13 Different Types of Screwdrivers Heads and Their Uses

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A screwdriver is one of the most important tools in any workman’s arsenal.

This simple device can help put together furniture, fix broken electronics, and put together Ikea furniture easily.

Provided you have the right different types of screwdriver heads on your tool.

Moreso, to find out what your particular screwdriver needs are. It’s important to know the available types of screwdrivers heads and their uses.

Here’s everything you need to know about different types of screwdrivers heads and their uses.

1. Phillips Screwdriver

A Phillips screwdriver is one of the most common different types of screwdrivers heads. It's named after its inventor, P. Phillips, and looks like an X. It screws into a slotted head screw. 

And as such, it works well on both slotted or Phillips head screws. This type of driver features a compact size.

That offers a good grip for smaller hands and narrow spaces when working on small projects with limited access.

However, it also has a higher torque than other different types of screwdriver heads.

This means more power to drive through rusted screws that may not be moving easily as one might anticipate. 

But the tradeoff is this tool can be easily stripped by overtightening. It will create stripped threads on the fastener, compromising its ability to make contact with flat surfaces.

2. Security Torx Head

Often used in electronics, a security Torx head screwdriver is the right tool for tightening any type of security screw.

They are also excellent for handling older model automobiles where the screws are most likely metric. 

This type of screwdriver has an outer ring that must be turned clockwise. To loosen the driver bit's grip on the shaft.

3. Hex Head

You may have noticed many different types of screwdrivers heads with unique features. The hex head screwdriver has a hexagonal-shaped head that works best.

When the head has to slip into a confined space or has to torque hard to get the job done. While this type is good for most screws, it is not so good at prying things open.

Use one with a slotted/fluted tip for precision work in tight spaces. Use one with serrated edges if you're having trouble getting the blade to bite on whatever it is you're working on.

4. Square Socket Drive Head

There are several different types of screwdrivers heads. One type is a square socket drive head. Which has three round points on the end that you can use to twist the screws into the head. 

However, the teeth in this type of screwdriver head should be matched with a screw bit designed for use together. It should be used on screws with flat, square ends or slots. 

Moreso, some examples of these would be carriage bolts, washers, nuts, wingnuts, and hexagonal-headed screws.

You could also use it on hexagon nuts if they were stripped out from over-tightening.

5. Insulated Screwdrivers

One of the different types of screwdrivers heads that are more popular in construction is the insulated screwdriver.

These types have insulated blades to protect you from electrical shock when using them on energized circuits. 

However, the metal-on-metal contact can create a dangerous, high-voltage arc. And which will not only burns the metal but can cause serious injury if contacted with bare skin. 

Since an insulated screwdriver does not make contact with live wires. It can be used to work with lights, heating panels, and other equipment for longer periods without endangering anyone's safety.

6. Torque Screwdrivers

A torque screwdriver applies an adjustable amount of torque to the screw head. This is done by turning a dial on the tool to set the desired torque. And which then activates a ratchet mechanism within the handle. 

Moreso, the advantage of this screwdriver is that you can apply a consistent, controlled amount of pressure. That is to ensure maximum grip without damaging or stripping the head. 

Although they are usually more expensive than traditional screwdrivers. They last longer and generally have other features like built-in levels.

Also, magnetic tips for easy placement in hard-to-reach places and LED lights for high visibility in low-light environments.

7. Flathead Screwdriver

A flathead screwdriver is one of the most popular different types of screwdrivers heads. This is used for attaching things that need to fit tight, like furniture legs. 

However, a typical flathead driver features a rubber handle that will give the operator a better grip on the tool.

They are also handy when it comes to removing pesky bits of caked-on food from between your teeth.

8. Tri-Wing Screwdriver

A tri-wing screwdriver is the most commonly used type out of the different types of screwdrivers heads.

These screwdrivers come in many sizes but are most commonly found in an international size with a slightly wider head.

It can be used to tighten or loosen a screw that is not damaged by corrosion. 

However, one common use for this type of screwdriver is removing laptop keyboards. It is also a good idea to have one on hand when you need to make adjustments to electrical outlets.

And as it may be necessary to unscrew cover plates and protective elements from the faceplates.

When looking for a good model, check titanium handles that won't leave marks on the screws you are working with.

9. Magnetic Screwdrivers

Unlike conventional screwdrivers, a magnetic screwdriver is helpful for keeping track of screws.

When using a standard screwdriver, you'll have to put them on the ground or in your mouth.

Magnetic drivers can be attached to metal surfaces so that you don't lose sight of them if they roll away. 

However, there are different shapes and sizes to fit different screws. So it's important to know what size screwdriver will work best with the type of task at hand.

10. Precision Screwdrivers

Slot screwdrivers can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. But typically feature a metal shaft that tapers from top to bottom with a chisel-shaped tip at the end. 

However, the front edge of the shaft usually features one or more rectangular slots. That allows for fastening metal objects together, as seen in assembly lines worldwide.

Doctors commonly use slot screwdrivers to repair broken bones. So they are ideal when working with small screws or moving hardware into place on your motherboard.

11. Electric Screwdrivers and Impact Drivers

There are many different types of screwdrivers heads. Some are used with electric screwdrivers, while others with impact drivers. Both electric screwdrivers and impact drivers are very useful in the right situation.

Moreso, Impact drivers generate a hammering motion when driven into a surface. And which provides a stronger twisting force to loosen or tighten bolts on harder surfaces.

Electric screwdrivers can have variable speeds for precise control when driving screws into softer surfaces such as drywall. 

Also, the variable speed helps you not over-tighten any screws. You may drive too far into the surface when the drill stops suddenly.

12. Pozidriv Screwdriver

A Pozidriv screwdriver is a long-handled screwdriver with a thin, pointed blade. Which is the perfect shape for tightening Philips screws. 

However, this type of screwdriver will always be compatible with other Pozidriv screwdrivers.

Because the slot that the blade fits into will have ridges in it. So you'll know if you're turning in the right direction. 

Moreso, the head of this type of screwdriver also has six pointy tips on it. Which makes it perfect for when you need to remove a nail. Or anything else stuck between two boards or pieces of furniture.

Therefore, these tips allow you to get into all corners without resistance. They also help give leverage so you can use less pressure when turning those stubborn screws.

13. Triangle Torx Head

A Torx screw head is a 6-point star shape with cuts into the center to prevent it from turning.

A Torx screwdriver head is compatible with other Phillips, flat-head, and hex head screws. But only a special wrench can be used to apply torque.

The driving engagement is typically 20% more than standard square drive screws. So less torque is required on the screwdriver to drive the fastener home. 

Moreso, a Torx Plus head has an extended shank for use in tight spaces. That would otherwise allow the drive shaft to bind in the hole of a typical fastener head.

Conclusion

I found that one of the most common different types of screwdrivers heads is Phillips. It is typically cross-shaped and has a triangular tip.

The benefits of this type are that it does not slip out like others when working with screws. It will be much faster to use and cause less wear to the screw, making it last longer. 

Therefore, if you do not have any Phillips heads around your house, try using a flathead screwdriver.

Because they will fit into very small spaces, which may be helpful in some situations where space is limited.