While most screwdrivers are manually operated, some models have an internal motor to drive the screws. These products use battery power or a direct connection to a nearby electrical outlet. Keep reading for more information about the different types of screwdrivers and learn which screwdrivers you should have in your toolbox.
A screwdriver is a simple object used for driving screws or removing screws and consists of a handle, shaft, and tip (or head) that fits into the compatible screw notch or slot. Screwdrivers can be manual or electric and they come in a variety of different types.
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Flathead or Slotted Screwdriver
- Best for: Tightening or loosening screws with a linear notch
A flathead screwdriver, also called a slotted screwdriver, is a tool with a wedge-shaped flat tip that is designed to fit into the notch on a slotted screw. These tools come in various sizes and lengths, including oversized flathead screwdrivers useful in automotive work, standard-size screwdrivers for furniture construction, and precision flathead screwdrivers suitable for working on computers and other delicate electronics.
You can find manually driven and electric flathead screwdrivers, though these products are limited by the cam-out effect, which occurs when the screwdriver tip slips off the screwhead. This happens if the screwdriver is misaligned in the screwhead slot and also when the amount of torque applied to the screwhead exceeds a specific limit. The inertia of the screwdriver tip overcomes the friction between the two surfaces, resulting in the screwdriver tip slipping from the screwhead. This effect can be lessened, but not eliminated, by carefully matching the correct sized driver to the slot in the screwhead.
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Clutch Screwdriver
- Best for: Use for either older clutch screws or newer clutch anti-theft screws
A clutch screwdriver will depend on what type of clutch screw you have. For example, the clutch screw has evolved from a drive that was commonly used in the manufacture of mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and classic automobiles and trucks produced in the s. You can't mistake this type of clutch drive because the screwhead hole is shaped like a bowtie, butterfly, or dog bone.
However, a newer style clutch screw, also called a clutch head security screw or irreversible screw, is meant for anti-theft purposes. The screwhead is designed with sloping inserts that help the fastener go into a surface one way permanently. Removing this type of screw is very difficult, which is why it's used to discourage theft. You can insert a clutch head security screw with a regular flathead screwdriver but you cannot use it to remove the screw unless you have a clutch head security screwdriver to release the fastener.
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Phillips Screwdriver
- Best for: Driving or removing screws with an X-shaped notch
Phillips screwdrivers have an X-shaped tip that is made to fit inside the X-shaped notch of a compatible Phillips head screw. These tools were developed in the 19th century as an improvement over flathead screwdrivers because the shape of the screwdriver head provides better traction or grip when you are driving or removing screws.
Similar to flathead screwdrivers, there are a range of sizes and lengths for Phillips screwdrivers and they also come in manually driven and electric options. While Phillips screwdrivers provide better control and driving power, the tip can still slip out of the screwhead if driven with too much force. Go slow to ensure that the screwdriver tip grips the screw properly to avoid stripping the screwhead.
Note that a Frearson screwdriver, commonly used in the marine industry, is similar to a Phillips head screwdriver but its tip may be sharper and has a 45-degree angle for better torque.
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Hex Screwdriver
- Best for: Loosening or tightening screws or fasteners that have a hexagonal notch
A hex screwdriver is designed to remove or drive fasteners with a hexagonal notch, like the screws that are commonly found in many furniture products. This type of screwdriver can also be referred to as a hex key screwdriver or even an Allen key screwdriver because the head fits the same notch as an Allen key of the same size.
Hex screwdrivers come in a range of sizes and lengths, so it's important to find a tool that is compatible with the screws to ensure quick and effective installation or removal. The six-sided shape of the hexagon reduces the chance of slipping, allowing hex fasteners to be driven at high speeds by electric-power hex screwdrivers or drills without the screwdriver head stripping the screw notch.
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Robertson Screwdriver
- Best for: Tightening or removing screws with a square-shaped notch
Often referred to as a square-drive screwdriver, Robertson screwdrivers are capable of driving screws and fasteners with a square-shaped notch at a higher torque than most other screwdrivers. This is because the square-shaped screwdriver bit grips the sides of the notch without slipping, even as the speed and torque are increased. Robertson screws and screwdrivers were named after their Canadian inventor and are commonly found in the automotive and furniture industries.
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Offset Screwdriver
- Best for: Tight spaces with limited vertical clearance
An offset screwdriver is a Z-shaped tool with screwdriver heads on each end and a horizontal metal handle in between. This tool is ideal for working in tight spaces where a standard screwdriver would be too long to fit, like behind a wall, in the ceiling, or under a heavy appliance. Offset screwdrivers come in various sizes and lengths, with different screwdriver heads, like Phillips or flathead.
Just keep in mind that while the Z-shape provides great leverage for driving or loosening screws and fasteners, an offset screwdriver is prone to slipping and stripping the screws, so it shouldn't be your go-to screwdriver for everyday use.
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Ratcheting Screwdriver
- Best for: Quickly removing or tightening fasteners without repositioning the screwdriver, and working in tight spaces
Use a ratcheting screwdriver when it's difficult to constantly reposition a driver on the fastener. This type of screwdriver works like a ratchet in that it spins freely in one direction and grips the screw or fastener when turned in the opposite direction. Most products have a switch that can be used to reverse the direction of the ratcheting mechanism, so you aren't limited to just tightening fasteners, you can also loosen them.
This type of screwdriver is unnecessary in most circumstances, but if you are working in a tight space or you are driving or removing very long screws, then using a ratcheting screwdriver is recommended to help improve project efficiency.
