Tools Central

All About Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are usually classified as flat head or cross-headed. Cross-headed screwdrivers have cross-shaped tips. Take care to use the correct type, since a mismatch may damage the head of the screw or the screwdriver.

Excerpted from Do It Yourself Home Improvement

Flat-Head Screwdriver

The shaft has a flattened, often tapering head and a straight tip that fits into the head of a slotted screw. Flared tips are common on flat-head screwdrivers. The flare makes the tip stronger so it allows you to apply extra torque. By contrast, parallel tips align with the width or diameter of the shaft. This is important when a screw needs to be driven in below surface — the edges of a flared tip would wedge in the hole.