Professional tool reviews for professionals
Manufacturers make screwdrivers to suit various screwdriver types. They have different lengths, handles, and styles-all of which are designed to tighten the screws well. But what type of screwdriver bit do you use for which application-which is the most effective? We will try to analyze one by one—even the special bits—and provide you with advantages and disadvantages so that you can understand each one and choose the best bit for your application.
Remember when all the screws were slotted? Thank goodness for the innovation!
As you know, both the driver and drill bit can be purchased separately or as a set. In order to get the best price, we recommend that you buy a good set of drill bits to build a solid screwdriver fastener series. The set we really like includes Wurth Zebra's general drill bit assortment, but you can also find cheaper screw bit solutions.
Having all screw bit types ensures that you are prepared for all kinds of fasteners you may encounter. Of course, not only do you have to deal with a wide variety of screw bit types and fasteners, but most also have multiple sizes. Using the correct screwdriver bit type for the proper application ensures that you will not damage the fastener. It also tends to speed up work. Keep this in mind when buying the best screwdriver kit so that you can handle countless screws and fasteners on the job site.
There are many reasons for making various drive tips. Some are patented because they provide a unique solution to hold the drive in place-others are just applications that are more suitable for them. In our opinion, the biggest reason for using a specific screw bit type is that it has a good grip on the fastener.
The tip of the screwdriver or driver bit should always be close to the fastener to avoid turning the fastener (low or high speed depending on the application). If used properly, impact drivers are particularly good at maintaining the connection between the drill bit and the fastener.
Here are some of the most common types of screws and fasteners that you should have in your collection, and the drives that suit them:
The most common type of fastener must be a #2 Phillips bit bit, but we even saw modifications here. The name "Phillips" comes from the inventor Henry F. Phillips in the 1930s. These types of screwdrivers have pointed Phillips heads that match self-centering Phillips head screws. Believe it or not, the original Phillips head was designed to extend the driver to prevent over-tightening!
Check out our article What is Cam Out for more information.
Similar to the Phillips bit, Pozidriv provides four additional contact points to hold the screw more firmly to prevent camouflage. Pozidriv screws and drill bits seem to be very popular overseas, but we are now seeing them appearing in the US market... we love it!
The flat-blade or flat-head screwdriver is one of the oldest screwdriver types, which began in the early 1800s. This type of screwdriver bit is suitable for slotted screws with a cutout on the top of the head.
When choosing the size of the flat-blade screwdriver to be used, always make sure that the tip is the same width as the fastener and the drill bit fits snugly. If a flat-head screwdriver or drill bit is shaking in the screw-you can just slide it off the head.
The advantage of this screw is its simplicity. Everything else presents a clear disadvantage. Generally speaking, most professionals try not to use these unless absolutely necessary. Can you guess where you find these most often? If you guessed it is "light switch board cover" or "socket cover", you are right!
We refer to hexagon head screws as hexagon socket screws. These are useful fasteners because they can effectively limit the amount of sliding. Hex socket or hexagon screw bits are commonly used in furniture, but they are used even in automotive applications. We also found these types of screwdriver bits on bicycles.
TORX head screws and drills are also commonly referred to as star drills. These six-point drill bits are more resistant to sliding or falling off than the slotted or Phillips head design. In fact, TORX bit drill bits and screwdrivers are specifically designed to prevent this.
Adjusted Torx, Torx plus adopted a star design and trimmed the edges. This leads to more surface contact area. Among the many screwdriver bits on the market, Torq Plus may be the most gripping and stable. To make matters more complicated, the Torx Plus safety drill has only 5 lobes instead of 4.
Square drive bits, sometimes called Robertson bits, can be found in various places. The leading places may only be electrical boxes and panels, they seem to be everywhere.
Some deck screw manufacturers also use this drive method-especially stainless steel wood screws. If you do not buy the right type, stainless steel fasteners tend to be very soft. Common decorative head screws also use square drive bits and have very small heads for sinking into cabinets.
Triangular drive bits are mainly used in German automotive applications. We found them on BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and other German cars. They are ideal for high torque applications such as cylinder head bolts and components in transmission systems.
Tri-square fasteners are usually made of hardened steel and are also tempered. This way they can withstand the required torque without peeling off the star points.
Double hex is a lead screw drive with two offset hex drives. It can be driven by a standard hex wrench tool. Although the shape is similar to a triple square, it is actually incompatible. It is also easier to peel off.
Although they may handle more torque than standard six-point drills, they require better build quality to avoid peeling. This is one of the rarest screwdriver bits. Unless you remove the bolt heads from certain Toyota or Lexus cars, almost no one will encounter these drill bits or their related bolts.
In addition to screw bit types, you can also view various finishes and coatings. Most high-quality fasteners use galvanized, nickel-chromium, stainless steel or coated finishes. Each has different advantages, so pay attention to your needs.
Although some types of screwdriver bits are less common, at least, make sure you have a variety of convenient straight, Philips, Torx, and square-head screwdrivers and bits on hand.
When he is not remodeling part of the house or playing with the latest power tools, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another for the past 21 years. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews, followed by OPE Reviews in 2017, which focuses on landscape and outdoor power equipment. Clint is also responsible for the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program designed to recognize innovative tools and accessories from all walks of life.
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In fact, the Phillips head screwdriver was invented by Mr. Thompson, who failed to sell the screw to industrial applications. Mr. Phillips subsequently purchased these patents and named them the Phillips Screw Company in 1935. -Zeva Cox 9 years old WA
I need a lot of different types of tools, and unfortunately I cannot email you or attach files. You can email me so that I can send you inquiries
To answer your question: No, no one remembers the time when all screws were slotted today. The Square (Robertson) drive screw was patented in 1906. If PL Robertson is willing to sell Henry Ford a license to manufacture screws for T-cars, it is likely to become the main type worldwide (Ford found that the use of Robertson screws is better than Slot screws save more than 2 hours of production time). By the early 1930s, Phillips screws were widely used in the automotive industry, and even in the late 1960s, Torx screws were also widely used.
My husband just bought some military-certified fasteners for the tree house he built in the backyard. He wants to know what is the best type of equipment to use with them. So thank you for mentioning that if he uses a straight or Philips screwdriver, he should use his military certified fasteners.
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Professional tool reviews for professionals
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