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Precision Screwdriver
- Best for: Repairing appliances, working with electronics, and fixing glasses
Precision screwdrivers are small, narrow tools that are designed to tighten and loosen tiny screws. A good example of the type of screw these screwdrivers are made for is the small screw located in the frame of a set of glasses. You can also use precision screwdrivers when working with computers, monitors, and other electronics. Appliances often have tiny screws that require equally small screwdriver heads, so it's a good idea to have a set of precision screwdrivers in your workshop or toolbox for DIY repairs. Generally, precision screwdriver heads are flathead or Phillips heads, though you may also find Torx precision screwdrivers.
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Multi-Bit Screwdriver
- Best for: Versatile use with multiple screw notch types, and compact storage
Keep a multi-bit screwdriver around the home to tackle a variety of repairs and minor projects. This type of screwdriver has a hollow handle where multiple screwdriver bits are stored. The bits are designed to fit into the hex-shaped shaft, so that you can choose a flathead, Phillips, Robertson, Torx, or even hex bit, depending on the type of screw you are working with.
The obvious benefit to this type of screwdriver is that you have a variety of screwdriver bit types to choose from. However, these tools are better for light-duty general use because the loose fit of the bits can contribute to slipping and screw stripping.
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Spanner Screwdriver
- Best for: Use with tamper-proof spanner screws
A spanner screwdriver has a flat head and is used with tamper-proof spanner screws. Spanner screwdrivers and screws have opposing pinholes and pins, called snake eyes, that work together. This screwdriver and screw have many commercial uses to reduce vandalism. Use them to secure license plates and other plates and grills outdoors that you do not want to be removed by vandals. The drive of a spanner screw is unique and discourages spur-of-the-moment theft.
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Electric Screwdriver
- Best for: Rapid fastener driving, fastener removal, and reduced user-fatigue
An electric screwdriver can greatly increase the efficiency of a project while reducing user fatigue because the screwdriver's head is driven by an internal motor and powered by electricity, similar to a drill. Electric screwdrivers can be used with various exchangeable bits in several sizes and types, including slotted, Phillips, Robertson, Torx, and even Hex.
Just keep in mind that the higher the torque, the more likely the screwdriver bit will slip out of the screw notch during use, especially if the bit is a slotted or Phillips head. Also, electric screwdrivers are somewhat limited in their use because these tools need a direct connection to a power outlet or the battery needs to be charged to function properly.
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Pozidriv Screwdriver
- Best for: Used with a Pozidriv screw to eliminate cam-out
A Pozidriv screwdriver is an improved variation of a Phillips screwdriver. It is designed to give torque to a Pozidriv screw without the risk of slippage (also called cam-out, which means the head slips out of the drive's recess). Both a Pozidriv screwdriver and a screw are designed to give each other more surface contact to prevent slippage. The screws have extra lines etched into them to receive and hold the screwdriver tip.
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Though you can technically use a Phillips screwdriver with a Pozidriv fastener and vice versa, slippage will likely occur and damage the screw. Pozidriv screws can be used anywhere you'd use Phillips screws. However, Pozidriv is a lesser-known type of drive than Phillips in the United States.
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Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) Screwdriver
- Best for: Use with JIS or Phillips screws
It's tough to differentiate between a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver. The slots of a JIS screwdriver are narrower and more vertical which keeps it locked into the drive and prevents cam-out (slippage) when screwing in the fastener. JIS screwdrivers can also loosen those crusty old screws that can't budge with a Phillips. You can put a JIS screwdriver into a Phillips screw. However, do not put a Phillips screwdriver into a JIS screw because the poor grip can damage the drive.
A JIS screwhead is usually identified with a dot or an "X" to distinguish it from a Phillips. JIS screws and screwdrivers are very popular in the U.S. and are used in everything from electronics to cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.
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Torx Screwdriver
- Best for: Driving or removing Torx fasteners which have a six-pointed star-shaped notch
Use Torx screwdrivers on fasteners that have a six-pointed star notch to tighten or loosen these screws. Torx screwdrivers are typically found in the appliance, electronic, and security industries where the six-pointed star shape helps reduce damage to screws from repeated use. This unique shape allows the tip to turn the screw or Torx fastener with low radial force, increasing the life of the screw and the screwdriver. A Security T screwdriver is a type of Torx screwdriver used with a specialty tamper-proof Security Torx screw.
While Torx screwdrivers are not commonly used around the home, it is a good idea to have at least one Torx screwdriver or a set of magnetic Torx bits to use in a multi-bit screwdriver for the odd occasion when you may need to use one.
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Tri-Wing Screwdriver
- Best for: Used for small electronic devices, such as cell phones
A tri-wing screwdriver, also called a three-point screwdriver, has a small tip that fits into screws used for electronic components in cell phones and cameras, for example. Though this type of screwdriver is typically used in the aerospace industry to hold together parts of commercial aircraft, you can use it at home to open up gaming consoles and other devices.
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Jeweler's Screwdriver
- Best for: Used for eyeglasses and jewelry
A jeweler's screwdriver is also called a precision screwdriver. It is thin but built to be sturdy when doing fine work on tiny screws used in eyeglasses, watches, other pieces of jewelry, and various crafts. You will find jeweler's screwdrivers with a flat or Phillips head and it often comes in a set.
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Computer Screwdriver
- Best for: Working on computer components
Though a Phillips screwdriver might do part of the job, you may need a computer screwdriver set to handle the numerous tiny screws on your electronics and computers. Computer screwdrivers have precise heads to fit whatever fastener drives your computer throws your way. These screwdrivers are typically magnetized but not enough to damage any boards or other components.
A flathead (or slotted) is the most common and versatile type of screwdriver. This multi-purpose tool is used to tighten or loosen straight or basic notched screws.
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