Features of Phillips and other screwdrivers: description and dimensions. Classification of flat and shaped screwdrivers by purpose But this design also has its drawbacks
Today there is not a single professional or home handyman who would not use screwdrivers in his work. This is due to the wide range of applications of this tool. The wealth of sizes and shapes allows you to choose it correctly. The work process is quick and easy. The result is characterized high quality. which are most in demand should be studied before using them. This will allow you to choose the optimal type of tool.
General characteristics of the tool
Screwdrivers, the types of which are used today, appeared not so long ago. In general, the presented instrument was known to people back in the 18th century. But in those days, a screwdriver was more like a screwdriver. In the process of improving the shape of the screw, the appearance of the tool also changed. As soon as the fastener had a slot, the screwdriver moved into the class of a separate improvised tool.
Since then, the design of screwdrivers has improved significantly. Today it consists of several elements. These are the tip (sting), the rod and the handle. The first of these elements is the most important. This is a working part that has different shapes.
The rod is characterized by different widths and lengths. It is selected depending on the location of the fastening element, as well as its size. The handle allows you to hold the tool firmly in your hand. This increases the comfort when using the screwdriver.
Types of tip
The main types of screwdriver slots should be considered first. It is for this part that the right tool is selected.
The oldest form is the flathead screwdriver. The head of the screws for which it is intended has a straight slot. These fasteners are designed for household use, as they cannot withstand heavy loads.
The most popular form is the cross type of sting. It can be used to tighten fastener tighter. The screw has a recess in the center and two cross slots. Its subtype is a Phillips screwdriver with guides. There are additional gaps here to provide improved grip.
A hex screwdriver is a tool whose torque is 10 times greater than that of the Phillips variety.
The rarest variety is the star screwdriver. Most often, screws of this shape are found on mobile equipment.
Hex and flat screwdrivers
In the process of choosing a tool, the master may be interested in what types of screwdrivers there are. Types and sizes are very diverse. First of all, it is necessary to consider flat and hexagonal types. They are used both manually and
Flathead screwdrivers are marked with numbers for the length of the tip. It can be 1-10 mm. Even though this form is quite ancient, it is still used for everyday needs.
Also called imbuses. Most often they have the shape of a rod bent in the shape of the letter L. The only difference is the cross-sectional size. They are used in the process of repairing electrical equipment, as well as in live equipment. The markings on these screwdrivers look like HEX. It happens that hexagons have a star-shaped cross section at the end. They are labeled as Torx. Such improvised means are used only in shops that repair phones and other special equipment.
Phillips screwdrivers
The most popular are the cross types. The dimensions of screwdrivers are the main feature of their classification. The markings of such products include the letters RN and a cross.
The smallest varieties are designated 000. Their tip diameter is only 1.5 mm. This tool is suitable for repairing special digital equipment. It is also very rare that screwdrivers with sizes 00 (up to 1.9 mm) and 0 (2 mm) are used at home.
Standard kits for household use usually include products marked from 1 (2-3 mm). But the most popular is the screwdriver number 2 (3-5 mm). It is most often produced with a magnetic tip. Product number 3 can also be used in everyday life. Its size reaches 7 mm.
To repair cars or large equipment in production conditions, they can use a Phillips-type screwdriver number 4. Its diameter exceeds 7.1 mm.
Types of Phillips screwdrivers
Today, craftsmen use various types of Phillips screwdrivers. The product marking may contain the letters PH, PZ or PX. There is a certain difference between them.
PH is an abbreviation of the name of the Phillips company, which has a patent for the manufacture of Phillips screwdrivers, as well as screws with recesses for them. If the marking contains the letters PZ, this is a more advanced type of instrument. The abbreviation stands for Pozidriy. This variety may have additional rays. This tool is widely used in furniture making, as well as in installation profile structures made of aluminum.
The letters PX in the marking indicate the modern type Phillips screwdriver. It is used in the repair of digital equipment.
