Screwdriver Head Types and the Right Kinds of Screwdrivers
There are two parts to choosing the right kinds of screwdrivers:
- Finding the Right Screwdriver Head Types: The head or tip of a screwdriver determines what fasteners it works with. You might be able to use a screwdriver head type that doesn’t match a screw, but you’re likely to strip — cam out — the screw head, making it difficult to tighten or loosen.
- Finding the right Screwdriver Operation: While choosing the right type of screwdriver head is necessary to do the job right, finding the best functionality for your work makes the job easier and more efficient.
We’ll help you find the right type of screwdriver heads and choose the functionality that’s best for your projects.
Types of Screwdriver Heads
With only a handle, a shaft and a tip, a screwdriver is a simple but useful hand tool. But for a screwdriver to be effective, you need to choose the right type of screwdriver head or tip. Matching screwdriver head types to fastener heads makes the work easier and helps prevent damage to the fastener.
Most screwdriver types are available in standard — or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) — measurements of fractions of inches and metric measurements, typically in millimeters.
1. Slotted or Flathead Screwdrivers
A slotted or flathead screwdriver has a head with a single flat blade. The wedged shape of the flat head gives this type of screwdriver head another common name, the keystone tip. Since the head of a slotted screw is prone to allowing the screwdriver head to slip, properly positioning the screwdriver head and applying even pressure are necessary when using a slotted screwdriver. This is a very common type of screwdriver for a toolkit, useful for everything from installing outlet covers to adjusting the engine on a string trimmer. Measurements — for example 2mm or 3/4-in, with 5.5 being one of the most common — indicate the width of the blade to let you match the fastener.
2. Cabinet Tip Screwdrivers
A cabinet tip screwdriver has a flat blade head like that of a slotted screwdriver, but rather than having a wedge or keystone shape, the tip is completely straight. This design allows the screwdriver head to reach into tight spaces where the larger tip of a standard flathead screwdriver won’t fit. Tip measurements are similar to those of flathead screwdrivers.
3. Phillips Screwdrivers
A Phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped or X-shaped head that tapers to a point. The four edges of the head fit the crossed slot of Phillips screws and reduce the risk of the screwdriver slipping out of the screw head. Numbers — for example, PH#3 and, the most common, PH#2 — indicate the size of the screwdriver tip to help you best match different fasteners. The larger the number, the larger the screwdriver head. Phillips head screwdrivers are another very common type of screwdrivers for a DIY toolkit since you’ll find Phillips head screws on everything from electronics to shelf brackets. The name Phillips screwdriver recognizes then inventor of the drive system, Henry Phillips.
4. JIS Screwdrivers
A JIS or Japanese Industrial Standard screwdriver has a head type very similar to that of a Phillips head screwdriver. The main differences are a sharper point and sharper angles between the four blades. Screws with a JIS head have a small dot indented on the head. You’ll often find JIS screws on bikes, motorcycles, electronics, etc. that are manufactured in Japan. Like Phillips screwdrivers, increasing numbers — JIS#3, JIS#4 — indicate increasing size.
5. Pozidriv® Drive Screwdrivers
A Pozidriv screwdriver also has a head similar to that of a Phillips screwdriver, but has additional driving edges. These edges help reduce the risk of stripping or camming out the screw head. You can distinguish Pozidriv screws from Phillips screws by looking for four notches surrounding the grooves on the screw head. Increasing number designations — PZ1, PZ2 — indicate larger Posidrive screwdriver heads.
6. Hex Screwdrivers
A hex screwdriver has a head with six flat faces and fit screws with a six-sided recess in the head. This type of screwdriver loosens and tightens the same type of fasteners that an Allen wrench or hex key fits. Unlike most other types of screwdriver heads, hex screwdriver tips don’t taper to a point. Since it’s difficult for a hex-head screwdriver to slip out of the recess in the screw, applying too much torque can easily strip the screw head. Measurements — for example 2.5mm or 1/4 in — indicate the size of the head. Hex screwdrivers are useful for projects such as putting together ready-to-assemble furniture and installing hardware with set screws.
