Short Phillips screwdriver. Educational program for Phillips screwdrivers: slot PH and PZ - what's the difference

A screwdriver is a metal rod with a polymer or wooden handle, the tip of which is made in certain form. Metal from high-strength steels or hard alloy is used. Poor quality materials lead to the impossibility of using the tool for its intended purpose, like with common Chinese screwdrivers that fold under the action of force.

The diameter of the handle plays a role, standard size which ranges from 10 to 45 mm, but deviations are allowed in specialized screwdrivers. When calculating the indicator, the dependence of the torque force on the diameter of the handle is taken into account. Fine workmanship allows thin handles. The tips of the rod are selected depending on the depth and shape of the hole, the surface material.

Key parts of a screwdriver

The principle of operation of the tool follows from the type of construction, the dimensions and shape of the screwdriver are important:

• length rod is the screwdriver selection parameter for future work, an increase in the indicator contributes to accessibility for working at a greater depth, in hard-to-reach areas, the length does not allow the rod to be correctly deployed to perform a torque;
• slot or the tip is working part, located at the end of the rod, and serves to align with the slots on the screw head; for modern self-tapping screws, the risks on the head are indicated in the form of a cross;
• lever serves to ensure comfort when performing a rotational movement, its side surfaces have a different shape.

The principle of operation with a screwdriver consists in the initial introduction of a slot into the slots of the screw, clockwise movement ensures that the hardware is screwed in to a depth, respectively, counterclockwise - unscrewing from the part. There is tool with additional features that are activated by a button.

Types of screwdrivers

The tool is subdivided depending on the slot at the end of the rod, while standard marking is indicated next to the name of the form.

Slotted screwdriver marked SL (slotted)

Screwdriver flat (or "straight"), with working part in the form of a spatula, used for screws and screws with a single slot on the head. During manufacture, additional groove parameters (depth, length and thickness) are indicated if a flat screwdriver is intended for individual works with specific hardware.

Slotted tip is used for screwing simple fasteners in the electrical industry, work is done by inserting a screwdriver into a slot by applying a twisting force to opposite sides of the slot. The disadvantage of the splined tip is the lack of centering, since the blade breaks out of the screw slot with increasing force.

Phillips screwdriver marked PH (Phillips)

The tip of the rod is made in the form of a cone, on the sides of which there are 4 faces for fastening parts with hardware with slots in the form of a cross on the cap. The screw profile is designed with two slots arranged at right angles to one another.

This option is more convenient compared to the slotted flat tip, as more points of application of force are involved, which contributes to a strong grip of working surfaces and edges. The twisting force is applied along the cruciform edges, the twisting process is less labor intensive. The application of forces in a limited narrow part leads to premature wear of the slot or slots in the cap of the hardware.

Sometimes meet Phillips PZ (Pozidrive) with guides representing cross faces combined at an angle of 45º, this allows you to tightly insert the slot into the mounting hole of the appropriate shape. The additional cross protrusion is narrow, has a smaller depth than the main bulge. There is a hole in the middle that serves to increase the pressure force, but its presence is rather fictitious, since it has little effect on the operation.

Hexagonal screwdriver marked H (HEX)

Such a tool is easy to identify by the tip in the form of a hexagon. Compared to the cross model, screwing requires application of force is 10 times less. Phillips screwdrivers are produced in three variations, although they all have the same functionality:

• internal type, when the bulge is located inside the tip, is used to work with screws equipped with a corresponding cavity, it is characterized by the arrangement of 6 faces at an angle, is characterized by frequent violation of the integrity of the fastener head due to the high concentration of force;
• external type with a rim protruding from the outside, the edges of which are located at an angle of 120º to neighboring ones, used to work with protruding screw heads, sometimes used instead of a wrench;
• the anti-vibration type features a slot in the end of the bit that exactly matches the shape of the projection on the head of the screw, providing permanent stability and protection against displacement.

Square shape with Square Head designation, Robertson

The characteristic features are:

• square section of the tip;
• the faces are located in relation to the adjacent sides at an angle of 90º;
• opposite faces are parallel;
• a small plane of contact between the working surfaces does not make it possible to apply great effort.

