Screwdrivers are made in a variety of shapes, types, and sizes. The standard or common screwdriver is used on slotted-head screws. It consists of three parts: the blade, the shank, and the handle. When using a screwdriver, grasp the handle with the right hand and guide the tip into the slot of the screw with the left hand. Although most shanks are round, those on heavy-duty screwdrivers are generally square. This permits the use of a wrench to turn the screwdriver when extra torque is required.
Types of Screwdrivers and Their Uses
The offset screwdriver is designed for use in confined areas where it is impossible to use a standard Screwdriver. The blades on the ends are at right angles to `each other. The screw is turned one-quarter of a turn with one end and then one-quarter of a turn with the other end.
Other commonly used screwdrivers are the Robertson, which has a square tip or blade, and the Phillips, which has an X-shaped point. Both types are made in different sizes to suit the wide range of screw sizes.
When a screwdriver is used to tighten or loosen screws, the blade axis of a screwdriver must be lined up with that of the screw axis. If this is not taken care of, the screwdriver tip/screw head/ threads in the hole will get damaged.
In order not to damage the slot and/or the tip of the screwdriver, it is very important that the tip is correctly shaped and matches the size of the slot
Care and Maintenance of Screw Drivers
- Do not use a screwdriver as a drill, chisel, or pinch bar.
- Do not use a screwdriver as a substitute for soldering copper.Â
- Use the size of the screwdriver with the sizes of screws for which it is intended.
- Do not use a screwdriver with a broken, chipped, or rounded tip.
- Do not carry screwdrivers in your pocket.
- Do not work with the screwdriver in such a position that if it slips it will cause injury.