Special cross straight screwdriver. Selection of a screwdriver: we understand slots, crosses and torxes

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 fixing cases of devices that are under warranty service.

Spline dimensions

It is quite natural that screwdrivers of the same type, i.e. their slots have 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. IN Table 1 the correspondence between the designations of Phillips screwdrivers and the sizes of fasteners is given.

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.

Screwdriver - indispensable tool for many types of work. With its help, you can assemble furniture, fix the skirting boards on the wall, and hang the chandelier. But in each case you need different types screwdrivers. Our article will help you figure out what kind of screwdrivers are, whether it is worth buying sets with different magnetic nozzles or traditional flat and Phillips screwdrivers are enough.

Screwdriver size advantage

Today, popular programs about construction and repair, as well as numerous professional advice accustomed us to the idea that it is easiest and most reliable to twist and remove screws and self-tapping screws with the help of. However, the equipment is expensive and if repairs are not your field professional activity then there is no need to buy it. Moreover, the classic screwdriver has a number of undeniable advantages thanks to its compact dimensions:

• it can be used in narrow and awkward spaces,
• use when working with small parts,
• where there is no access to electricity or in conditions of high humidity,
• store in a pocket or small toolbox.

In addition, using a screwdriver, you can carry out not only repairs in the apartment, but also repair household appliances, a car, and much more that is connected using bolts, screws, screws and self-tapping screws.

When choosing a tool, pay attention to the materials from which it is made. If there are no special requirements for the size of the handle and the length of the metal part of the screwdriver - it is rather a matter of taste and convenience, then the materials must be reliable and safe. Often, when working, you have to apply a tangible force and, in order to avoid injuries, you should choose screwdrivers made of steel with a chrome-vanadium or chromium-molybdenum alloy as an additive. Such metals are durable, they are not afraid of mechanical damage and corrosion, so they will not fail and will serve faithfully for decades.

Many crafters like the magnetized tip, which allows you to bait and hold the screw element while you work. The handle should ideally be made of a dielectric coating. It will protect against electric shock in case of contact with a live wire or during electrical work.

One more thing general concept. The phrase slotted screwdriver is often used. It means that the tip of the screwdriver can be inserted into slots - recesses on the caps of the fastener, and match them in shape.

Each fastener has its own screwdriver

Depending on which slot you need to work with, you need to choose a suitable screwdriver. Moreover, suitable not only in size, but also in shape. In presented on modern market sets, including those with removable tips, are represented by several dozen types.

But the following types of screwdrivers are the most popular, each with its own marking:

1. 1. Flat or slotted screwdriver (SL or slotted). The most common type, where the working part resembles a flattened blade. Most often useful for common domestic work: changing sockets, door handles, furniture repair and others. Varies in length and thickness working surface.
2. 2. Phillips or Phillips screwdriver (PH or Phillips). It is also often used, but the working surface is made in the form of a cone with four faces in the shape of a cross. Each face aligns with the corresponding recess of the slot on the screw or screw. This increases the number of points of contact and makes the job easier. In addition, it allows much tighter tightening of the fastening element. Use this tool for repair household appliances, cars, etc.
3. 3. Advanced Phillips screwdrivers. There are tips for fasteners with slots that provide a special recess for the guide. This allows you to better fix the screwdriver and increase the force of pressure. There are screwdrivers with additional beams between the cruciform edges, they prevent the tip from being pushed out and are marked separately (PZ or Pozidriv). Popular in cabinet furniture sets, when working with wood or drywall.
4. 4. Hex or Torx screwdriver (TORX). The working surface of this tool resembles a six-pointed star. Most often required during disassembly and assembly cell phones and other sophisticated technology. Has a small size.
5. 5. Hex screwdriver (HEX). The tip is made in the form of a regular hexagon, as a rule, small size. Despite its apparent simplicity, this type of screwdriver is many times superior to the working qualities of a Phillips screwdriver, due to the increased torque. This type of slot is popular in fasteners for furniture, electrical engineering and objects under electrical stress.
6. 6. Triangular screwdriver. As the name suggests, it has an isosceles triangle tip. Fasteners with similar slots can be found in kitchen appliances. In the absence of a suitable tool, a flat screwdriver of a suitable width can help out.
7. 7. Square screwdriver (Robertson). This type of tool is used in the assembly of computers or computing equipment. The working surface in the form of a square, as a rule, has the largest dimensions.

