When choosing the right screwdrivers for your business, consider the types of projects you’ll be working on and the types of screws you’ll be dealing with. Having a screwdriver set with a range of sizes and types is essential, and investing in ratcheting, drill, or power screwdrivers can save time and effort on specific projects. It’s also a good idea to keep spare screwdriver bits on hand in case you strip a screw or need to switch out a worn bit.
Standard Screwdrivers Vs. Screwdriver Sets
There are many types of screwdrivers, but most people only need a few basic types in their toolkits. The most common screwdrivers for everyday use are a few different sizes of flat head and Phillips screwdrivers, which may generally be referred to as standard screwdrivers. Unless you have specialised needs, such as working on cars or electronics, you may not need a wide range of small or specialised screwdrivers.
While it is possible to purchase each type of screwdriver individually, it may be more cost-effective to buy a screwdriver set. These sets often include a range of sizes for both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers and other specialty screwdrivers such as square drive, Torx, hex, pentalobe, and Tri-wing.
Screwdriver sets can be particularly useful for those working in carpentry, automotive repair, and electronics industries. They allow professionals to have the right screwdriver on hand for any job, saving time and frustration.
Screwdrivers to Use for Different Types of Work
When working with screws, use the correct type of screwdriver to ensure that the job is done effectively and efficiently. Remember to consider a set of various sizes to accommodate different types of screws and projects.
- Flat head and Phillips screwdrivers are the most commonly used types for woodworking
- Phillips screwdrivers are essential for working with electronics and computer equipment, but hex and Torx screwdrivers may also be needed for specific components
- Flat head, Phillips, hex, Torx, and square drive screwdrivers can all be used for machinery and automotive parts
- Pentalobe screwdrivers have a five-pointed star-shaped tip and are commonly found in Apple products
- Tri-wing screwdrivers have a three-pointed star-shaped tip and are commonly found in Nintendo products
Ratcheting Screwdrivers
Ratcheting screwdrivers are an excellent tool for anyone who has accidentally stripped a screw or has difficulty applying enough torque to loosen or tighten a screw. They have a mechanism that allows the head to rotate while the handle remains stationary, making it easier to apply pressure to the screw.
There are a few different types of ratcheting screwdrivers, including those with a single-direction ratcheting mechanism and those with a reversible ratcheting mechanism. Single-direction ratcheting screwdrivers can only turn in one direction, while reversible ratcheting screwdrivers can turn in both directions.
Drills Vs. Power/Electric Screwdrivers
A corded or cordless drill or power/electric screwdriver can be a lifesaver for heavy-duty projects or those requiring a lot of screws to be fastened or removed. These tools provide the power and torque needed to quickly and easily complete even the most demanding tasks. However, there’s a slight difference between drills and electric screwdrivers.
Electric screwdrivers are specialised tools designed for driving screws, with an adjustable chuck that only accepts driver bits with hexagonal shafts. Drills are more versatile power tools, mainly used for drilling holes, but they can also be used to drive screws with the proper driver bit.
Drills have more torque and can handle tougher tasks like drilling large holes, but they are less suitable for use in tight spaces or for delicate tasks like driving screws into soft wood without splitting it. Electric screwdrivers are more compact and easier to store, and they may be easier for some people to hold and use.
Having the right screwdrivers on hand is essential for any professional. Whether you need a basic set of standard screwdrivers, a ratcheting screwdriver for stripped screws, or a drill or power screwdriver for heavy-duty tasks, it’s important to choose the right tool for the job.