For our country, the use of such a square head is uncharacteristic, there is no tip in Europe, it is considered a standard tool for America, it is used in the restoration of old car models; likewise triangular screwdriver used in aircraft construction.

Torx socket with TORX designation

The product is distinguished by six-pointed edges located at the end of the tip, which is able to increase the rotational force compared to other forms of heads. It is used for fine work without damaging the splined tip and the integrity of the screw head. Reduced radial forces allow the tool to work without slipping and extend the life of the screwdriver.

As an option, screwdrivers are produced with the designation TORX PLUS, their difference is in the shape of the petals, which are made flattened: this indicates a reinforced version for special fasteners in precision work. If we talk about protection against vibration, then in the middle of the tip at the end there is a hole, which must coincide with the protrusion on the cap of a specific hardware when landing.

Areas of use for professional screwdrivers

The tool is equipped with additional kits to perform operations depending on the requirements for screwdrivers and types of work.

Area of ​​electrical work

Mainly bolting on equipment, detecting concealed wiring energized, while the tool equipped with electric shock protection:

• screwdrivers with a dielectric braid allow you to work under voltage, while the insulation can withstand up to 1 thousand volts, the handles of such models are painted red;
• probes and testers are equipped with a device for finding working and hidden wiring in the wall and the presence of current in a socket or other electrical equipment;
• indicators give a signal about the available voltage by glowing, for visual perception The tool has a transparent body.

Operation in difficult and hard-to-reach places

Some models have features to make it easier to work in places inaccessible to conventional tools. Apply flexible shank screwdrivers, inside which there is a reinforced frame, a spring base or a magnetic bit, use different sizes of screwdrivers.

If it is difficult to unscrew due to corrosion, use reinforced models, capable of withstanding the impact forces of a chisel or hammer to remove rust. The tool is made of metal, when the hammer strikes, the slot rotates at a certain angle.

Continuous unscrewing of fasteners requires reusable movements of the same type, for these works they take Reversible or ratchet screwdrivers. The device consists of a rotating tip and a rod, which rotate due to a special “ratchet” of reverse rotation. The handle remains stationary in the hand and fixes the number of laps. A large volume of bolts or screws is not terrible for a cordless screwdriver, which is a small compact screwdriver.

When working with various types bolts and screws, a change of screwdrivers is required due to the need to use slotted flat, cross-shaped or other tips. They take combined models, where they insert into the handle replaceable bits, the permutation is carried out by turning the rod. Another option is removable slotted tips held in place by a magnet.

On the handles of screwdrivers is performed rubber cover, notches or bulges are provided to reduce slip at high forces. To maintain the installation of the additional lever, use a tool with t-top handle. Modified models with special handles are designed to increase the power of the rotary action, while the mechanism is started using a button or switch on the handle.

specialized screwdrivers

Types of rods

The rods are installed in various modifications to increase functionality. They are released custom size along the length - elongated and shortened, the same deviations apply to the handle, which allows you to position the tool for rotation in difficult places. Most commonly used in combination screwdrivers and models with a flexible shaft.

Combined type universal rods are found in combined options or in ratchet screwdrivers. If the screwdriver has faceted rod, then it is used to increase leverage, namely another improvised tool, for example, pliers.

Strengths and weaknesses of the tool

Usage professional screwdrivers leads to the acceleration of work, reducing the load on the hands of a person. Some models handle tight and rusty screws that simple flat types cannot. With the help of professional screwdrivers, electric installation work carried out in conditions of impossibility to de-energize the network.

The problematic sides include shortcomings that complicate the work. For example, if a screwdriver contains a little additional features, then it will operate without breakdowns long time, and vice versa . Cordless screwdrivers require continuous power from replaceable batteries. Ratchets are afraid of dust, so it is problematic to use them on construction sites and in other dusty areas.

Impact screwdrivers are unaesthetic due to the metal case, ergonomic models are almost never produced in the tool industry. For probes and LED screwdrivers, the indicator lights burn out, which translates the tool into a series of ordinary ones. If the screwdriver has an audible indication, then power supplies are required, and the completion of the charge occurs unexpectedly and requires interruption of work. There are no complaints about the models with reverse, they rarely fail, the dielectric coating works without problems.