Professional screwdrivers
In addition to household tools, professional tools are also widely used. They have a special shape. This tool is most often not suitable for home craftsmen, since their scope of application is very narrow. These types of screwdrivers, the names of which are indicated in the markings, should be considered in more detail.
Products with a pin located in the center are called Torx. Special tool Torg-Set is used only in aviation. Its shape has an asymmetry of a cruciform section. This allows the screws to be tightened very tightly.
A double-blade screwdriver is called a spanner. It is used in the creation or repair of elevators. This uniform prevents vandalism and inappropriate jokes.
The Tri-Wing section is also intended for aviation. But it is also used for repairing electrical equipment. The shape of this screwdriver is made in the form of a trefoil.
Model overview
A huge number of manufacturers produce the presented types of tools. There are similar hand tools shapes and types of bits for screwdrivers. Only they are more often used in screwdrivers.
To choose the right type of tool, you need to evaluate the frequency of its use. If you need a screwdriver from time to time to economic needs, you can purchase inexpensive models. Brands such as Fit, Stayer, and Matrix have proven themselves well in the low-price segment.
For frequent use in professional activity it is necessary to give preference to more expensive varieties. Due to their increased strength, their service life is much longer. Well-known products of similar quality are produced by Arsenal and Kraftool.
The most expensive, but very high quality screwdrivers are the Gedoro brand. They are purchased exclusively by professionals. These improvised means wear out 8 times slower than other models.
Quality requirements
Modern screwdrivers, the types of which were discussed above, must be durable and reliable. In order for a tool to last a long time, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of factors.
If you have a choice between buying a Japanese or Chinese product, it is better to give preference to the first option. European brands have also proven themselves well. Domestic products can be purchased, but only if they have GOST or RS markings. Otherwise, you can buy a low-quality fake.
The best products are made from an alloy of chromium and vanadium. Their strength should range from 47 to 52 on the Rockwell scale. To avoid buying a fake, you must give preference to products from well-known brands.
If the tool is used in aggressive conditions chemical substances, you should not choose a rubber handle. But for the work of an electrician, this will be an indispensable means of protection. The screwdriver should lie comfortably in your hand without overstraining your hand muscles. These rules will help you choose the best option tool.
Having examined the existing screwdrivers, the types of which are used by home and professional craftsmen today, you can choose the best product option.
The appearance of a screwdriver construction tools, is associated with the 16th century at the time of the appearance of weapons. Their flat varieties have survived to this day. Today, every home probably has at least one screwdriver. There is no need to buy all of their types, and to understand what type of screwdriver you need, just read existing varieties and their features.
You cannot do without such a tool when replacing a switch, socket, or when repairing household devices. Many will say that it is better to buy a screwdriver instead of a screwdriver, but to do this minor repairs A screwdriver is usually not used, since it is easier to take out a screwdriver and tighten a couple of self-tapping screws when replacing the socket.
Device and principle of operation
The screwdriver design includes three main parts, which are shown in the figure:
- The handle of a screwdriver should provide ease of use, but there are other functions of the handle related to indication and ergonomics. Different types of tools make it possible to choose a convenient design for working in different places. For example, the handle can be short or long, hexagonal, round or other cross-section. The handle material can be wood, plastic or rubber, depending on the type and purpose of the tool. The handle can also be made in the form of a pistol or T-shaped.
- The rod makes it possible to select a screwdriver for specific working conditions. The available depth of the hole in which the screw or self-tapping screw is located depends on the length of the rod. But in hard-to-reach and narrow places, a rod that is too long will not allow the tool to work correctly; in this case, a long rod can be considered a disadvantage.