7. Square-Drive Screwdrivers or Robertson Screwdrivers
A square-drive screwdriver is similar to a hex screwdriver, but as the name of this type of screwdriver head suggests, this screwdriver has only four drive surfaces. As with a hex screwdriver, the square drive tip won’t slip easily, but it can more easily strip the screw head if you apply too much force. Like Phillips head screwdrivers, numbers — #1, #2 — indicate head sizes. The designation Robertson screwdriver derives from the name of Peter Lymburner Robertson, who invented the drive system. Square drive screws are typical for woodworking projects as well as furniture and cabinet assembly.
8. Torx® Screwdrivers or Star Screwdrivers
A Torx screwdriver has a slightly tapered point with six edges, giving this type of screwdriver head the common name star screwdriver. The six edges provide a secure fit that minimizes the risk of the screwdriver head slipping off of the fastener. The additional edges also transfer torque more evenly, so there’s less risk of stripping the screw head. Numbers — T10, T15 — indicate sizes. A larger number means a larger screwdriver head. Torx head screwdrivers are useful if you work on electronics, computers, etc., though you may find Torx screws on bikes and automobiles as well.
9. Nut Driver
While you might not consider a nut driver an actual screwdriver, it has a handle and shaft like a screwdriver. The head fits hex-head screws and hex-head bolts. A nut driver functions like a socket in a socket and ratchet set — the head has six drive surfaces that turn the head of the fastener. The multiple surfaces help reduce the risk of stripping the screw or bolt head.
10. Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
While it’s a good idea to have sets of common screwdriver types handy, a multi-bit screwdriver is a great addition to a DIY tool kit. A multi-bit screwdriver set includes a variety of screwdriver head types, usually in a few common sizes. Simply insert the correct bit into the magnetic screwdriver shaft and you’re ready for your next project.
Specialized Screwdriver Head Types
Beyond the screwdriver head types above, you might need specialized screwdriver heads. Tamperproof screwdrivers and precision screwdrivers are the most common types.
Tamperproof Screwdrivers
A tamperproof screwdriver set includes multiple screwdrivers with different types of heads or a multibit screwdriver with a variety of bits. Tamperproof screws have specialized heads that typical screwdrivers won’t fit, making them difficult to remove. They’re common in commercial buildings or public areas, but some electronics use tamperproof screws as well. Here are some common tamperproof screwdriver types:
- Spanner screwdriver heads fit screws with two notches on opposite edges of the screw head.
- Tri-Wing® screwdriver heads fit screws with three slots surrounding a central recess.
- TORQ-SET® screwdriver heads are similar to Phillips heads but fit screws that have slots offset a bit from the central recess.
Precision Screwdrivers and Computer Screwdrivers
A set of precision or computer screwdrivers includes a variety of small screwdrivers that fit different head types. Sets typically include common types of screwdriver heads such as Phillips and slotted tips, as well as Torx heads and screwdrivers with heads that fit small tamperproof screws. If you work on watches, jewelry, computers or electronics, a set of precision screwdrivers is a must.
Different Screwdriver Types: Functions and Features
There are screwdrivers with specific functionality and features that make the work easier or that are necessary for some types of work.
Insulated Screwdrivers
If you’re doing electrical work, look for screwdrivers that meet IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ASTM (ASTM International, formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for insulated tools. Properly tested insulated screwdrivers help protect you from electric shock.
Ratcheting Screwdrivers
A ratcheting screwdriver has a mechanism that allows you to rotate the handle around the shaft so you can tighten or loosen a screw without releasing your grip on the handle and without removing the screwdriver head from the screw.
Offset Screwdrivers
The compact design and curved shaft of offset screwdrivers let you drive or remove screws in areas that the standard shaft of screwdriver won’t fit. These screwdrivers typically have a different head on each end. You’ll often see offset screwdrivers in large screwdriver sets.
Magnetized Screwdrivers
A screwdriver with a magnetized head or tip reduces the risk of dropping a screw while you’re beginning to drive it. These screwdrivers can be helpful when you’re working in an area where a dropped screw is difficult to reach.
Cordless Screwdrivers
A cordless screwdriver removes the manual work from installing and removing fasteners and reduces stress on your wrist. Some include settings that let you adjust the torque or rotational force the motor produces.
Screw Guns
A screw gun, like a cordless screwdriver, uses an electric motor for power, but a screw gun is much more powerful and typically a tool for professional construction jobs. They can drive screws quickly into a variety of materials.