Screwdriver Selection Methods

To determine the type of tool, study the work tasks and the type of fastener to work with. screwdriver quality show following options indicated on the case and in technical documents:

• strength is affixed to the body, choose an indicator in the range of 45–50 units for purchase. Lower values ​​indicate the likelihood of bending in the work, higher ones indicate the likelihood of cracking;
• production material preferably selected from an alloy of vanadium and chromium (Cr-V);
• in configuration a rubber coating should be provided for tenacity in the hand, and removable bits should be bought with a magnetic coating so that small fasteners are not lost;
• on the body must be present marking on compliance with GOST 17199–1988 (for Russian manufacturers).

The screwdriver must be properly operated, used for certain purposes, only in this case the tool will last a long time.

Most often, the diameter of the handle, which is equipped with a screwdriver, is in the range from 10 to 40 mm, however, there are deviations from these dimensions in one direction or another. Simple mechanics play a decisive role here: the diameter of the handle and the torque generated by the screwdriver are directly related. That is why, screwdrivers designed for fine work and small parts (for example, for watchmakers) have thin handles, and vice versa.

The most common forms of screwdriver blades, depending on the configuration of the slots on the parts, are shown in the figure.

A) Screwdrivers with a straight slot. This is the simplest screwdriver with the most common name: "minus" or "minus".

The marking of such screwdrivers accepted in the technical literature is as follows: SL, ("Slotted") - slotted. For example, marking SL 5.5- means that the screwdriver has a blade width of 5.5 mm), and the marking SL 0,5x4- the thickness of the blade (slot) is 0.5 mm, and the width is 4 mm.

B) Phillips screwdrivers, "phillips screwdrivers". They are called "plus", "plus" or "self-ejecting".

PH("Phillips"). This designation comes from the name of the American firm Phillips Screw Company, which patented it in 1933. It can be seen with the naked eye that the area of ​​contact between the working surfaces of the screwdriver and the part is almost 2 times larger than that of screwdrivers of the type SL.

C) Variety of screwdrivers PH- Phillips screwdriver with additional guides. Such screwdrivers are often referred to as "pozidrive", or "non-self-ejecting".

Common technical marking: PZ("Pozidriv"). Such screwdrivers do not automatically push out of the slot on the parts, just as it happens with screwdrivers of the type RN. Since these screwdrivers have a large slot depth, they are most often used where the screws have large heads, for example in furniture production. And it is this type of screwdriver that is designed so that they have such a large torque that cannot be achieved using screwdrivers. PH("Phillips").

D) Star screwdriver. Why it is called so - can be seen from the figure.

Technical designation: Torx. It is patented by the American company @Camcar Textron [email protected] Screwdrivers of this type are overwhelmingly used in electronic instrumentation and the automotive industry. In some cases, these screwdrivers can serve as an alternative to the type RN

E) A screwdriver called an asterisk with a pin. This is a further development of the previous type of screwdrivers. Torx.

F) Screwdriver - "hexagon".

Technical marking: hex. These screwdrivers are more like wrenches and are used to tighten screws with similar hex recesses. They are called so - imbus keys (the name comes from the German Innensechskantschraube Bauer und Schaurte - a screw with an internal hexagon from Bauer and Schaurt).

Wrenches of this type have a torque of about 10 times greater than that which can be achieved in the simplest flat screwdrivers such as RN. The size of such screwdrivers, or keys, or rather the numbers that are assigned to them, is simply the distance in millimeters between the opposite corners of the hexagon.

G) A rare type of screwdriver is the "square screwdriver". This is just a variety, I must say, quite rarely used, screwdrivers like hex.

H) Another exotic screwdriver is the “trefoil screwdriver”.

Technical designation of such screwdrivers: tri-wing. They have a non-standard slot, so products fastened with screws with such a slot are very difficult to disassemble on their own.

I) Rare "phillips asymmetric screwdriver".

In the technical literature, it is referred to as Torq. The most important property- powerful tightening, which is practically unattainable in other types of screwdrivers. In everyday life, these types of screwdrivers are almost never used, but are widely used in high-tech industries, such as, for example, aerospace. Those. where high requirements are placed on the fastening of parts.

