distinguished by a multilayer coating of different colors, one of which is insulating. If, in the process, the bottom layer is exposed, this indicates the unsuitability of the tool for further use.
The tips of such screwdrivers provide a snug fit to the protruding hexagonal slots. Due to this, there is practically no way to disrupt the fastener head. Do not forget about the high torque, which is also an important distinguishing characteristic.
Hex Socket Screwdriver
This tool can easily replace hex keys in function. And the process of twisting and twisting will become as comfortable as possible in inaccessible places. End models are designed for protruding hexagonal slots. The main characteristics do not differ from the previous view. They are labeled HEX Nutdrive.
Asterisk hex screwdriver
This tool is labeled Torex. The cross section of the tip is presented in the form of a star.
It is used most often in household appliances, cell phones, radio equipment. The presence of such screwdrivers is mandatory at service centers. The fit of the slot and the tip is ensured as much as possible, respectively, the chances of breaking the notch of the cap of the fastener are minimized.
Key Features
First of all, it is worth clarifying the following points with sellers:
- The material from which the rod and the tip are made. As mentioned earlier, raw materials must be of particular strength. Otherwise, during operation, the rod may bend or break. And on the tip, the edges will quickly be erased. To clarify whether the working surface has a magnetic property, an anti-corrosion coating, which affects the tool life.
- The handle should be comfortable in the hand. It can be a hexagonal screwdriver T-shaped or a classic design. It is important to ensure convenience during work, to check for anti-slip effect, to ask about the strength of the material from which it is made.
- Tool size. It is important to remember that the less parts that you have to work with, the less tool you should buy, the more - the larger. This will ensure comfortable operation. The length of the rod is also selected based on the specifics of the work.
Be sure to clarify these points before buying. This will serve as a guarantee of durability and reliability.
Screwdriver sets
A set of hexagonal screwdrivers with interchangeable heads became increasingly popular. Such kits are universal. They include almost all types of tips (from classic to sprockets), while taking into account the most popular sizes. Therefore, a 2.5 mm hexagonal screwdriver will definitely be present in the kit.
The cost of such kits may vary. It all depends on the number of interchangeable heads, the quality of the material from which the tool and accessories are made, the brand. Kits are interesting where the screwdriver handle can change its position relative to the rod, which will significantly increase labor productivity.
You can purchase a set of L-shaped keys. The cost of such a set is low, but the size range will help you easily choose the right tool for any type of hexagonal slot.
Electric screwdrivers
Using a screwdriver as a screwdriver is gaining more and more popularity. This is due to the maximum speed of work. Manufacturers have taken the path of reducing the size and weight of the tool, while maintaining power. It is important to note that for fasteners having a hexagonal slot, a screwdriver is most suitable due to the tight fit of the tip and head. You can create a set of cue ball yourself, buying suitable ones gradually, or you can buy it in a ready-made form. It all depends on the need and financial capabilities.
Reviews
According to the responses, screwdrivers with interchangeable cues are in great demand.
Various price ranges from Chinese to German are discussed. It is said that the handles can be of any performance and T-shaped and classic, the main thing is not to save on cue ball.
Those who professionally repair small equipment choose and recommend taking only individual screwdrivers of well-known brands. Because such work is associated with small details and laboriousness. A high-quality tool facilitates the process of screwing / unscrewing the fasteners.
The hexagonal screwdriver is widely used in modern technologies due to its main distinguishing properties: high torque and tight grip of the tool with fasteners. These characteristics help to quickly and accurately produce any work. Which design and manufacturer to choose a tool depends on financial capabilities and technical specifications. Where greater productivity is required, the preference goes more and more towards the power tool, but mechanical screwdrivers will remain in demand for a long time.
So, we found out what a screwdriver has a T-shaped hexagonal features.