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Basic Hand Tools: Screwdrivers

From "Tool School"
episode DTSC-101

Flat-bladed Driver

Square Shank Screwdriver

Phillips Screwdriver

Robertson Driver

Torx Screwdriver

It's a good idea to purchase a quality set of screwdrivers in a variety of sizes. The slot headed screwdriver was the first on the market, but there are many different and specialized varieties today. Host Cheri Van Bynen offers a closer look.

Flat Bladed Screwdriver

Designed for a specific job.
Width and thickness of the blade should match the screw you are driving.

Cabinet Screwdriver

Straight shank allows it to fit into a recessed hole.

Square Shank Screwdriver

Allows a wrench to be attached in order to tighten or loosen beyond what is comfortable by hand.

Phillips Screwdriver

'X' shaped head.
Originally designed for manufacturing.
Comes in many sizes.

Robertson Driver

Square tip fits snuggly into the head of the screw.
Design allows you to put a lot of torque to the driver without slipping.

Torx Screwdrivers

Star-shaped tip matches the head of the screw.
Used mostly in automotive, appliance and electronics.
Also available with a recessed head.

Tips to Remember:

Choose a driver that fits your hand (figure A) and is covered with a material that enhances your grip.
The length of the driver (figure B) should be determined by the specific application (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C
Offset drivers (figure D) are good for small spaces and hard to reach screws.

Figure D
Use a driver with interchangeable magnetic tips. This will save you from having to buy and store too many drivers.
Use the correct style and size.
Throw your weight into it to avoid stripping the head.
Have a wide variety of drivers on hand, so that you will have the right tool for the job.

RESOURCES :
Screwdrivers Featured:

Husky 44-piece Screwdriver Set (Phillips, Slotted, Torx) 106-882 / UPC 64873844959
Husky Tools can be found at The Home Depot

Stanley Torx PT 20" x 4" screwdrivers 67-070 / UPC 076174796698
Stanley Torx TP 30" x 5" screwdrivers 67-072 / UPC 076174796711
Stanley Robertson #1 x 5" screwdrivers 68-065 / UPC 076174796643
Stanley Robertson #2 x 5" screwdrivers 67-066 / UPC 076174796650
Stanley Robertson #3 x 5" screwdrivers 67-067 / UPC 076174796667

Stanley Tools Group
Customer Service: 800-262-2161
Stanleytools.com