K) And finally, a two-prong screwdriver called "spanner". The most common application is in elevator mechanisms, as well as in household appliances, for fastening the housings of devices that are under warranty service.

Spline dimensions

It is quite natural that screwdrivers of the same type, i.e. their slots are different sizes. For example, straight screwdrivers (slotted) - different depths and widths.

Slots of other shapes - can have dimensions that are each set by their number according to a certain standard. AT Table 1 the correspondence of the designations Phillips screwdrivers and sizes of fasteners.

Table 1

There is also a dependence of the diameters and lengths of the rods on the screwdriver number. This relationship can be summarized in the following table.

Table 2.

More recently, in the everyday life of a builder or home master there was only one type of screwdriver, the tip of which resembled a blunt chisel - today such a screwdriver is called a straight slot and is used very rarely. She was replaced by a different type of screwdriver, as, in principle, the screws themselves with bolts. There are a lot of types of modern screwdrivers, and most of them are quite in demand in household and repair - they have different purposes, which we will deal with in this article. Together with the website, we will study the types of modern screwdrivers and determine their purpose.

How to choose a screwdriver photo

Types of screwdrivers: what do we know about this tool

A screwdriver came into human life around the 16th century, along with the advent of such a fastener as a screw. At first it was some kind of wrench, but later, when the head of the screw acquired more or less modern look and got this structural element like a slot, a screwdriver turned into independent class tool. Wise heads even divide it into its constituent elements.

Some screwdrivers, or rather even their handles, can be equipped with a metal tip at the end - it can be either flat (this is an impact screwdriver that you can hit with a hammer) or hex. The latter variety is designed to create maximum torque.

What are screwdrivers: types of tips

On the modern market There are five most commonly used types of screwdriver bits.

In addition to the above types of screwdrivers, or rather the shapes of their tip, there are other options - so to speak, specialized ones. Often they are developed by manufacturers of branded products who are trying to protect their products from counterfeiting and unauthorized opening by non-specialists.

How to choose a screwdriver: what is indicated in the marking

Any building materials and tools are marked for a reason, because someone wanted to. A certain meaning is laid in the alphanumeric marking code - understanding it, a lot can be said about the product and its purpose. This code consists of letters that indicate the type of tip of the screwdriver, as well as numbers - this is its size, from which the following follows.

And that's not all - the number of the screwdriver can also indicate the diameter of the screw that can be unscrewed with it.

• No. 0 - designed for screws with a diameter of up to 2 mm.
• No. 1 - used in tandem with screws with a diameter of 2.1 to 3 mm.
• No. 2 - with its help, screws are twisted with a diameter of 3.1 to 5 mm.
• No. 3 - for screws 5.1-7mm.
• No. 4 - heavyweights are used to work with screws with a diameter of 7.1 mm or more.

And for clarity, a simple example is PH2 * 120. This is nothing but a Phillips screwdriver with a shaft diameter of 6mm and a length of 120mm.

Varieties of screwdrivers: universal option

The universal screwdriver is the best option for home use, and there are no secrets in this - professionals prefer not to use them, since many of their interchangeable nozzles remain unclaimed. Yes, yes, these are screwdrivers in which the tip can be changed. As a rule, at the end of their rod there is a hexagonal recess - so to speak, a landing hole for a sting, which for some reason is called a bit. This interchangeable nozzle is kept from turning by six faces, and from falling out by a powerful magnet inside the rod. In addition, this very magnet, by magnetizing the bit, creates conditions under which the screw or screw itself is securely held on the slots, which is very important when threading the screw into the hole.

This is with regard to the device of the screwdriver itself, but besides it, when choosing such a set, you should also pay attention to the nozzles, or rather to their working part. There are a lot of sets of such a plan, and not every one of them may be in demand in the household. A standard home craftsman's screwdriver in a universal design contains five to six interchangeable nozzles. In most cases, these are flat and cross-shaped tips. different numbers. In principle, having the screwdriver itself at hand, it can be equipped with the necessary nozzle at any time. In such a situation, however, there will be a problem with storage - the complete bits fit neatly into a special bandolier, which, in turn, hides in the handle, and there will probably not be a place for a new bit in it.

