How to Use a Screwdriver
Screwdrivers are an extremely useful, straightforward, hand tool. Essentially turn the screw with the pointy end while remembering “righty tighty, lefty loosey”.
4 Types of screwdriver tips
While there are many types of screwdrivers tip shapes, the table below shows four of the most commonly used tips and matching screws. In the last year I have converted over to buying torx screws after a friends suggestion. Unlike phillips screws, I have yet to strip the torx star in the torx screws even after using over one hundred of them on an outdoor project this summer. All of these tips come in different sizes and it is important to match the tip to the screw you will be using.
4 Types of screwdriver handles
Standard Screwdriver: A metal shaft encased in a handle. They are sold as a set or individually. They come in different lengths to accommodate different tasks. Electricians often have a specialized version of standard screwdrivers where the entire tool is coated in a non conductive rubber all the way to the tip.
Ratcheting Screwdriver: I love this screwdriver. It lives in my travel tool bag. The screwdriver features a double drive ratchet which means that once there is resistance on the screw, as you turn the handle the ratchet mechanism inside multiplies how far the screwdriver shaft turns. There is a sliding switch on the shaft to make the ratchet turn left (lefty loosey) or right (righty tighty). Finally there are 12 tips and a bit extender located in the handle.
I recommend this product: Lowes Kobalt 13 Piece Magnetic Ratcheting Screwdriver (Not affiliate link)
Extending Screwdriver: I picked up this screwdriver when I could not reach a screw deep in a cabinet hidden in a tight space. This guy was perfect for the task. By unlocking the sliding switch on the shaft the screwdriver can be extended roughly 7 inches. My only wish is that the bits for it were stored in the handle.
Precision Screwdriver: These screwdrivers can be single bodied like standard screwdrivers or have multi-bit shafts. They are perfect for the tiny screws in your sunglasses or the set screws in bathroom fixtures. I also tend to misplace them since they are small, so I have a couple of them.
What I look for When Buying
I have two approaches when shopping for screwdrivers. For a screwdriver I plan to use frequently, the handle has to fit my hand well. I really like having a multi-bit tool so I only have to put one thing in my tool bag instead of a set of screwdrivers. I look for solid construction, I feel for heft. When I need something more specialized that I will only use occasionally like a precision screwdriver, I will likely scope out the bins that are always near the front of the store entrances first to see if they have what I am looking for as they frequently have decent deals.