Different Types of Screwdrivers and Uses

You use screwdrivers all the time, but do you know there are more types than just the flat and Phillips ones? Stick around to find out which screwdriver is best for your next project. For a full overview, check out this guide on screwdriver types and their uses.

What is a Screwdriver?

A screwdriver is a simple handheld tool primarily used for turning screws to secure or loosen them in various materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic. It is one of the most basic and essential tools in any toolkit.

Main Components of a Screwdriver

A typical screwdriver has three basic parts:

• Handle
  The handle is where you grip the tool. It’s usually made of plastic or rubber so your hand won’t slip. Some handles are shaped to fit your palm for extra comfort.
• Shaft
  The shaft is a metal rod that connects the handle to the tip. It transfers your twisting force to the screw.
• Tip (or Blade)
  The tip matches the screw head’s shape. Common types include flathead, Phillips, and Torx. Choosing the right tip keeps the screwdriver from slipping and damaging the screw.

Common Uses of Screwdrivers

You use screwdrivers for a lot of everyday tasks. They’re needed for putting together furniture, fixing electronics, and tightening loose cabinet doors. If you work on bikes or cars, screwdrivers help with repairing parts and opening covers.

Electricians need special insulated screwdrivers to work safely. Some industries use screwdrivers with unique tips for security screws that aren’t easy to open with regular tools. 

Different Types of Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers come in many styles, and each one fits a certain type of screw. Knowing these main types helps you pick the right tool and avoid damaging screws or tools.

• Flathead Screwdrivers

Flathead screwdrivers, also called slotted screwdrivers, have a flat, straight blade. They fit into single-slot screws with a straight and narrow opening. You find these screws in older furniture and simple projects.

Flathead screwdrivers are simple, but they aren’t ideal for high-torque jobs. The blade can easily slip out under heavy force. They remain useful, though, especially in electronics, woodworking, and electrical outlets. If you’re unsure where to start, a flathead is always a basic tool to have.

• Pozidriv Screwdrivers

Pozidriv screwdrivers look similar to Phillips, but there are key differences. The tip has extra lines between the arms of the cross, making it grip the screw better. This extra contact helps you apply more force without cam-out.

These screwdrivers are common in Europe and used in furniture and machine assembly. They come in different sizes, just like Phillips, and you need to use a Pozidriv screwdriver with a Pozidriv screw. Using a Phillips driver in a Pozidriv screw, or vice versa, will damage things.

• Torx Screwdrivers

Torx screwdrivers, called star or six-pointed drivers, have a pointed tip that fits into star-shaped screw heads. You see them in cars, computers, electronics, and bicycles. The star design keeps the tool from slipping and helps you use more torque.

Torx screws come in sizes labeled T1 to T100, but the most common for home use are between T10 and T40. These drivers are especially popular where tight, secure assembly is important, like in building electronics or automotive repair.

• Hex Screwdrivers

Hex screwdrivers are built for screws with a six-sided, hexagonal head. You’ll mostly use these for assembling furniture, working on bikes, or fixing machinery. They’re sometimes called Allen screwdrivers and fit into hex socket screws.

If you work with things like flat-pack furniture or electronics, a hex driver is essential.

You can find both “L-shaped” hex keys and models with a standard screwdriver handle. Some have ball ends, letting you turn screws at an angle, which is handy in tight spots. Because hex screws are common, having a few hex screwdrivers around is a smart move.

• Phillips Screwdrivers

Phillips head screwdrivers are made for cross-shaped screws. The tip looks like a plus sign, and it fits deep into the screw’s cross slots. These are used in many household items, toys, and appliances.

The unique design helps keep the screwdriver from slipping out as easily as flatheads do. Phillips screwdrivers come in numbered sizes, with #2 being the most common for standard screws. For smaller jobs, you might use a #0 or #1.

• Robertson Screwdrivers

Robertson screwdrivers, created by Canadian P.L. Robertson in 1908, have a square-shaped tip. You’ll find these screws commonly used in woodworking, construction, and many Canadian-made products.

The square recess creates a tight fit that prevents slipping and reduces hand fatigue. This makes them especially useful when you’re driving lots of screws or need to work at awkward angles.