Universal screwdriver photo

One more thing. A very useful option for a universal screwdriver is a telescopic shaft - in some way it weakens the screwdriver. Reduces permissible load on it, but it allows you to get the fallen fasteners from places inaccessible to human hands or fingers.

And in conclusion of the topic about the types of screwdrivers, I will give some recommendations on their choice - in addition to the varieties described, the very first thing you should pay attention to is the cost of the tool. A good and high-quality screwdriver that can last a long time simply cannot be cheap: hardened steel, a reliable handle - these are the most important things that you have to pay money for. As for cheap tools of this type, they can be bought for one-time work.

I completely forgot about two more types of screwdrivers, which can be generally distinguished into a separate class - this is an indicator screwdriver (the lot of electricians that allow you to determine the phase and zero in the outlet) and, which in modern world did not find much demand. The fact is that with its power it is practically useless for anything - for the same price you can buy a household one, which will be much more useful.

Screwdrivers - perhaps the most right tool necessary for every person. At least once everyone had to assemble furniture, hang a shelf, fasten a board. It is necessary in the garden, in the country, in the garage, in any production.

There are a lot of types and manufacturers of screwdrivers, and the choice of a specific one depends on your needs. It can be a Phillips, flat (slotted), asterisk, triangular, hex, precision screwdriver, or a cell phone.

Phillips screwdriver (designation ph, abbreviated by Philips). This is the most commonly used type. There are several sizes of the cross. The smallest one has number No. 000, slightly larger than No. 00, No. 0, No. 1, cross No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4. The tip is usually magnetic for ease of use. A screwdriver marked 000 is used, for example, to repair very small items, such as cell phones, cameras. The cross is suitable for most self-tapping screws, screws (you need to choose the correct number of the cross), most often the cross number 2 is used. , large equipment applied cross number 3.4.

Phillips screwdrivers

For yellow (yellow-passivated) self-tapping screws, a cross marked PZ is suitable. It differs from the usual cross in the presence of additional notches for a tighter grip of the tip of the screwdriver with the self-tapping screw. It also has several sizes of the cross. Judging by experience, yellow self-tapping screws can also be twisted with a simple Phillips screwdriver (ph), without problems, it is not necessary to look for a PZ connector.

A slotted (flat) screwdriver is needed for tightening and loosening screws and screws. It is used much less frequently than the cross. Flat screwdriver dimensions are measured in millimeters. The tip width is measured. There are both small (1mm) and large (more than 10mm).

impact screwdriver necessary for unscrewing very tightly tightened or stuck screws, screws. The principle of its operation is as follows: point a screwdriver at the screw, then hit the handle with a hammer, at the moment of impact it spins. The twisting force is very strong. A set with a screwdriver, as a rule, has interchangeable nozzles, both Phillips and flat. Their dimensions are quite large, since such a screwdriver is used when working with large structures and details. After all, you will not knock with a hammer to disassemble the kettle.

If you twist screws and screws quite often and a lot, then it would be appropriate to purchase a cordless screwdriver, it is quite convenient. For example, to build computers. Self-tapping screws cannot be twisted with a screwdriver, only threaded connections. For self-tapping screws you need a screwdriver (cordless drill). The tightening force for a screwdriver is much lower, about 4.5 Nm / m (newtons per meter), for a screwdriver at least 10, for professional ones about 30 and above, of course, you can turn very small self-tapping screws (up to 20 mm long and no more than 3 mm in diameter), but it will drain the battery quickly.

There are also quite specific types of screwdrivers. For example, to repair cell phones.

Cell phone screwdriver set

Usually sold in sets. It is completed with several types of different screwdrivers: flat (slotted), cross, asterisks, two-pronged. There are sizes very small and large. Watch screwdrivers, also come in sets, are equipped with several varieties, a magnet for the convenience of lifting small parts.

Screwdrivers are often sold in sets,

Screwdriver Set

convenient enough, you never know what you need. There are screwdrivers with interchangeable heads. At the end of this there is a special connector into which various nozzles (bits) are inserted, they are sold separately or in sets. Bit sets very often contain very rare and specific species. If you cannot find the screwdriver you need individually, then you will very likely find it in a set of bits.