- The type of slot (blade) of the tip depends on the type of fastener that needs to be screwed. The names of fasteners depend on the shape of the slot - screw, self-tapping screw, screw, etc. Previously, the most popular screwdrivers were those with a straight slot in the form of a spatula, since the fasteners had a corresponding groove on the head. Currently, other types of splines are increasingly used - Phillips, hexagonal, Torx, sprocket, etc. An important factor is the hardness and strength of the tip; the higher these parameters, the more durable the tool will be. So that when screwing fastener the slot does not slip; a special coating is applied to it, which increases the coefficient of friction.
The principle of operation of a screwdriver is based on its design.
Operating procedure
- Insert the slot into the grooves of the self-tapping screw, screw or screw.
- Screw in the fastener clockwise.
- Unscrew - counterclockwise.
- The handle may have buttons to enable various additional functions.
Kinds
New types of screws and self-tapping screws with different notches on the head are increasingly appearing in the retail chain. Depending on this, the tool is also improved, and new types appear. The screwdriver was no exception. Today there is a large assortment such a tool different designs and shapes. Many of them are used in relation to certain types of work. Let's look at screwdrivers that are widely used and have gained great popularity in different types works
According to the shape of the slot of the tip, screwdrivers are divided into:
- Flat, is marked SL. The names of this screwdriver may vary: straight-pin, flat-head, straight-slotted, straight. The shape of the working tip is made in the form of a flat blade and is used to work with simple screw connections. This is the most popular type of slot in everyday life for attaching household utensils or electrical installation work. The disadvantage of flat-head screwdrivers is that the tip cannot be centered, which often slips out of the screw head.
- Cross, marked with RN. It has a cross-cone-shaped tip, the edges of which fit into the slot of the fastening element of the corresponding shape. The cross-shaped grooves are located at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. This tool is used to connect various parts equipment, cars, etc. The fastening is highly reliable. Conical shape The slot allows you to significantly increase the supporting surface of contact with the head of the fastener, which is an advantage compared to conventional flat screwdriver. The screw head is impacted at four edges. The disadvantage is the high probability of damage to the screw splines due to the impact on it in a narrow area.
- Cross-shaped with guides, marked PZ. This slot profile is made in the form of two crosses, which are offset from each other by 45 degrees, for a tighter fit into the head of the fastener. This shape allows you to create additional supporting edges. The additional cross is smaller in size than the main cross and also has a shallower depth, which ensures the stability of the tool in operation. Phillips screwdrivers with additional notches are used when assembling furniture and other critical work. The disadvantage of this spline profile is similar to the conventional cross profile.
- Hexagon(marking – HEX). This type of tool has a hexagonal tip surface, which allows for significantly greater rotational force to be applied to fasteners compared to cross-shaped bits. These screwdrivers are most often used for electrical work.
There are three types of hex screwdrivers, differing in the shape of the tip:
- with an internal hexagonal projection used for fixing screws with a corresponding head. Disadvantage - the screw head quickly becomes unusable due to high deformation;
- with external hexagonal projection along the rim, used for fastening screws with non-recessed heads, sometimes used instead of a wrench;
— vibration-resistant, with a hole in the tip. This hole aligns with the corresponding protrusion on the head of the fastener, which makes the screwdriver stable when working in high vibration environments.
- Star-shaped(marking – TORX). It has a tip shape in the form of a six-pointed star, and is used for repairing various types of devices. IN Lately This form of fasteners is gaining more and more popularity. The advantages of this type of tips are:
— the ability to apply high torque compared to other types;
— there is no slipping of the tip from the screw head, unlike classic flat-head screwdrivers;
— there is no damage to the screw head slot;
— increased tool life due to low radial forces, which is achieved by the special geometric shape of the spline petals. There are different designs of star-shaped tips: “ Torx plus" And " Torx", which serve for various fastening elements. Outwardly, their shape is similar, but the difference is in the shape of the star’s petals - in the “Torx plus” they are flattened, and in the regular Torx they are rounded. There is also vibration-proof designs of star-shaped screwdriver tips, in the center of which there is a hole for combining it with a screw pin of a similar shape. This allows you to work in high vibration conditions.
