What Is The Right Screw Driver For You?

Before you begin your next Do It Yourself home repair or construction project, take stock of the tools you will need to complete the project correctly. There are many types of screwdrivers. A good set of screwdrivers will come in handy and make your DIY job easier and more satisfying. Must Own Tools provides you with important information you will need to get the job done. Learn more here about the screw driver set you will need.

Remember Safety First – Always, when working on DIY projects!

Screw Drivers

Screwdriver Sizes:

Screwdrivers come in a variety of sizes. You can purchase large, medium, and small sizes, in addition, you can find stubby screwdrivers for use in tight or small spaces. The tip width and the length of both the blade and the overall tool are typically measured in millimeters (mm).

Phillips screwdrivers come in different sizes. The Phillips head is measured in a range from #0 to #4, where #0 is the smallest screwdriver.

Another measurement is torx size. This is shown by the letter T followed by a number – for example, T10 screwdrivers. It ranges from miniature screwdrivers right up to T45 and beyond. Torx size is also considered for screws, this will help you find the right size screwdriver for the screws you are using in your DIY project.

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Screwdriver Handle:

Used for gripping and allowing the user to turn the screwdriver.

Screwdriver Shaft:

Made from a strong material to allow for the “twisting” of screws.

 

Drive Tip of Bit:

The bit “locks” into the screw.  Can be interchangeable or fixed.

 

Parts of a screwdriver
Parts of a Screwdriver
Parts of a screwdriver

When to use a Philips Head Screwdriver and Screws?

Phillips Head Screwdrivers

Craftsman Phillips Head Screwdriver

Craftsman #2 (4in.)

Strength and durability: Made of heat-treated alloy steel.  Comfort handle for high and low torque application.

Klein 11 in 1 screwdriver

Klein 11 in 1

Multi-bit screwdriver/nut driver shaft holds 8 popular tips and converts to 3 nut driver sizes
Includes industrial-strength heat-treated bits. Comfortable Cushion-Grip handle

Craftsman Five Piece Phillips Head Screwdriver

Craftsman Phillips Screwdriver Set

Handles are designed for strength and chemical resistance Phillips blade tips are designed to provide tight tolerance and fit Alloy steel blades are heat-treated for maximum strength.

Flat Head Screwdrivers

Klein Flat Head Screwdriver

Klein Flat Head Screwdriver

Narrow tip permits blade access where space is limited. Cushion-Grip handle for greater torque and comfort and chrome-plated for smooth feel and corrosion resistance. Description Image.

Craftsman 5 peice set

Craftsman 5 Piece Flat Head Screwdriver Set

Alloy-steel blades are heat-treated for strength and durability. Coated with a satin-nickel finish.
Comfort Optimized handle for high & low torque applications.Full Lifetime Warranty.

Craftsman Snub Flat head Screwdriver

Craftsman Snub Nose Flat Head Screwdriver

STRENGTH AND DURABILITY: Made of heat-treated alloy steel. COMFORT OPTIMIZED HANDLE: For high and low torque application.
Satin-nickel finish

Torx of Star Screwdriver

Tecman Torx Screwdriver Set

Teckman Torx Screwdriver

This is a multipurpose star screwdriver repair tool Complete and compact mini torx screwdrivers set. Widely used for many electronic devices with torx screws. All magnetic screwdriver bits hold and handle tiny screws.

Craftsman five piece Torx Screwdriver set

Craftsman Five Piece Screwdriver Set

Made of heat-treated alloy steel for strength and durability. A comfortable handle for high and low torque applications. The screwdriver shaft features a satin-nickel finish.

TekPrem Torx screwdrivers

TekPrem Torx Screwdriver Set

Torx bits are made of industrial-grade S2 steel. Precise to fit and remove your torx screws with no hassle. Includes a magnetic bit driver handle, it will hold short screwdriver bits tightly.

