A screwdriver is a hand tool used to insert and remove screws. Next, we will detail various knowledge about screwdrivers.
Uses and Applications of Screwdrivers
The screwdriver is one of the most basic hand tools in any toolbox. In many situations and occupations, screwdrivers are indispensable for performing specific tasks that revolve around loosening or tightening fasteners.
Some of the most common uses for screwdrivers include.
-Electronic and electrical equipment
-Machinery and industrial production
-Woodworking and carpentry
Types of Screwdrivers
The different types of screwdrivers are usually determined by the shape of the drive head, which corresponds to the specific head type of the particular screw. There are also other types of screwdrivers that are application specific or intended for specific industries.
Some of the most common types of screwdrivers are described in detail in the following sections.
- Phillips screwdrivers
Phillips screwdrivers, also known as Phillips-head screwdrivers, are one of the most common types. These screws have a cross-shaped recess – hence the name Phillips screwdriver. They were invented to cope with higher torsional forces.
- Flat-head screwdrivers
The slotted or flat-head screwdriver is probably the most common form of hand tool. It has a flat tip and is used for screws that have straight lines intruding throughout the head. Flat head screwdrivers are versatile and can usually be used for a range of applications.
- Phillips screwdrivers (star screwdrivers)
Known as star-head screwdrivers, pointed screwdrivers, six-point screwdrivers and Torx screwdrivers, these versions are all of the same type. Torx is a trademark for a screw head with a six-point star intrusion, hence the generic name for a star-shaped screwdriver. These exist to ensure that more torque can be applied, for example in the production of machinery.
- Hexagonal screwdrivers
Like an Allen key or wrench, a hexagonal screwdriver is a tool used to loosen or tighten hexagonal screws. This tool can be of great use in auto repair applications.
- Magnetic screwdriver
Screwdrivers with a magnetic head make the screws magnetically attracted. This reduces the risk of accidental drops. Magnetic tools are useful for working with electronic products that have small screws that can easily fall into hard-to-reach places.
- Ratchet screwdriver
Ratchet screwdrivers have a built-in mechanism that allows force to be applied in only one direction while allowing free movement in the other. These hand tools function similarly to ratchets.
Parts of a Screwdriver
The three main parts that make up a screwdriver are as follows.
-Handle
-Shaft or shank
-Drive head or bit
All three parts are machine-made during the manufacturing process using an extruder to form the correct shape of the material and heat treat it to achieve the required tensile strength.
- Screwdriver handle
Screwdriver handles are used for gripping and are generally shaped to prevent rolling on flat surfaces. They can also be ergonomically designed to improve comfort when gripping. Over time, the materials used in the manufacturing process have changed, and there is now a wider variety of tools for specific applications. Most commonly, the handles are ergonomic and made of a hard plastic compound. They can also be covered with a non-slip soft material, such as thermoplastic rubber, to improve grip.
- Shaft or shank
Shafts or shanks are usually made of strong steel to ensure that they do not bend or twist when force is applied. The shaft is round or hexagonal to allow the use of a wrench to increase torque.
- Drive head or drill bit
The drive head can be an integral part of the shank and is usually non-detachable. There are also replaceable screwdriver heads that are called drivers – similar to drills. These are designed for use with multihead tools. The tip may also be referred to as a screwdriver bit.
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