- Square. The cross-section of the tip slot is made in the form of a square, has four surfaces that are at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. The supporting surface through which the force is transmitted is small, so this tool is not suitable for transmitting big moment rotation. Such screwdrivers were not found in our country wide application, however, in America they are very popular. This slot shape was previously common on fastening screws in vintage cars.
There are also types of screwdrivers that differ in their purpose for certain working conditions. They are equipped with special devices.
Screwdriver with flexible shaft
In tight working conditions this device is very convenient. It is used in furniture assembly work and other hard to reach places Oh.
Universal screwdriver
This tool allows you to install on a rod different tips, which can be stored either inside the handle or in a separate case, depending on the design and manufacturer.
Dielectric screwdriver
This screwdriver is used when electrical installation work on electrical equipment under voltage dangerous to humans. The handle and rod of such a tool are covered with a special insulating material, designed for a certain permissible voltage value. Most often this value is indicated on the handle.
Ratchet screwdriver
With the help of such a ratcheting device, the tool shaft can only rotate in one direction. This allows the screw to be removed without removing the tool from its head. Using a special lever, you can change the direction of rotation.
Rechargeable
This electric screwdriver is similar in design. But there are some differences:
- Weight.
- Device.
- Power.
The significantly lower power of this tool is fully justified, since it is not used for drilling holes or fastening powerful screws and screws into particularly durable materials, for example, oak. This makes it possible to use a compact battery and a small electric motor. Therefore, the dimensions and weight of the tool are small.
The included electric screwdriver may also have several different tips for installing them into the chuck.
Marking
To determine the purpose and type of screwdrivers, you should be able to understand their markings. The table shows the most common tip spline shapes and their designations. Phillips screwdrivers with different crosses have their own correspondence table, which indicates the sizes of fasteners and the tools to which they can be used.
The following table shows the dependence of the diameter of the rods and their length on the tool number.
There is another dependence - diameter external thread screws from tool number:
You may also notice that some types of screwdrivers contain both letters and numbers in the designation. For example, PH 4 x 120, where PH means a straight screwdriver, 4 is the tool number indicating the diameter of the screw, 120 is the length of the rod. The marking may include information about the material of the working part of the tool.
Slotted screwdrivers – indispensable tool like in an arsenal professional craftsmen, and for home use. We will tell you in detail about the types and subtleties of using such screwdrivers in our article.
What it is?
A device for unscrewing/screwing fasteners with a straight slot (slotted or straight-slotted, colloquially called flat, straight or linear) is called a slotted screwdriver. The working tip of the tool is a wedge-shaped plate. This type of screwdriver is rightfully considered a classic. With its help, you can unscrew/tighten various screws, self-tapping screws, screws and other fasteners that contain space for a flat slot.
Such a tool can be used both for direct work (screwing/unscrewing) parts, and for supporting any structural elements. Due to its design, it can be used to configure or adjust a wide range of electrical devices.
Marking
All slotted screwdrivers are marked with the letters SL (from English Slot - slot) and numbers indicating the width and sometimes the thickness of the slot in mm.
According to GOST 24437-93, screwdrivers for plumbing and installation work can have the following characteristics:
Screwdriver designation | Nominal diameter of screw thread, screw, mm | Size work surface, mm | Screwdriver length, mm | Handle length, mm | Handle diameter, mm | Rod diameter, mm |
7810-0963 | ||||||
7810-0964 | ||||||
7810-0965 | ||||||
7810-0966 | ||||||
7810-0967 | ||||||
7810-0968 | ||||||
7810-0969 | ||||||
7810-0971 | ||||||
7810-0972 | ||||||
7810-0973 | ||||||
7810-0974 |
More detailed information can be found in GOSTs. Considering that most of Modern screwdrivers continue to be produced according to this standard. European manufacturers enjoy their ISO quality standard markings.
