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Selection of a screwdriver: we understand slots, crosses and torxes

The selection of a screwdriver is an essential part of any project, as its use is usually necessary throughout. We understand the three most common screwdriver types: slots, crosses and torxes, and we are here to help you select the right one depending on your needs. Slots are good for tightening and loosening screws in general, while crosses are better for finer and more precise adjustments. Torxes are the ideal tool for use on torx head screws and offer a better static hold with a longer lifespan than slot or cross screwdrivers. We hope to have given you clarity on which screwdriver to use depending on the situation.

Selection of a screwdriver: we understand slots, crosses and torxes

A screwdriver is in some cases more convenient to use than a screwdriver. She does not need electrical energy, the tool allows you to get to hard-to-reach places. And the screwdriver is much cheaper, so it perfectly replaces the screwdriver, unless, of course, you have to assemble furniture on a truly industrial scale or overhaul.

You can talk a lot about the types of screwdrivers, but itโ€™s much easier and clearer for you to imagine the following diagram:

Types of screw heads

Types of screwdrivers

Flat or straight slot is designated by letters SL. A well-known and very simple flat-slot screwdriver. A flat blade is used when working with the simplest fasteners, which are often found in fasteners for locking hinges, sockets, wooden shelves. Widely used in everyday life.

Straight slot screwdriver

Phillips โ€“ a Phillips screwdriver that is marked with letters PH. Great for most screws and self-tapping screws, currently the most common.

Cross recess

Marking PZ (Pozidriv)also used for Phillips screwdrivers, but with a deep slot and four smaller additional edges. Such tools are also widely used when assembling furniture, working with drywall, installing various wooden structures..

The hexagonal screwdriver is marked with letters HEX. To work with a hexagonal slot, special screwdrivers with a high torque are used. Their main difference is the rods bent in the shape of the letter โ€œLโ€. Hexagons are actively used in the repair of electrical equipment, as well as where you need to unscrew the fasteners on an energized object. Hexagonal splines with a pin in the center are called protected.

Hex key set

TORX.The slot is in the form of a hexagonal star. This is a fairly highly specialized screwdriver; such fasteners are rarely used in everyday life. However, torcs are indispensable in service centers and various repair shops..

Torx Bits and Screws

There is a variety of TORX splines with a center pin. They are called secure, Security T.

Torx security

Instrument beat set

As you can see in our laughter, there are more varieties of screwdrivers, we have given only the most common options. There are highly specialized ones such as the Torq-Set with an asymmetric cruciform section. These splines, which allow the screw to be tightened powerfully, are used in the aviation industry..

Torq-Set Bits

Tri-Wing, or โ€œtrefoilโ€, is needed where the connection must be reliably protected from self-untwisting, and the two-pin slot (spunner or Snake-eye) is used in public places, for example, in elevators, because it cannot be unscrewed with improvised means.

Tri-Wing screwdriver

Snake-eye screwdriver

The size of the screwdriver will also be of great importance. The size is always indicated on the marking, but it is often difficult to understand this point. DIY home craftsmen often just say โ€“ a flat screwdriver, large or small. Meanwhile, it will not be difficult to understand such markings:

  • The number 0 implies that the diameter of the tool shaft is 4 millimeters and its length is up to 80 millimeters..
  • Number 1 โ€“ the diameter of the rod is 5 millimeters, the length is up to 100 millimeters.
  • Number 2 โ€“ diameter 6, length โ€“ up to 120 millimeters.
  • Number 3 โ€“ 8 and up to 150 millimeters, respectively.
  • Number 4 โ€“ the largest screwdrivers, have a rod diameter of 10 millimeters and a length of up to 200 millimeters.

Screwdriwer set

The marking itself is usually written like this: PH3 x 150mm. That is, a Phillips screwdriver, number three โ€“ a diameter of 8 millimeters, the length in this case is already indicated, but this is an optional parameter.

Screwdriver PH3 x 150 mm

In addition, screwdrivers can have the following capabilities:

  1. Dielectric coated screwdrivers will be very useful for electricians, which will protect against electric shock.
  2. Also an option for electricians โ€“ a screwdriver with a device for detecting hidden wiring, as well as the presence of electric current in the outlet. Such instruments are also called probes and testers..
  3. Flexible shank screwdrivers, which are required for hard-to-reach places.
  4. Ratchet reversible screwdrivers. They are needed in case of prolonged work with fasteners..
  5. Rods with magnetized holders. Hold a self-tapping screw or screw, it is very convenient to work, especially with small fasteners.

Finding hidden wiring using an indicator screwdriver

Various screwdriver sets with interchangeable bits are now available. It is convenient that they do not take up much space; you can always choose an option for one or another slot. Screwdriver sets can be sold in suitcases or in such compact stands.

Screwdriwer set

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Comments: 2
  1. Serenity

    When it comes to selecting a screwdriver, the text mentions understanding slots, crosses, and torxes. However, Iโ€™m curious to know if there are any specific factors or tips one should consider while choosing a screwdriver? Are there any other types or variations of screwdrivers that we should be aware of?

    Reply
  2. Skylar Palmer

    What would be the best type of screwdriver for precision work, where small slots or crosses are typically found, versus larger torx screws?

    Reply
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