Robertson drivers come in four standard sizes, each color-coded:

• #0 (orange) – for tiny screws
• #1 (green) – for small screws
• #2 (red) – most common size
• #3 (black) – for large screws

Unlike Phillips screws designed to cam-out under high torque, Robertson screws stay firmly engaged. This lets you use one hand to position and drive screws, making them faster to work with in many applications.

• Tri-Wing Screwdrivers

Tri-Wing screwdrivers are designed for screws with a triangle-shaped, three-wing slot. You’ll see these in electronics, game consoles, and small appliances. They help manufacturers keep products tamper-proof, which means you need the right tool to get inside.

If you like repairing electronics or customizing devices, a Tri-Wing screwdriver should be in your toolkit. It’s not as common as the hex or Robertson, but it’s the only option for some tech repairs. 

• Clutch Screwdrivers

Clutch screwdrivers have a unique shape, kind of like an hourglass or bow tie. This design was very common in cars and appliances made in the mid-1900s. You’ll probably find clutch screws when fixing old vehicles or vintage equipment.

Key facts about clutch heads:

• There are two main styles: 
  • Type A (older, rounded ends) 
  • Type G (newer, straight edges)
• Used in General Motors vehicles and a lot of heavy equipment
• Sometimes used in appliances and trailers

If you work with older machines, you may need a clutch head screwdriver. These aren’t as common today, so you might have to look for special tool sets if you want to handle these screws.

• Multi-Bit Screwdrivers

Multi-bit screwdrivers let you carry one handle and several bits, which saves space in your toolbox. The handle is hollow so it can store bits, and you swap them out depending on what you need. 

This is helpful for switching between Phillips, flathead, or even special shapes without grabbing a new tool.

These screwdrivers can be found as regular or ratcheting styles, so you get the best of both worlds. Multi-bit sets are perfect for fixing electronics, bikes, or furniture that uses lots of different screws.

• Ratchet Screwdrivers

A ratchet screwdriver is a hand tool with a special handle that turns easily in one direction but won’t spin back the other way. This ratchet feature means you don’t have to lift and reset your wrist every time, which makes driving screws go much faster.

You’ll find a switch on these tools to change the turning direction—forward for driving screws in, backward for taking them out. If you need more control or are working in tight spaces, the ratchet can be locked so it acts like a normal screwdriver.

Choosing the Right Screwdriver

Picking the right screwdriver comes down to understanding the screw head you’re working with and how the tool’s handle and material can impact your job. Being thoughtful about these details will help you save time, prevent damage, and work more safely.

Matching the Driver to the Screw

You need to match your screwdriver tip to the screw head, or you risk stripping the screw or hurting your tool. Using the wrong driver can lead to stripped screws or slipped tips. Make sure the head fits snugly into the screw’s recess. 

Some common types include flathead, Phillips, Torx, hex, and Robertson. Flathead and Phillips are the most common, but you’ll find Torx in electronics and hex on furniture.

Quick tip: If you notice the screwdriver slipping or the fit feels loose, stop and double-check you have the right type and size.

Considering Material and Handle Type

The material and handle shape of your screwdriver can make a big difference in comfort and how much force you can apply.

Metal shafts are usually made from alloy steel for toughness. Cheaper models might use softer metals and bend easier.

Handle design also matters. Some handles are wide for better grip and more torque, while others are slim for tight spaces. Choose a handle that fits your hand and the job. Rubber or textured plastic handles add comfort and help prevent slipping, especially if your hands get sweaty or oily.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Taking care of your screwdrivers helps them last longer and work better.

• Wipe Clean After Use: Always wipe your screwdriver clean after use. Dirt and grease can make the handle slippery and damage the metal over time.
• Regular Inspection: Check your screwdrivers periodically for loose handles, cracks, or any other signs of wear. Discard or replace any with heavy damage.
• Store in a Dry Place: Keep your screwdrivers in a dry place to prevent rust. A toolbox with separate compartments or a wall-mounted rack is a good option. 
• Maintain Sharp Tips: Make sure the tips stay sharp and not bent or misshaped. If you notice dull or damaged tips, you can sharpen them using a grinding wheel. Cool the tip with water to keep it from overheating. 

Keeping your screwdrivers in good shape means you’ll always have the right tool when you need it.

Conclusion

When you’re shopping for new screwdrivers, don’t settle for less—invest in a quality screwdriver set with comfortable handles to keep your hands happy during long projects.