How to Use a Screwdriver

This should be filed under the blindingly obvious but, yes, there are people that actually manage to injure themselves doing this! Since the late 15th century, a screwdriver has been considered among the most basic of tools there is. Nowadays, you can access different kinds of screwdrivers and it would even be surprising to find a household that lacks one, escept of course when you are looking for one. Most of us know what a screwdriver looks like, but some of us need a refresher course on how to use a screwdriver. No rocket science involved in here, and we will try to make it as simple as possible for you.

Types of Screwdrivers

Different screws accomplish some tasks with ease more than others. You will find that some are perfect for furniture assembly and others in automotive applications. Hence, understanding the types of screwdrivers is essential in selecting the right one.

Slotted screwdriver

It is also called a flat-blade screwdriver and is probably the most common one that we have in our homes. It is chisel-like and works with screws that have only one straight line. The flat tip works well when trying to work with large screws; however, the tip tends to slip from the ridges of the screw head when dealing with small screw heads.

In the case that you are fortunate to have an electric screwdriver, be careful so as not to tear through the screws. The electric screwdriver applies more force than an ordinary hand and therefore may rivet off.

Under slotted screwdrivers, there is a small subcategory of flared- and parallel-tipped screwdrivers. The main difference is in the design of the tip; the flared blade tapers so that it is narrower at the end, while the parallel-tipped screwdrivers have an equal width from shaft to tip.

Philips

This is another common screwdriver which is used in almost all applications. The design of the tip is divided into four quarters and looks like a cross with each blade tapering to 57 degrees. Like all screwdrivers, you can purchase them in a range of sizes. They are used for electronics, furniture, automotive and other applications.

Pozidriv

This is technically an upgraded version of a Philips. It contains the same partitions only it is reinforced not to slip. The Pozidriv is designed to have more contact points, therefore, making them more stable. These, however, are mostly found in European market products.

Torx

Mostly used in the automotive and electronic industries, this six-sided screwdriver has an excellent grip. The rounded edges allow the operator to fasten points without putting in too much muscle force.

Square Recess

This kind of screwdriver is mostly found in furniture making. It is designed to include an inner and an outer part all in a square shape. They work together to put out enough torque to force bolts and nuts into position.

Hex

The seven-sided screwdriver is common in most furniture applications. It has excellent grip due to the seven sides. You can also find them in different sizes depending on the scale of work that is to be done.

Tips on how to use a screwdriver 

These are just a few pointers that anyone can use so that they can make the best out of their screwdrivers. They are simple and easy to remember.

• Ensure compatibility – check to see if the screw head pattern that you are working with is compatible with the screwdriver tip that you have. You have also to ensure that the screwdriver tip fits the size of the screw in use.
• Create a starting point – Depending on the surface you are working on; it might not be so easy to drive the screw in. That is why it is recommended that you create a starting point. If working on wood, you can create a tiny hole just to give the screw a bit of a stable ground. If the texture of the material is hard and slippery, you are advised to drill a small hole.
• Continuous motion – Now that the screw bit is sitting stable on that hole that you have created, it’s time to twist. Use your fingers to stabilize the screw as you continue to drive it. Aim to move your hand in a continuous and straight manner until the screw is secured. This process applies when trying to unscrew screws from surfaces.
• Positioning to apply pressure – When you have driven in half the screw, it is time to finish off the job, which calls for more pressure. What you have to do is position one hand firmly on the handle and the other close to the driver tip. This way you can push down and drive the screw in deeper without slipping unnecessarily.
• Maintenance – The quality of the blade is important since it’s supposed to withstand constant use. Even the best screwdrivers in the market can get blunt after a while. If you have a tip that can be sharpened into shape then, we suggest you do it often. Avoid leaving the screwdrivers outside because the weather elements have a way of damaging things.
• Safety – Working with electric gadgets requires you to have screwdrivers that are insulated. Even in the case of looking for a live wire, an insulated screwdriver will prevent the current from harming you. You don’t want to be electrocuted just when you have learned how to use a screwdriver the right way. Imagine the disgrace of that!

Summary

As you can see, using a screwdriver is very simple. All you have to do is make sure that the screw tip and screw head match. After that, it’s all muscle to drive that screw inside. Alternatively, you can source electric screwdrivers to provide all the effort. Just be careful with electrical screwdrivers not to apply too much force. They may end up damaging the screws or the surrounding material.

We hope that now you can comfortably use a screwdriver without slipping or harming your hands or any other part of your body. With that said, we wish you well in whatever you are working on.