Kinds
Types slotted screwdrivers there are quite a large number.
- Dielectric screwdrivers- this is a device consisting of a metal base with a tip and a plastic or often rubber handle, which, due to insulation, does not allow current to pass through. Such screwdrivers are used mainly by electricians who need to work under powered conditions.
- Regular screwdrivers with reinforced steel handle which is covered with plastic. They cannot be used for work with the mains switched on (since they conduct current), but they have different lengths and rod thicknesses and can be used when working, for example, with metal or wood.
- Combination screwdriver- this is a device with an indicator or dynamometer built into the device. Such an indicator signals the presence of current in the electrical network, therefore such screwdrivers can be used both for installation work and for repairing electrical networks. A dynamometer makes it possible to regulate the pressure applied to a screwed-in threaded connection, which is often necessary, for example, when assembling fragile materials.
- Screwdriver with different bits. This screwdriver allows you to solve many problems; its handle is a kind of pencil case in which various tips are located, a set of which includes more than 10 pieces. A small disadvantage of this device is the size of the handle, so it is not always easy to use, especially in a narrow space.
- Impact or power screwdriver used for unscrewing tightly tightened threaded connections. Its operating principle is that after hitting it with a hammer, the impact energy is directed to unscrew the screw.
Basically, they all have quite large sizes, as they are used for working with large parts.
- Probe screwdrivers– with a transparent handle containing an LED or lamp; the moment the tip touches a live wire, the lamp lights up. This screwdriver makes it possible to accurately determine whether there is voltage in the network. There are also screwdrivers that help identify open circuits or DC contrast.
- Precision screwdrivers have a tip made for the most accurate fit to a small screw head. Mainly used for collection/disassembly small devices: mobile phones, watches, tablets and similar devices.
- Special screwdrivers– used for working with self-tapping screws or screws with special requirements. For example: protection against twisting, high force when tightening a small head.
Used in mechanical engineering or electronics products.
- Screwdrivers with flexible shaft, for work in hard-to-reach places.
But there is also a difference in the types of splines:
- straight slot is one of the most common options;
- cross-shaped slot with a hole in the center of the working part for guides;
- a spline with a combination of straight and cross spline parts;
- one of the options for a cross slot is a model that combines a cross and a square section;
- model with a cross-shaped working part and 4 rays;
- square slot option;
- square slot with a hole in the center of the guide;
- star slot;
- “star” option, but using a pin in the center;
- the same “star”, but with shorter and less sharp rays;
- five-pointed star with hole;
- hex key or Allen key;
- the same hex key with a hole for the guide;
- screwdriver with three-wing slot, rare variant;
- asymmetrical cross slot, which has a tighter tightening than other slots;
- a slot similar to a two-pronged fork;
- eight-pointed star with a hole in the middle, a rare specimen;
- pentagonal slot, a rare alternative to hexagonal;
- the twelve-pointed star was used on some Volkswagen vehicles;
- narrowly directed type of slot, mainly used various models American Electrical Engineering;
- triangular slot, used in toys, electrical appliances or household appliances.
Flat head screwdrivers come in the following sizes:
How to choose?
Despite the fact that there are many types of screwdrivers, choosing a screwdriver for necessary work very easy.
To begin with, it is worth deciding on the upcoming types of work.
- If there is a need for vandal-proof protection of fasteners, you should pay attention to “two-pin” screwdrivers with a slot in the middle; this type of fastening will protect against unscrewing by other types of screwdrivers.
- To work with electricity, you should use a dielectric, terminal or indicator screwdriver.
- To work with large parts, fasteners or tightly twisted fasteners, it is worth taking a reinforced screwdriver; it has an increased torque due to hammer blows.
- In the case when it is necessary to perform a large amount of work, it will make it easier to store the tool, you can look at sets of screwdrivers, they usually include a set of socket bits, flat-slotted bits, star bits, Phillips bits Ph and PZ, hex bits various sizes a few pieces of each. This set is more expensive, but due to its versatility, it justifies the money spent on it.