There is also a mass of figured screwdrivers of very diverse and specific forms, which are used in the professional activities of a repairman. There are fasteners with protection against self-unwinding, for super-strong tightening, etc. They are practically never found in everyday life.

What you need to know about the handle and shaft

Traditionally, screwdriver handles are made of wood or plastic; they are often covered with special textured rubber on top, which at the same time prevents the tool from slipping in the hand and protects against electric shock.

At the same time, the handle has various modifications that affect the convenience of work and increase the torque. In addition to the traditional ones, there are other types:

1. 1. Ratchet handle. Like a wrench, such a screwdriver consists of a handle with a mechanism that allows it to be rotated in only one direction. Very handy when working with big amount fasteners. The kit usually includes removable tips with a flat and cross-shaped working surface.
2. 2. T-shaped or rotary handle. It is either originally made in the shape of the letter T, or has a hole into which an additional lever can be inserted. Allows you to tighten the fastener as tightly as possible.
3. 3. Handle with "heel". In such a tool, the screwdriver shaft passes through the entire handle and protrudes with reverse side. It also has a thickening - the "heel", which, if necessary, can be hit with a hammer or. It is used for dirty, corroded fasteners, where human efforts are indispensable.

Subject to conditions repair work a tool with different rods can also come in handy. Somewhere a long one will help out, in another case only an ultra-short screwdriver will do. You can additionally put a wrench on the hex rod and use it as a lever. The refill with interchangeable tips allows you to have a single tool in your arsenal that is suitable for all occasions. IN hard-to-reach places a flexible-bladed screwdriver will penetrate.

How to determine the correct screwdriver size

If everything is now clear with the shape of the slot, is there a way to accurately determine its size, and not pick it up by eye? For each screwdriver, this information is included in its marking, you just need to learn how to read this data.

Often labeling contains several information:

• spline accessory type (flat, hex, cross, etc.),
• the diameter of the fastener to be worked with,
• tool shaft length,
• the material from which the rod is made (CrV - steel with chromium vanadium, CrMo - with chromium molybdenum).

With such a marking, this information will look like in the following way: PH 4x120, where PH is a Phillips screwdriver, 4 is the diameter of the bolt, self-tapping screw, and 120 is the length of the rod.

Only the parameters of the tool itself can be indicated in the marking, as a rule, these are three numbers indicating the diameter and length of the rod, as well as the diameter or width of the working surface. The last digits must match the marking of the fastener.

There is also the most universal marking, which indicates only the type of slot and the number of the screwdriver. To know its parameters, you need to use the appropriate hint.

It consists of a handle, a rod and a head (tip, bits). The handle can be made of plastic, wood, metal and have rubber or PVC lining or coating, providing ergonomics for working with the tool. Tip (sting) different lengths made of metal and polished or applied with a protective coating.

The screwdriver shaft can be rigidly fixed in the housing or can be removed from the housing in the form of a replaceable nozzle. The name of the screwdriver is determined by the shape of the rod that engages with the recess-slot on the fastener.

For ease of use, magnetized heads are often used to hold the fastener.

Dimensions and use of Phillips screwdrivers

The size of the cross is expressed by a number (from 000 to 4) and is indicated on the screwdriver or bit. Another number given in the marking shows the length of the screwdriver. For example - PH3x120 or PZ1x80.

Phillips screwdrivers are the most versatile in everyday use. For example, the smallest cross 000 is used when repairing small digital technology. A cross of the second size is used in most cases, as it is optimal for most self-tapping screws and screws. A tool with a fourth dimension is used in the repair of large equipment, such as a car.

PH screwdrivers

Screwdrivers PZ

Important! use a properly selected screwdriver for the appropriate type of fasteners and use them in strict accordance with each other. The use of an inappropriate tool leads to damage to the fastener, to spoiled work, since fasteners with a damaged head will become difficult to remove, up to drilling, which can lead to damage to the finishing material. And the screwdriver itself can quickly fail.

Advantages and disadvantages of PH:

The downside is that the edges are tapered and the thickness narrows towards the tip, which, with great effort, pushes the screwdriver out of the fastener.

The advantage is that the property of popping up when pressed hard will not spoil finishing material, will not push drywall or wood. The downside is that when working with more solid material it will be difficult to tighten the fastener to the end of the thread. PH screwdrivers have a larger size range(from 000 - 4) compared to a PZ screwdriver (from 0 - 4).