Ratchet Screwdrivers

Craftsman Ratchet Screwdrivers

Craftsman Ratcheting Screwdrivers

Speed and precision tactile zones provide quick rotation control for efficient run down.
The Torque zone of the Ratchet screwdriver set provides geometry for heavy-torque applications.

Ratchet screwdrivers from Sharden

Sharden Ratchet Screwdrivers

SHARDEN 13 in 1 screwdriver has 180° rotation, a pivot handle adjusts to 5 angles. The ratcheting screwdriver has a switch for clockwise and counterclockwise ratcheting positions.

WorkPro Ratchet screwdrivers

WorkPro Ratchet Screwdriver

Convenient switch for forward and reverse ratcheting and locking position saves time and effort. Patented auto-locking, quick-load ratchet mechanism provides one-handed bit loading .

Precision Screwdrivers

WorkPro Precision Screwdriver set

WorkPro 10 Piece Screwdrivers

WorkPro Precision screwdrivers are made of heat-treated chrome vanadium steel, which is stronger than most carbon steel. Magnetized tips for added efficiency. Easily hold fastener.

25in1-Precision Screwdriver Set

Uwbettry Precision Screwdriver

This screwdriver set is made of hard S2 material, wear resistance, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance steel. In addition, the tip can easily pick up and turn the smallest of screws.

Garoma 6 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set

Garoma Precision Screwdrivers

Mini screwdriver set is the perfect choice for your daily repairs such as watches, jewelry, glasses repair, and fixing anything with small screws. Spinning end caps increase speed and efficiency.

Screwdriver Frequently Asked Questions for your DIY project

What screwdrivers should I have in my DIY Tool Kit?
Should I buy Screwdrivers in Sets or one at a time?
I have a bunch of hand me down Screwdrivers, should I replace them?
Can I use a screwdriver for scraping?
I have a new project, should I choose phillips head or star head screws ?

What are the top three Screwdrivers I should have in my DIY tool Kit?

Every DIY project is different, you may find you need more than three! Here are the Must Own Tools top recommendations.

  1. Phillips Head Screwdriver: The most versatile and we believe the most widely used screwdriver is the Phillips screwdriver.  From working with door hinges to other DIY projects, you will need a Phillips screwdriver.
  2. Flat Head Screwdriver: Most electrical outlet work will require flat head screwdrivers
  3. Torx (Star) Screwdriver: An up and comer, a torx (also known as a Star) screwdriver will be helpful for DIY work on newer construction, (decks, etc.)

I am considering buying a set of multiple size screwdrivers?

If budgets allow, Must Own Tools suggests buying small sets (5 or 6) of multiple size screw drivers. Don’t go crazy it is our opinion most DIYR’s don’t need 10 or 12 different sizes of screwdrivers.

Should I replace old screwdrivers?

That set of screwdrivers you received from your Grandfather could mean more to you than just their DIY capabilities.  Don’t replace them just because they are old.  We suggest the following:Inspect each screwdriver:

  1. Make sure handles aren’t cracked or loose: If they are, fix or toss.
  2. Check the screwdriver shaft and head: If it is bent, cracked or extremely worn down, toss
  3. Clean each screwdriver: Use warm, soapy water to remove dirt, grim, and oils.
  4. Apply a thin layer of oil: to the metal components to prevent rusting or corrosion

Just because a screwdriver is old doesn’t mean it won’t work. Just remember, safety first – always!

Can I use a screwdriver for scraping?

Screwdrivers weren’t really designed for scraping projects such as scraping paint, dirt or grim off of “stuff”.  Unless the screwdriver manufacturer notes otherwise in their documentation, invest in a good paint scraper or multi-purpose tool.

Phillips head or Star Head Screws?

Both Phillips head and Star head screws are good choices for DIY construction projects.  Phillips head screws and screwdrivers are probably widely available.  I would choose Star head screws if: 1) You have Torx (Star) screwdrivers 2) For more demanding projects requiring longer screws (1 inch or longer) you tend to get more leverage with Star screws and screwdrivers, making them easier to screw in. Less slippage and screw head destruction.

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