Set of specific bits

A trident screwdriver is enough rare view, will be used in the repair of modern household appliances.

It is worth noting dielectric screwdrivers. Unlike conventional ones, the working length is covered with a dielectric material. If the part is energized, you will not be shocked. Withstand voltage of 1000 V.

Dielectric screwdriver

Probe screwdriver needed to determine the phase in the outlet, you can also find out whether the part is energized or not. There is a special indicator. Insert the sting into the socket, or apply it to the bare wire, be sure to touch the top of the screwdriver with your finger (not the sting). If there is voltage, the LED located in the screwdriver will light up. It is necessary for home repairs, when installing chandeliers, sockets. You can also use this as a regular screwdriver. Suitable for small screws, screws.

The function of the ratchet and reverse of the screwdriver. Very useful when long work, helps not to intercept constantly, you just need to rotate the brush without releasing the screwdriver handle. You can both twist and unscrew the screws.

Many screwdrivers have a rubberized handle to keep your hand from slipping. There are also oil-benzo resistant handles. These are resistant to aggressive environments such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene. Ordinary handles in such an environment “corrode”.

What is the correct way to use a screwdriver? The main thing is to choose exactly the type that is necessary for a particular screw, bolt, self-tapping screw. If the screw connector is Phillips, then do not tighten it with a flat screwdriver. If you are tightening a furniture self-tapping screw (confirmate), then you need a screwdriver with a hex tip (4mm in size). It is important that the tip of the screwdriver sits very tightly in the head of the screw. Then it will not turn and you will not turn off either the self-tapping screw or the tip of the screwdriver. If the screw is rusted, then you can use the special. means, let the rust soften, only then unscrew it. Otherwise, you will turn the head of the screw, then you have to drill.

Probably, in every house there are at least two screwdrivers - a Phillips and a flat one. For many people, this is enough to screw in or unscrew a screw once a year. But screwdrivers, like any tool, are not eternal, and when it comes time to choose new ones to replace the old ones, a person will be surprised and confused. It turns out that there are not two or even two dozen types of screwdrivers, in a decent store they can be assigned a whole department. How to choose the right one for your needs, and most importantly, a high-quality screwdriver, and not get confused in their variety? We will try to answer this question in our article.

Usually a screwdriver consists of three parts: a handle, a rod and a tip. It is clear that the strength of a screwdriver is determined by the reliability of its weakest link.

Tip (sting)

The shape of the tip of the screwdriver must match the shape of the slot - the groove on the head of the screw or screw. Previously, the most common was a straight slot, but now it is becoming more and more difficult to find fasteners with it, therefore, not so many straight screwdrivers are produced.

Now the most common is the cross slot (it is also called Phillips). There is also an improved version of it called Pozidriv. Such slots allow you to achieve more torque, the tip of the screwdriver does not fall out of them as easily as from a straight slot.

There are also hex slots and Torx slots (six-pointed star). They are designed for even greater loads.

Other types of slots can be classified as rare, and we advise you to buy screwdrivers with the appropriate tip shape only if necessary.

In addition to the shape of the tip, you need to pay attention to its size. Ideally, a specific tip size should be used for a specific spline size. Many people ignore this prescription and consider, say, a Phillips screwdriver to be universal, suitable for any Phillips slot. If you choose the wrong size and shape of the tip, you can break the tool or cut off the slot.

How to choose screwdriver size:

• Flat screwdrivers are marked with the Latin letters SL, followed by the width of the slot in millimeters. The width of a flat screwdriver can be from 2 to 18 mm, with an increase in its width, the thickness of the tip also increases. The average user can get by with three flathead screwdrivers for most everyday tasks. different sizes, suppose SL3, SL5 and SL8.
• Phillips screwdrivers are marked with the symbols PH with serial number(000; 00; 0; 1; 2; 3; 4). The most popular are PH2 size screwdrivers, they are suitable for most self-tapping screws and screws used in everyday life.

