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There are a lot of different kinds of screwdriver at least a dozen distinct types. But, according to Justin May, of Alpers Hardware in Port Washington, New York, unless you work on cars, cell phones, or, say, in the aerospace industry, you really need to know only five of them. Usually, all you really need are a couple of different sizes of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, he says. Unless you do specialty work, you dont need super-small bits, and you dont need lots of different options. Whether youre buying for yourself or as a gift, here are the most useful screwdrivers for five different types of people, along with an important skill that everyone should know.
Lutz 15-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver
$19
Most everything handled by traditional screwdrivers can be taken care of by a single tool with interchangeable bits. This Lutz screwdriver is a favorite of Strategist senior editor Peter Martin, who learned about it from his uncle, a longtime plumber. Its 15 bits including the standard flathead and Phillips, along with more specialized Robertson and Torx bits (see below), which you probably wont need until you start a career in decking are stored inside the handle, so you dont have to carry around an extra case.
This is a ratcheting screwdriver, which means the shaft can spin freely in one direction. So if youre tightening a screw, itll apply turning force as you rotate your wrist to the right, then let your wrist spin back to the left and into place for another twist all without removing the screw head from the screw. Since the tip and shaft are not part of the same solid piece of metal, a tool like this isnt as strong as a traditional screwdriver. But if you need a screwdriver only a few times a month (or year), this is your best option. Its basically a multi-tool. As May says, it means you dont have to carry around a box filled with screwdrivers.
$19
at Amazon$19
at Amazon
Flathead screwdrivers are iconic, but they also can be hard to get into screw heads, since you have to line up the slots perfectly, and quick to slip out once you do. Theyve mostly been replaced by Phillips head screwdrivers, which have tips that look like an X. Those get more grip on a screwhead and almost funnel the screwdriver into the correct position. Still, if youre going to be changing light switches or outlets, youll need a flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic faceplates. For nearly everything else, like mounting that coat hook to the wall or attaching the hardware to hang a heavy mirror, youll want a Phillips head.
If youve ever assembled a Hemnes bed or Billy bookcase, youre familiar with hex-head screws, which require Allen wrenches, also known as hex keys. Furniture makers like these because they sit deep inside the screwhead for a better grip, which allows you to more easily make tight connections necessary to attach, say, the legs of a couch. Also, Allen wrenches are small and inexpensive to make, so manufacturers like IKEA can include them in the box, reassuring buyers that theyll definitely have the tools theyll need for assembly. That small size and weight is also what makes Allen wrenches good bike tools. They make tight connections and can be thrown in your bag without weighing you down.
AmazonBasics Hex Key Allen Wrench Set
$16
Hex keys can be annoying to use, in that you have to line the key up perfectly perpendicular with the screwhead. But this affordable set, which comes with both metric and standard sizes, has rounded tips, a feature that lets you insert the wrench into the screw head at a slight angle. That can be especially nice in tight spaces.
$16
at Amazon$16
at AmazonPark Tool 3-Way Hex Wrench
$15
One (deserved) knock on Allen wrenches is that, without handles, they are uncomfortable and can dig into your hands. Bicycle-equipment company Park Tool solved that problem with an actually comfortable (and grip-able) Y-shaped wrench, which includes 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex-head drivers three of the most common sizes.
$15
at Amazon$15
at Amazon
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Both Torx (star-shaped) and Robertson (square-shaped) screwdrivers and screws are made to resist cam-out, the frustrating thing that happens when your screwdriver head slips out of the screw. If youre building fine furniture, cam-outs can be more than just frustrating. They can scar your wood. Both types, like Phillips head, are self-centering: As you push the screwdriver into the screw, its easy to slip into place. And they get a good grip on the screw, which is important when youre working with dense wood. For either type of screwdriver, Theres not a universal fit, says May, so youll need to get a set.
