It comprises 17 screwdrivers, including three Torx, plus sets of imperial and metric Allen keys, and a universal handle with ten interchangeable ends. There’s something here for almost every kind of job. Sizes range from a big 8mm to 2mm straight-slot, with similar Phillips and Pozidriv options. As its name indicates these types of screwdrivers are used for tightening or loosening different types of screws. These are available in small as well as larger sizes. Flathead screwdrivers have a handle of wood or plastic fixed to them.

The "Comfort" in this product's name comes from the ergonomic, cushioned handles, which we did indeed find very comfortable to hold and very easy to grip securely. The handles also prevent the screwdrivers from rolling off a tabletop if set near the edge. In our tests, all of the screwdrivers carried out their functions well, and our product tester commented on how easy they were to use. The only downside to this set is that it doesn't include a wide range of sizes. If you need insulated tools, however, but need to keep the price more reasonable than that of large insulated sets, this is a great option. Finally, testers assigned scores of 1 to 5 to the screwdriver sets for ease of use, performance, durability, features, and overall value. All scores were tabulated and the winners declared. While not powerful enough for professional use, this cordless screwdriver is more than sufficient for typical tasks around the house, such as tightening up loose screws on furniture, hanging drapes, installing shelves, or assembling furniture. The lithium-ion battery can hold a charge up to 18 months, depending on how often and how long you use the tool, and comes with a charger. The set includes a plastic organizer for the bits but no case for the screwdriver itself. According to needs, there are light-duty screwdrivers and heavy-duty screwdrivers. They have a flat tip. Although it can be powered or manually operated, the ‘cam-out effect’ of the slotted head makes power operation less common. On the upper part, either there is a hole through which a wire is passed, or this end is made flat so that when this part is fixed to handle, it does not allow the shank to move separately. These are generally made of carbon steel. #3 Blade

The best screwdriver sets you can buy in 2023

Tri-wing screwdrivers are costly and not easily available like other drivers. These drivers were previously manufactured for use in aerospace engineering, but now you can easily find them in home electronics. #14 Carpenter Screwdriver Your home and car emergency kits should include basic screwdrivers, and with this reasonably priced tool from LENOX, you hardly need any space to stash this 9-in-1 screwdriver. The comfortably padded handle serves as storage for the included bits, which include Phillips head, flat head, square head, and nut drivers. This is a no-frills tool, but it performed very well in our tests, turning screws without slipping or bending, prying open the lid of a paint can without much effort, and surviving the drop test without damage. The blade is the lower part of the shank. It is also known as a tip. This part is hardened and tempered. Sets that comprise a universal handle with many interchangeable tips are popular because they’re light and easy to carry, but once you lose one of the tips it tends to stay lost – they’re not very big and are often dull in colour. Lose too many and you’ll have to buy a new set of tips, or potentially replace the whole set. Can’t I just buy any old cheap screwdrivers? Ullman reached out to Deane Biermeier, a licensed contractor and carpenter, as well as member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board, for further insights.

It’s worth noting that metric bits have almost completely replaced Imperial-sized ones, but screws put in 50 years ago haven’t heard about this. Still, it’s possible to use a driver that’s slightly too small to loosen a screw, so it’s not worth worrying about having every possible size in your collection. A choice of the most common sizes, in both flathead and Phillips (cross-shaped) will do for most day-to-day jobs. The majority of screwdriver sets have plastic or acrylic handles, sometimes with a rubbery coating for extra grip, but you’ll also find wooden-handled screwdrivers, as well. Whichever type of handle you choose, it should fit in your hand comfortably, even when applying pressure to turn a tight screw, without slipping or causing pain. Look for handles that are marked ergonomic or “comfort grip” if you prefer tools that are easy on your hands. The Wera Kraftform Comfort Insulated Screwdriver Set has especially comfortable handles and is insulated for use around live wiring, as well. Insulated screwdrivers provide safety when working around live wiring. While not a requirement for most common tasks around the home, these are a must if you take on projects that might involve any type of wiring or electrical work. The Wera Kraftform Comfort Insulated Screwdriver Set includes six screwdrivers: two Phillips head and four slot-head in the most common sizes. Each screwdriver is guaranteed for safe working standards up to 1,000 volts. The set also includes a voltage detector. However, there is no carrying case. Yankee Screwdriver: Instead of using ball bearings, this screwdriver uses a spring-loaded mechanism. Instead of twisting the screw with your wrist, you place the screw head against the screw and push it to tighten. I assume you were confused between a screwdriver and a screw drive, though? Just keep reading, and all of your confusion will be resolved.