- When choosing a tool, you should pay attention to the quality of the materials from which it is made, the quality of the connection between the handle and the metal rod. Basically, the handles are made of plastic with rubber inserts, due to this the hand will have a good grip on such a coating and will not be able to slip out at the most necessary moment.
- The diameter of the handle should be chosen based on the work to be done: what larger size parts to be worked with, the wider the handle should be, as this affects the torque. Screwdrivers designed for small parts are equipped with a small handle to prevent damage or breakage of the slot/part.
To ensure that the tip of your screwdriver lasts a long time, you should choose those screwdrivers whose shaft and tip are made of high-alloy or chromium steels containing vanadium.
The screwdriver has been used as a tool since ancient times. And even today it is impossible to imagine a single branch of industry and economy where this simple but useful locksmith tool would not apply in typical situations.
A screwdriver is a hand-held mechanic's tool and is used for unscrewing and screwing fasteners, primarily threaded and equipped with a slot. That is, mainly for working with screws and screws.
Main parts of a screwdriver - This metal rod with a tip and a handle, a handle that can be plastic, wood, or metal with rubber grips. Thus, in the very in simple form, a screwdriver is simply a metal rod equipped with a tip for securely fixing the tool in the slot, as well as a handle that is comfortable to hold in your hand when operating this simple tool, and which does not slip. Most self-respecting men always have in their household at least one screwdriver, or a fairly serious set of them.
The handle of a typical screwdriver has a diameter of 10 to 40 mm, depending on the size of the screwdriver itself and the specific scope of its application. The larger the diameter of the handle, the more torque can be transmitted to the spline, so the wider the spline, the wider the handle, as a rule. For working with small parts, small screwdrivers are designed, with small narrow handles, so as not to accidentally tear off the slot or thread.
Large screwdrivers are used to work with large screws and screws, and sometimes, in addition to just a thick handle, they have special hole, where an additional rod is inserted, serving as a lever and allowing increased torque.
As for the tips of high-quality screwdrivers, they are made of special wear-resistant alloys, for example molybdenum steels or chrome vanadium. This is necessary to ensure that significant mechanical stress does not render the tool unusable ahead of time, that is, to extend the service life of the screwdriver.
Depending on the type of screw head slot or screw, screwdrivers are equipped with various types tips, mainly - straight (spline) or cross-shaped, are the two most popular types of tips for the most common screwdrivers used at all times. There are other types of tips, and we will talk about them later.
The simplest, it is historically the first type of slotted screwdriver, and has been used since the 16th century.
The next type of tip is cross-shaped, it was invented in 1933 by the American John Thompson, who proposed screws that would fix the tip of the screwdriver in the center of the head and push it out when the screw is tightened. This type of bit is called "Phillips" today because Henry Phillips, the enterprising engineer who founded the Phillips Screw Company, immediately bought Thompson's patent, and in 1937 introduced Phillips-head screw and screwdriver technology into the Cadillac industry and later during World War II. , such screws began to be used in the creation of military equipment.
This is an improved Phillips tip, which was patented by the same Phillips Screw Company in 1966. Unlike the first option, this slot is not self-ejecting; it has a large seating depth and is used with screws with large heads and when working with self-tapping screws.
In addition to the standard cross tip, there are sharp rays on the edges that additionally fix the fastening element and allow you to transmit even more torque. Thanks to the Pozidriv splines, furniture manufacturing, construction production, and many others, began to have more reliable fasteners.
Allows you to further enhance torque. This type of tip was developed in 1936 by the German company Innensechskantschraube Bauer & Schaurte. Another name for such a tip is “INBUS”, in everyday life “inbus key”. The head of the fastener is shaped like a hexagon, and the force is up to 10 times greater than with a cross-shaped solution. In addition, the screwdriver does not slip out of the recess.
