How Many Sizes of Screwdrivers Are There?

If we can bet on one tool that is a must-have in every home, it’s a screwdriver, since it’s employed to turn diverse forms of screw heads. This helpful tool has a head, a shaft and a holder for an easy grip. It operates on a rotating mechanism and helps with small everyday tasks. These tools are pretty handy and can help with turning a screw, opening a paint can and even opening a locked window.

Nonetheless, you can’t use the same screwdrivers for every task at hand since screws not only vary in their head shapes but also in their sizes. We’ll be listing down the basic types of screwdrivers and the sizes they are available in to help you brush up on your knowledge of these turning tools. Let’s get started!

Flathead Screwdrivers

These are one of the most common to be identified by their flattened wedge-shaped blade on the top. These range in size from 0.06 inches to around 0.3 inches, with the possibility of finding larger or smaller ones in the market. Additionally, this size refers to the width of the blades, and if there is a second width, it is the length of the screwdriver shaft.

The base or handle can be made of wood, rubber or even plastic and the material doesn’t make that much of a difference as long as it offers a good grip. These can be used on flat head screws, although they tend to slip, so ensure a strong grip and slowly rotate. Opening cans of paint is a breeze thanks to these bad boys.

Phillips’s Head

Incorrectly labeled as star-shaped screwdrivers, these are actually cruciform-shaped. The sizes vary and usually range from 000 to a size three. These are tighter than flatheads, and their chances of slipping are way less than their flat-headed counterparts.

Pozi Screwdriver

The  Pozi head screwdriver is the upgraded version of the Phillips’s head that is also available in many sizes, usually mentioned on particular screw packs. The difference between this type and the previous one is the additional ribs between each side of the head. Unfortunately, a Phillips head can be used with Pozi screws but not vice versa, making it a type with limited usage.

Torx Screwdrivers

A Torx head is a more specialized form of tool head and has a rounded 6-point blade. This type is used in a wide variety of electronics and automobiles where a tighter grip is required. It has specialized screws and is also only available in specific sizes.

Electrical Screwdrivers

Ever seen a screwdriver with a sheet-covered shaft? These are more commonly known as electric screwdrivers. A rubber or plastic sheath minimizes the chances of electronic shocks. Other than that, they are pretty similar to common screwdrivers.

Other Screwdrivers

Precision drivers are miniature or small-sized versions of the more common drivers used for smaller screws. You may also have a hex head or a bit holder which can hold screwdriver bits and is available in common shapes and sizes.

Wrapping It Up

Screwdrivers may be a very common tool, but each type is available in multiple sizes. For that, they are commonly distinguished by the type of head and then the size, which helps you find the ideal fit for your screws.