Advantages and disadvantages of PZ:

Plus screwdrivers PZ - the edge of the tip has the same thickness to the tip and additional notches for better engagement with the head of the self-tapping screw. Such a design (without a conical bevel) does not have the effect of ejection when strongly pressed, which allows you to qualitatively tighten the fasteners into the material of any rigidity.

Manufacturers of modern appliances, automobiles and builders are moving away from the use of flathead screwdrivers. However, do not rush to throw away this tool. You will need a flathead screwdriver more than once! After all, you can remake it into a few less common instrument varieties!

Screwdriver minus - hello from the past!

The flathead screwdriver lasted about 4 centuries almost unchanged - most unusual shapes stings (the tip of the tool) were invented at the turn of the last and present century. However, a slotted screwdriver is still needed - this tool can act as a neat chisel, it is convenient to pry and push various parts with a spatula on a long rod. The structure of the screwdriver is quite simple in appearance - a steel rod, round or square in cross section, flattened on one side, and a handle made of plastic or wood.

Modern tools have a more complex structure - the slot is made of stronger or hardened metal, notches are applied to it so that it does not slip out, and coated with magnetic coating. The slot is never sharpened to sharpness - it must be blunt so as not to break the screw head. In addition, the sharper the slot, the easier it is to crumble. Blade thickness is one of the most important parameters screwdrivers. The slot must completely freely and to the full depth enter the recess on the cap - only then can you be sure of high-quality unscrewing without harm to the fasteners.

Often, at home, they use the tool that they have, not paying attention to the thickness of the blade - that's the reason for all the screwed hats on the screws. If you destroyed the slot before you read this article, then the situation can still be corrected if you make a cut with a hacksaw blade for metal in the slot to a greater depth. True, this option is not always possible if there is no access to the slot. Therefore, if you do not have the necessary screwdriver, it is better to adjust the thickness of the blade to the slot, removing the excess with a file. Remember that most screwdrivers are made from hard tool steels, while screws are made from softer metals such as brass. So the last ones will always “suffer” from inept actions.

Straight screwdriver - varieties of tools

There are three types of flathead screwdrivers. Type one has a range of over 70 sizes. Rod length - from 100 mm to 400 mm. Slot width - from 0.3 mm to 4 mm. Typically, these screwdrivers are equipped with a plastic handle. The second type is products with a wooden handle, with a shorter stem within the frame from 150 mm to 320 mm and a slot width from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The most durable is the third type, with a rod that starts at the end of the handle. Slot width - from 0.8 mm to 2 mm. This type is able to replace even a small chisel or chisel - the blade can always be sharpened.

However, for homework, it is enough to purchase a set of flat screwdrivers from a dozen tools, with a shaft length of 200 mm and a blade width of 1 mm to 5 mm.

Typically, these slots are found on household fasteners. Modern screwdrivers, in which the blade is made as a separate part, have significant disadvantage- in case of blade failure, such a tool can be thrown away, since the rod is made of softer steels. But the older instruments that you inherited are a real treasure! A flat screwdriver, GOST of which complies with the old standards, is all made of high-quality steel, so that the rod can be used and sharpened many times.

Flat screwdriver - modifications

In addition to the variety of sizes, there are many modifications that play a special role. For example, dielectric tools are covered with a completely special material that protects the master even from high voltage. A minus screwdriver with a double-sided blade is useful for lovers of multifunctional things. Its rod is easily removed and inserted into the handle, and each side of the rod has its own size. Thanks to this, the master needs to carry half as many tools with him.

Power impact screwdrivers are used only in extreme cases, when the screw or nut is firmly stuck to the surface. The tool is designed in such a way that the handle can withstand hammer blows. However, will the nut withstand the blows? Without harm to fasteners, the use of this tool is almost impossible. Carbide or diamond-coated screwdrivers are particularly durable and resistant to high mechanical stress. Almost every type of screwdriver is additionally magnetized so that the master can easily hold small fasteners. Notches on the tip create additional contact between the slot and the tip of the tool.

Screwdriver with a straight slot - do it yourself

You can make your own flat head screwdriver. For these purposes, any steel wire decent diameter. After sawing off the desired piece, heat the wire to gas burner red-hot, and rivet one of the ends until a shoulder blade is formed. This is not necessary if the width of the metal suits you - it is enough to grind off the two sides until a blade is formed, which should be dulled. The shape of the spatula is convenient in cases where you need to connect a wrench to a screwdriver.