This is a six-point star spline. The use of screws for this type of tip is widespread in the production of various electronic equipment, household appliances, as well as in mechanical engineering. This type of tip was developed in 1967 by Textron, with the purpose of tightening fasteners with increased strength, and with significant torque when tightening.
Today there are also special tips used for screws and bolts. special purposes. For example, enormous tightening force may be required when small size heads, or just aesthetically beautiful view. We will consider special types of tips further.
It was patented by the Phillips Screw Company in 1958 when the assembly of wide-body aircraft required a spline that did not require axial pressure during the tightening process. Today, such screwdrivers are sold freely, and screws with a Tri-Wing head are used, for example, in branded NOKIA chargers with protection against disassembly.
It was registered with Tri-Wing, the same company. Screws with this type of slot are used only in the aircraft industry, but screwdrivers for it are freely sold today.
One-way type splines are found on screws in in public places, where vandalism is prevented in this way. The slot is single-sided, and the screwdriver tip only allows it to be screwed in, screwed in, and tightened. It will be impossible to unscrew the element using a screwdriver; you will have to weld a key or drill out a more convenient slot for a simpler, more convenient screwdriver.
They are used where both aesthetics and protection against vandalism are important, for example in civil elevators. Along with these types of tips and splines, there are also slotted flat tips with a slot. The functional purpose is similar. Often screws for such screwdrivers are used in household appliances that do not allow intervention by amateurs.
Unlike a regular Torx, the tip of a screwdriver for this slot has a hole in the center.
Of course, regardless of the type of tip, regardless of the type of slot for which this or that screwdriver is intended, the dimensions here may be different. For straight bits this is the width and depth, for others it is the diameter of the screw. For Torx - standardized number, etc.
Over time, the screwdriver has undergone a number of improvements. For example, very comfortable screwdrivers equipped with a ratcheting mechanism, the so-called “ratchet”. Thanks to this solution, working with a screwdriver becomes more comfortable. There is no need to grab the handle, because in one direction the rod moves freely without force, returning the hand without the need to unclench it or reinsert the tip of the screwdriver into the slot. You can simply work with one hand, and the direction of free return of the rod is adjusted using a special lever or coupling.
Popular sets with tips. The screwdriver in them is a rod with a handle, at the end of which, instead of a tip, a bit holder in the form of a clamp, or a square or hexagonal tip is installed. IN included set of bits (replaceable tips) different types and sizes. As a result, we have one screwdriver and a set of tips for it - compact and practical.
As a rule, the screwdriver shaft has a length of 10 to 20 cm, but for hard-to-reach places, sometimes a longer length is required, and sometimes, on the contrary, a shorter length. This is where screwdrivers with variable shaft lengths come to the rescue. Usually this is a retractable rod that is immersed in the handle and securely fixed in a more convenient position by a special mechanism.
The screwdriver shaft does not have to be round; it can be square or hexagonal, which allows you to rotate the screwdriver not necessarily by hand, but also wrench, which will allow you to achieve more significant torque.
If the working conditions are related to electrical voltage close working area, or the fasteners themselves are under dangerous voltage, then you should choose a screwdriver with a dielectric coating on the shaft and with handle protection. Such screwdrivers have markings that reflect the voltage level from which protection is guaranteed.
When the screw slot is dirty, you have to knock on the screwdriver. Not every screwdriver can handle this. Therefore there is special screwdrivers with a heel on the handle for striking with a hammer. In such screwdrivers, the metal rod passes completely through the handle, and at the end it has a heel-shaped extension.
To work with precision instruments, where it is necessary to tighten the adjusting resistor, adjust a small capacitor of adjustable capacitance, adjust the inductance of the inductor by moving the core, use screwdrivers made entirely of ceramic or plastic to prevent distortion in .
Screwdrivers were not spared from electrification. Today on the market you can find electric screwdrivers, such as screwdrivers, pneumatic screwdrivers, drills - all these are progressive solutions that make plumbing work easier.
