By User:LPNalini @timeAndDate(1274121940)
I'm always amazed at how the best and most useful inventions are also always the simplest. Take the hammer, for instance: no toolbox is complete without a hammer. Did you know, though, that archaeologists have discovered rudimentary hammers manufactured over 400,000 years ago by a species that was not yet properly man, but just a step towards his evolution? (Campbell, Joseph. ''Primitive Mythology''. New York: Penguin Compass, 1987. p. 393.) That's deep. Screwdrivers are another thing no toolbox is complete without, and to be complete, your toolbox better have a range of screwdrivers of different types and sizes. Wikipedia says that the earliest record of the screwdriver was in the 15th century, that's six hundred years ago, and today they're still going strong, with a couple of improvements on to boot. Here we'll talk a bit about what to look for in a good screwdriver, and the different types you should probably equip yourself with.
Okay, first things first: size mattersbeam with the screwdriver you use for your computer.
ScrewEr
Next, let's talk about the drive.
* You probably already know the two most common: Slotted and Philips.
** These are great when there isn't too much load on your screw and no need to tighten down to a vice grip.
** You'll definitely want to maintain a range of slotted and Philips head screwdrivers for the most common work you'll do.
* Next, there are Allen (Hex) drives as well as Torx drives.
** These two have been gaining a lot of popularity in the last three decades because the screws survive the manufacturing process a lot better.
** The advantage of Allen and Torx drives is that the contact between screw and driver is much greater, so you will be able to tighten the screw down much more, as well as release it with less wear to the screw.
** You'll definitely want to keep a full range of Allen and Torx screwdrivers, especially for dealing with factory manufactured products.
* Finally, there are non-slotted screwdrivers, those that drive hex and square bolts by being fitted over and around the bolt.
Well, finally is a bad word: there are plenty more obscure drive types out there. But the six above mentioned should keep you running.
'Driver Details
A couple of features to think about when choosing a screwdriver are:
* Screwdrivers with detachable bits.
** You'll save time and money by purchasing a range of bits that fit various drives and sizes as opposed to buying a new screwdriver every time.
** This is my personal recommendation to most people. Just remember a few things:
*** Get a driver that firmly grips the bit there's nothing more annoying than having to worry about keeping the bit in the driver more than worrying about keeping the whole thing in place against the screw.
*** Get a ratcheted driver, more about those below.
*** Get metallic bits, especially for smaller screws.
*** Get a good case for organizing your bits and be meticulous about keeping them in their proper places.
*** Get steel, stainless steel, or galvanized steel bits, especially for Allen and Torx bits. These two, because they have very intricate little shapes with very thin protrusions, tend to break when you're overzealous.
* Ratcheted Screwdrivers.
** These contain a mechanism that allows the driver to transmit force only when turned in one direction, that will make things a lot easier than lifting and re-fitting the driver to the screw every time.
* Left Handed Screwdrivers.
** Ok, ok, just kidding. No such thing really.
Powered Screwdrivers
Ok, I guess this is not technically a hand tool but it's something important to think about. I mean, we have the electrical motor, have had it since the middle of the last century, so you might as well put it to use for yourself. Simpler powered screwdrivers are great for attight. Also, they're great for people like me (compared to my brother, I'm the runt of the litter) who are hmmm... muscularly challenged. For anything more serious than common handiwork, you might look into getting a real drill. Drills can be battery powered or they may plug directly into your wall socket. Those that go into the wall socket tend to be a lot more powerful than battery powered devices.
Top Sellers
Here are some of the top selling screwdrivers on the market today:
