Screwdrivers are available in a wide variety of types and styles. They can be purchased individually and in sets. For the best deal, it is better to purchase a set as a good way to build a screwdriver collection. The reason you need a collection of different screwdrivers has to do with the wide variety of fasteners that they work with. Not only is there a decent variety of types of fasteners, there is even larger variety of sizes. Having the right size and type of screwdriver will ensure that you don’t damage the fasteners.

Most quality screwdrivers feature sturdy plastic handles, alloy-steel shanks, nickel-chrome finishes, and tips that are enhanced to give good grip into the fastener. The most common screwdrivers are either slotted or Phillips but many other types exist. The tip of the screwdriver should always fit snugly into the fastener so not to slip around when turned. Screwdrivers should never be used for excess prying or as a chisel. Here is a quick look at some of the most common types of screws the screwdrivers you should have in your collection.

The slotted or flat blade screwdriver is one of the oldest types of screwdriver, having been designed in the early 1800’s. This type of screwdriver works with screws that have a cut through the top of the head. When choosing what size flat blade screwdriver to use, always make sure the tip is the width of the fastener and the bit fits snugly.

The next most common type of screw driver is the Phillips head. The name comes from its inventor Henry F. Phillips in the 1930’s. These types of screwdrivers have a pointed cross-head tip that matches a self-centering, cross-head screw. Phillips heads were originally designed to cause the driver to cam out, to prevent over-tightening.

Hex head also called Allen screw is a useful type of fastener because of its effectiveness of limiting the amount of slip possible with the bit. These are common in many assembly-required types of furniture and bicycles.

TORX head screws resist bit slippage or cam-out better than slot head or Phillips head screws because the TORX heads were designed to prevent it.

Square drive screws is a less common specialty type of fastener. Some manufacturer of deck screws use this style drive along with some manufactures of stainless steel wood screws.

Conclusion

While some screw head designs are no so common, at the very least, be sure to keep a handy assortment of both straight and Philips head screwdrivers on hand. Remember not to use your screwdrivers as chisels or prying tools since this can damage the tips, drive the shaft though the plastic handle or cause some other type of harm to you, your tool or your work piece.