Black & Decker 10-piece Screwdriver Bit Set
$25
If you already have a drill, you basically have a screwdriver. Many drills come with different screwdriver heads that fit into the chuck (the clamping mouth that holds the drill bit), but if yours didnt, this $5 bit set includes ten different screwheads. Just remember that drills are more powerful, so its easy to accidentally strip the head of a screw when you dont stop the drill in time and over sink the screw. (See below for how to fix that problem, should it happen.)
$25
at Amazon$25
at Amazon
When you tighten a screw too much, or use the wrong size screwdriver, you run the risk of stripping the head of the screw. At that point, the screwdriver can no longer catch and turn the screw, and the screw gets stuck. The best way to fix this situation is to avoid it in the first place: If you sense a screw getting worn down, remove and replace it before its too late. But if its already too late, there are a few things to do.
First, try using a larger screwdriver to bite into the head of the screw. In some cases, a flathead bit can be used to twist out a Phillips screw. (Dont try using a Torx to remove a stripped Phillips. It will strip the screw worse and may actually grind down the bit, too.) For a hopelessly stripped screw, May recommends a screw extractor.
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People tend to own a screwdriver set for two reasons. First, it is always good to be independent and self-reliant for small fix-it and DIY mechanical jobs of your home. Therefore, not only should you at least have a basic screwdriver set at your home but it should also be of good quality. Second, it can save you the hassle, time and money spent on calling a repairman.
You might have seen a number of screws with various different head types. Therefore unless you plan to have a commercial purpose for buying a screwdriver set in which case there is literally no limit on buying as many as suits your job, choosing the right precision screwdriver kit that serves most of your basic repair work at home revolves around certain guidelines.
For your ease, we have compiled here a list of some basic points that you can adhere to in this case. So either it is your first time buying a screwdriver set or you are planning to upgrade the existing one with something better, these points will surely help you too much extent.
Buying a screwdriver set and which one depends on how often do you need them and mostly of which type. If you have normal usage like changing the switch button or installing shelves that require normal drilling and screws, you can rely on a basic and limited screwdriver set. Usage frequency also depends on what you prefer to do when something in your home needs to be fixed. Are you a type of person that rushes to call a repairman or do you prefer to solve minor issues on your own?
Whereas your usage frequency has much to do with ascertaining your buying budget, there is also a general rule of thumb in allocating an amount you wish to spend on a screwdriver set.
The general rule of thumb for making expenditure states that it is always wise to pay a bit higher price for something that will last longer than its cheaper version. To start with, the tips of any low priced unbranded screwdriver set wont fit precisely into the screw head. Thus, if you apply force to make it work its edges will eventually chip and it will become useless. Buying a good quality screwdriver set will certainly cost more but will be worth an investment and serve you longer.
Screwdriver sets come with two options. The first option comes as a complete screwdriver for each of the screw head type bits that you require. This can be expensive and requires more storage space.
On the other hand, the second option comes with one screwdriver handle in which different screw head type bits can fit. Of course, this screwdriver set requires less storage space, is cheap and has more bit types to offer.
If your usage requires you to come in contact with live electrical wiring, it is better that you buy an insulated or in simple words an electric shock resistant screwdriver set. An insulated screwdriver set will have a protective layer on its handling side or grip area. A non-insulated screwdriver set is safe where your work does not involve electricity.
If you do not find much price difference between an insulated and a non-insulated screwdriver set and if your desired screwdriver type is also available in an insulated version (which generally is not the case), then it is advisable to prefer safety over money.
Other than the general points mentioned in this article, there are a few case specific points that would rarely apply to a screwdriver set purchased for use at home. For instance, buying a screwdriver set that can resist hammer strokes in case you need to deal with some tough screws or buying a non-sparking screwdriver set if there is a chance of explosion.
Whatever is your case, we recommend that you only buy a screwdriver set from the right manufacturer such as Jakemy. Jakemy screwdriver sets come for a variety of purposes such as high-quality precision screwdriver sets, electric screwdrivers and screwdriver sets for advanced mobile repair. Their precision screwdriver sets are useful for maintenance, disassembling and assembling of some common household devices and equipment.
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