The tip of the screwdriver must not only have the appropriate shape and dimensions, it must be strong, hard, not brittle, and securely fixed in the slot. Contributes to the achievement of strength characteristics quality material rod and proper heat treatment.

In order for the tip to be securely fixed in the slot, it must be rough. The tips of high-quality screwdrivers are coated with a special coating with a high coefficient of friction, or notches are applied to its edges.

Kernel

Screwdriver shafts can vary in length, diameter, shape, and strength. The strength characteristics of the rod are characterized by its hardness. According to GOST, it should be within 47-52 HRC. If the hardness is lower, the rod may bend, if higher, it may crack. Satisfactory hardness can be achieved by using high-alloy chrome-vanadium steel, in which case "CR-V" or "chrome-vanadium" can be written on the rod. But such an inscription does not always guarantee quality, because it is not difficult for unscrupulous manufacturers to apply it. Conversely, big-name manufacturers don't always write what they think goes without saying. To ensure corrosion resistance, various protective coatings are sometimes applied to the rods. Sometimes the rods are covered with rubber or plastic, this makes the work of electricians easier, but makes the rod thicker than the tip, so it is not always possible to get to the head of the fastener, deeply recessed into the part.

The rod length is usually 100-200 mm. For work in confined spaces, screwdrivers with a short stem and a shortened handle are produced. If the fixture is in hard to reach place, it is better to use a screwdriver with a long shaft and take a telescopic screwdriver with an adjustable reach.

The shank diameter depends on the size of the tip and the loads for which the tool is designed. The cross section of the rod can be not only round, but also hexagonal or square. This shape allows the wrench to grip the rod and provide more torque.

We must not forget that the rod must not only be strong, it must be securely fixed in the handle. Visually, this factor cannot be controlled in any way, therefore unscrupulous manufacturers often pay insufficient attention to fixing the rod, and over time it begins to turn. Such a screwdriver can be safely thrown away, because it will not be possible to reanimate it.

Sometimes the shaft of a screwdriver goes through the entire handle and ends with a heel that can be struck with a hammer. Such a screwdriver will help out if you need to unscrew a screw with a painted slot.

Handle

Screwdriver handles are made from various materials such as plastic, wood, they may have rubber inserts.

The dimensions of the handle must be selected based on the working conditions. If you have to work in cramped conditions, better fit short handle. Its diameter is almost always proportional to the size of the tip and the diameter of the rod. That is, the more powerful fasteners the tool is designed for, the more torque is needed and the thicker the handle should be. For screwdrivers for small fasteners, the handles are deliberately made thinner so that there is no risk of cutting off the slot or destroying the part into which the fastener is screwed.

The handles of modern screwdrivers can be the most different forms, often manufacturers are guided not only by ergonomics, but also try to somehow distinguish their product from the rest due to the shape of the handle, sometimes sacrificing convenience. Therefore, when choosing a screwdriver, we advise you to definitely hold it in your hands.

The screwdriver handle can be not only cylindrical, there are T-handles or pistol grips. They provide more torque, but make the tool non-compact.

The handles of most screwdrivers are made of plastic with rubber inserts. For everyday tasks, this combination is ideal, but for work in contact with aggressive media, it is advisable to opt for a material that is more resistant to their effects, such as plastic or wood.

On the back of some handles there are metal wrench sockets - not an absolute necessity, but in some cases a very useful detail.

It is desirable that there is a hole in the handle, so the screwdriver can be hung on a hook or a string can be pulled into it and hung around the neck.

Additional features

The shaft of some screwdrivers can be replaced with a flexible shaft or be equipped with a hinge, thanks to which you can drive the screw into a place where a conventional screwdriver cannot reach.

There are also ratchet screwdrivers. Thanks to the ratchet, the free rotation of the handle in one of the directions is ensured, that is, you can screw in the fasteners without taking your hands off the handle.

Now there are more and more screwdrivers with interchangeable tips that will satisfy most ordinary users, but the pros will bypass them, like any other “universal tool”.

Remember that you can only evaluate the quality of a screwdriver on a store counter visually. Therefore, all manufacturers (both conscientious and not so) try to make their products look as attractive as possible. We advise you to buy only products of well-known brands.