If you don’t have a screwdriver at hand, then installing, for example, a socket, mounting a bracket or hanging a shelf will not be easy. There are simply no universal models, despite the manufacturers’ statements. Therefore, pick up best option the tool will be quite difficult. Let's try to understand what types of screwdrivers exist and what each of them is suitable for.
The operation of a screwdriver depends on its design. It consists of a handle, tip and rod. The depth and width of the holes into which self-tapping screws are screwed are different for different blanks and planes. For this reason, the purpose of the device is characterized by its model and the scale of the device.
Tool details:
- rod - provides the opportunity to select a screwdriver according to the properties of the work to be done. Significant depth of the workpiece is available with longer duration;
- tip or groove - the working part of the tool, placed on the edge of the rod. The groove model is combined with the marks on top of the screw heads. There are much more alternative shapes for screws if the screws are equipped with cross-shaped risks. Each of them has its own slot;
- handle - guarantees comfortable operation of the device. There are also auxiliary purposes, combined with convenience and ergonomics.
Names and markings
Screwdrivers are divided into types according to slot type. So, let's look at all the classifications.
Modifications
- Screwdrivers with attachments (removable attachments or bits) are more like a universal tool model, to which you can connect various attachments from a set for all kinds of slots. For example, triangular. Inserts for a shaped screwdriver or bits are also suitable for screwdrivers and screwdrivers.
- The tuning model is more suitable for setting up equipment that reduces interference from the body and does not disrupt the measurements of an electronic circuit (capacitance, inductance and magnetism).
- The impact (or impact-rotary) model of the tool converts the impact force into rotation and is equipped with a reverse to change the direction of rotation.
- Indicating tool for measuring power network parameters. Applies when searching phase wire in work on laying the electrical network. The tool model is fragile and not suitable for heavy-duty work.
- The electric model of the tool drives a removable attachment (electric screwdriver, screwdriver, screwdriver). Used when using a drill is not suitable due to the fragility of the structural parts that need to be worked with.
- The reversible model of the tool with the so-called ratchet device is a complicated version with a rod in the handle that rotates in one direction. You can change the direction of rotation of the tip depending on the need to unscrew or screw in the screw. The ratchet mechanism has a switch similar to a lever or slide switch. The lever in the middle stops the rotation of the tool base in the handle.
The length of the rod varies in size depending on the need for work. As a rule, the length of the base is about 100−200 mm. In conditions where it is difficult to get a screw, a longer screwdriver will do, but in tight openings you will need a smaller one. But there are models whose length can be changed using a specially designed fastener that secures the axle in the desired position.
Sometimes the screwdriver handle is made in the shape of a bend, in the form of the letter G or T. The longer the lever handle, the stronger the scrolling torque can be obtained. Also interesting are models with a hinge in the handle, which helps change the angular relationship between the axis of the base and the axis of the handle.
Partially, the tool rod can be a bendable shaft or angular gear, which is very convenient in conditions limited space. Strictly complying with the stipulated standards, screwdrivers have round section basics, less often with a turnkey leash in the shape of a hexagon. There are models with a faceted rod, which increases the scrolling torque.
The dielectric insulation of the instrument is made to provide the necessary protection against electric shock near conductors. But it is safe only within the limits specified by the manufacturer; information about this is available on the handle of the tool.
The models can withstand impacts due to their design, which has a rod with an extension at the end. The tip can be hit with a hammer without fear that the handle will break. Sometimes the heel looks like a hexagonal leash on a turnkey basis.
Today they produce screwdrivers that were not previously known. For example, in China you can order a set of screwdrivers with any type of slot. For home use You can buy a set of screwdrivers with a magnetic tip. But if there is no money for this, you can replace it with a regular model by magnetizing it yourself. To do this, just put a bar magnet in it and sharpen it.