A straight screwdriver is an excellent material for creating more complex tools, for example, the same. To do this, the straight slot must be carefully cut at a right angle to the rod. Then clamp the rod in a vise in such a way that it is convenient for you to work with the resulting end. Draw two cross-shaped lines on the end in the shape of a cross, and cut out four notches between them with a triangular file. For fitting, use a cross-head screw. It is recommended to harden the resulting Phillips screwdriver, however, if you need a tool for one-time actions, then you can do without hardening.

Recently, more and more often, manufacturers use fasteners with a rare type of slot, under which a fork-shaped screwdriver is needed, they call this one. The life hack for creating a spanner turned out to be quite simple! To do this, you need a slotted screwdriver, a hacksaw, and files. In the shoulder blade, carefully make a cut in the middle with a hacksaw and file the resulting “forks” with files to the desired distance. From screwdrivers that are not suitable for their intended use, you can make punches, center punches, chisels. In a word, do not rush to throw away the tool!

Screwdriver handle - handy set of flathead screwdrivers

When choosing a tool, it is important to pay attention not only to working part, but also on the handle. Its main purpose is to transmit torque to the sting, however, depending on its shape, it can cope with this task in completely different ways. And the user himself must “try on” screwdrivers for himself, because everyone’s hands are different. People with long fingers it will be more convenient to work with long handles and vice versa, short handles are designed for craftsmen with short fingers.

Handles are made in our time mainly from plastic and rubber - these materials can boast of good strength. The main requirement for this part is that the palm can securely grip it, and does not slip off with effort. The butt must be made carefully so that there are no sharp edges that can injure the soft tissues of the hand. Several edges that are usually present on the handles help with the grip of the handle and prevent the tool from rolling even from an incline. The hole at the end of the handle is for hanging and convenient storage tool.

Everyone knows a cross screwdriver. Many people know that they differ in size, and if the size of the screw and bit do not match, then when screwing in, you can rip them off. But not everyone is aware that Phillips screwdrivers are divided into two types:

• Phillips (PH);
• Pozidriv (PZ).

Of course, these are not all types of slots, there are several dozen of them, but the rest are rarely used:

PH is a standard Phillips screwdriver. PZ has additional notches and a different tip shape. The PZ provides a stronger grip and is slowly replacing the outdated Phillips tip.

Philips has two slots that are at right angles to each other. Its main disadvantage is the risk of damage to the screws, since the force is applied in a narrow area.

Pozidriv is an advanced Phillips profile. Its difference lies in an additional cross, narrower and less deep. This form is better included in the fasteners, the risk of thread breakage is reduced several times.

Of course, you can wrap screws with any screwdriver, but due to different shapes the tip and slot of the tool will sit unevenly, there will be play. Because of this, the risk of breaking the screw increases, the bit deteriorates faster, the quality and speed of work decreases. When using the right screwdriver, it is easy to immediately feel the difference.




Screwdrivers and bits are even easier to distinguish. When buying, the type of tip is always indicated on the price tag or packaging.

In addition, often the type, size and length of the working part is already on the screwdriver itself.

The designation PH1x80mm makes it clear that you are holding a screwdriver with a Phillips tip of the first size and a long tip of 80 mm. The most commonly used are the first and second sizes.




Video instruction:


How to choose a quality screwdriver

Don't expect cheap products good metal and an ergonomic handle, it is better to choose screwdrivers initially famous brands. It is 2-3 times more expensive, but then long years you can use one screwdriver better than changing Chinese products every six months. The screwdriver should fit comfortably in your hand and not crush your palm. Even the slightest inconvenience in the process of work can reward you with bloody blisters. Low-quality steel of the screwdriver will quickly lose its shape and begin to scroll on the slot of the screw head when a lot of force is applied. It is quite difficult to check the quality of steel when buying, usually the more convenient the handle, the better the steel. The price is appropriate.


Screwdriver manufacturers

• Stanley is an American company with manufacturing in Thailand. A wide range of screwdrivers of fairly good quality.
• STAYER- Russian company, produces a budget instrument. In his price category produces quite good screwdrivers.
• Wiha - manufactures premium tools. Screwdrivers of this company are expensive, but high-quality
• JONNESWAY is a Taiwanese manufacturer that produces very high quality screwdrivers.
• Hama is a company from Germany, manufactured in China. The products of this company are highly reliable.

A quality screwdriver will last for many years, provided correct operation. It only takes a few simple rules: use a separate screwdriver for each screw and do not use the screwdriver as a lever or chisel.