The length of the metal that runs from the handle to the tip is the shank. It is usually made chrome, steel, or another metal and needs to withstand the force applied by your hand. The shank and the handle need to be connected strongly so that it doesn’t fall off even while applying high pressure on the handle. Some models even have shanks that reach the full length of the handle. This is useful when a hammer is used to strike the end of the handle. This is a specialised set of electrical screwdrivers, all fully insulated. You get two handles, and 17 inserts, all 154mm long, to go in them, plus a matching pair of pliers and insulation strippers. All the blades are extra-slim for working with sunken screws or those that are kept down by springs, and you get a selection of straight, Phillips, Pozidriv and Torx ends, none of them particularly big. Is it possible to build a toolkit without screwdrivers? We don’t think so. In the average home, you’ll find a vast array of different screws, all of which will – as sod’s law dictates – require the screwdriver which isn’t the one you’re holding in your hand. This is why it pays to invest in the best screwdriver set you can afford, so you’ll always have the right tool for any screw – be it Posidrive or Phillips, Torx or truss head. Phillips-head screws have a "+"-shaped notch that requires a corresponding Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten or loosen. These screws are commonly used for all manners of fastening. As a general rule, screws with a Phillips head only tighten to a certain point before the screwdriver “slips,” which prevents over-tightening and stripping of the screw. From smallest to largest, the most common sizes of Phillips screwdrivers are #000, #00, #0, #1, #2, and #3. Yes, the design of the screwdriver itself can make a big difference. Some are simple cylinders, while others are shaped for extra grip, with rubberised patterns for you to hold on to. Some have a nut moulded into the haft so you can turn them with a spanner. Others have a hole through the middle so you can insert another screwdriver for extra force.

The different types of blade tips commonly used are Philips head, Flat-head, Torx or Star, Hexagon, and Square or Robertson.

Buy one of these screwdriver sets and you’ll be ready for DIY duties and beyond

The price for this set is high, and there are certainly cheaper insulated options available on the market, but Wiha is one of the highest quality manufacturers of professional screwdrivers. If you regularly work on any type of electrical system, it will be well worth the price, however. Everything about this set is sensibly designed, from the shot-blasted tips that reduce breakage, to the ergonomic shapes and smooth domed ends to the handles that allow them to spin easily. Colour-coded ends mean you’ll soon be able to identify the tool you want without having to peer at the tip. A ratcheting screwdriver makes it easy to apply more torque (turning force) without having to reset your hand position on the screwdriver with every twist of the tool. Combine that with a T-shaped handle, rather than the traditional screwdriver shape, plus a full set of interchangeable bits with 24 hex heads in both standard and metric sizes, as well as two slotted and three Phillips head bits in common sizes, and you have this sturdy kit from DEWALT. The hex bits are in three different lengths; we appreciated having the longer lengths, which make it easy to reach into awkward or deep spaces, such as within a car's engine. You can even use the bits in this set with your power drill, which greatly increases its versatility.

The most common types of screwdrivers on the market are flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers. If you have these two types of screwdrivers in your arsenal, you will be able to work with a majority of screw heads. Since screws come in a wide range of sizes, you need screwdrivers to match. While a small set consisting of two screwdrivers in a smaller and larger size are adequate if you only break out a screwdriver once or twice a year for simple tasks like tightening a loose screw on a kitchen chair, you’ll be happier and far more productive with a larger set that includes screwdrivers in a wide range of sizes if you frequently put together furniture, do a lot of handiwork around the house or property, or just like being prepared for whatever life throws your way. Our top choice, the Amartisan 10-Piece Screwdriver Set, has five flat-head and five Phillips head screwdrivers in the most commonly used sizes. Everyday DIY is one thing, but screws are as common as nails in woodworking, and if you’re into building electronics the need for a specific tiny driver with an unusual head is a regular occurrence. Thankfully, you have plenty of choice when it comes to screwdriver sets that are suitable for any eventuality. Is 58 screwdrivers enough? Could you make do with 12? Does each one need a handle, or will a series of interchangeable heads work? Do you need them to be insulated? Or magnetic? What about hex, truss or Torx heads? If we showed you a set of 100 screwdrivers, would you think that was overkill?

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There’s also an eight-piece precision screwdriver set that includes four Torx drivers, perfect for taking laptops apart, and even a pair of offset screwdrivers, with a different bit at each end, for those really awkward spots. Our tester liked the compact size of the tool, and mentioned that it was perfect for an emergency kit, the tool box of someone who was just starting out life on their own, or for anyone who only needed basic tools for occasional maintenance or simple tasks around the house. At this reasonable price, you might want to keep a LENOX 9-in-1 in more than one spot around your home, garage, and car. Slot-head screws have a single straight notch for the corresponding flat-head or slotted screwdriver. These screws are commonly used in cabinetry and furniture, as well as outlet covers and other basic household items that are screwed in place. Slat-head screws withstand much more torque than Phillips-head screws before the screwdriver slips, meaning they can tighten more than a Phillips-head screw. From smallest to largest, the most common sizes of slotted screwdrivers are 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, and 3/8 inch. The carpenter screwdriver is made of a round rod and a flat tip. Its handle is flat on two sides (as shown in the figure). This enables the worker to exert full force or screwdriver. #15 Bolster Screwdriver