By Jaidyn Oresti, 17
CAGIS Alum
If your Mom asks you to “hand her the Phillips”, would you know what to give her?
Screwdrivers are used at home by people like you, to build and fix objects. They are also used by some trades people like carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, to do their work.
Read Jaidyn’s article below to make sure you know which screwdriver you need – and how to name it – the next time you fix or build something!
Clutch Head Screwdriver
You might want to dress up whenever you use this flashy tool! The cross-section of the Clutch Head screwdriver looks just like a bow, giving it the name “bow-tie” screwdriver. Clutch Head screws can be bow-shaped or have other unique shapes. They only rotate in one direction, making it difficult for them to come loose.
Special Uses:
- Security systems
- Vehicle manufacturing
- Alarm systems
Flat Head Screwdriver
This special screwdriver can loosen and tighten screws with its recognizable linear-shaped head. Flat head screwdrivers come in a wide range of sizes, making them helpful in assembling large pieces of furniture and adjusting the smallest screws in glasses. These are the most commonly used screwdrivers worldwide and are likely found in your home!
Special Uses:
- Furniture assembly
- Bicycle assembly
- Construction projects
Frearson Screwdriver
This screwdriver has a cross-shaped and super sharp tip, which allows more torque to be applied to screws. Torque represents the turning force of a rotating object. These are a fan favourite in the marine industry, as boat builders must use large amounts of torque on screws to construct large vehicles.
Special Uses:
- Nautical machinery
- Marine vehicles
Hexagon Screwdriver
This incredible screwdriver gets its name from its hexagonal-shaped tip that rotates screws, hex nuts, and bolts. Its unique shape allows for high torque, as it quickly latches onto the head of screws in six directions. This device reduces damage on screw heads, as torque is evenly distributed across six contact points. Now that’s some power!
Special Uses:
- Automotive projects
- Construction projects
- Woodworking
Phillips Screwdriver
Although similar to a Frearson, Phillips screwdrivers have a more flared cross and come to a rounded point. This means they provide less torque, but fit easily into their compatible screws making loosening and tightening a simple task. They are commonly used for carpentry, construction, and remodelling projects.
Special Uses:
- Automotive manufacturing
- Assembling toys and models
- Furniture making
Pozidriv Screwdriver
This instrument differs from the Phillips, as it is designed to reduce “cam-out.” This occurs when the torque needed to rotate the screwdriver exceeds a certain level and causes it to slip out of the screw.
Special Uses:
- Fastening windows
- Electrical projects
- Furniture assembly
Robertson Screwdriver
The square-shaped head of the Robertson screwdriver solves the issue of slipping out of place when securing screws. This reliable tool is sturdy and has a very high torque tolerance. The higher the torque tolerance, the more accuracy there is when loosening and tightening screws!
Special Uses:
- Electrical projects
- Vehicle repairs
- Woodworking
Spanner Screwdriver
This savvy screwdriver is remarkably shaped, as its tip resembles a two-pronged fork! The screw’s pinhole shape gives the tool unique names like “Snake Eyes” and “Pig Nose.” By using this non-traditional screw shape in public, items are less likely to be tampered with or vandalized making it an ideal choice for security system installation.
Special Uses:
- Alarm installation
- Electrical projects
Torx Screwdriver
This simple machine is a star! Torx screwdrivers are unique because of their star-shaped head, giving them the name “star screws” by those who use them. They are also very durable.
Special Uses:
- Computer system development
- Electrical projects
- Vehicle manufacturing (motorcycles, bicycles, automobiles)
These screwdrivers perform unique functions which create, install, and repair the items we use in our daily lives – from constructing the treehouse of your dreams, fixing a broken toy, or building a toolbox to store your personal collection of these incredible simple machines. Like trades workers, we must use the right tools to complete our tasks efficiently and safely. Which screwdriver will YOU choose for your next project?
