Parts of a Screwdriver (Explained with Pictures)
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Screwdrivers are incredibly versatile tools that look like very simple ones. You insert the tip into a screw, turn it, and, depending on your motion, it either goes in deeper or comes out. But it’s a bit more complicated than that. When you’re in the market for a new screwdriver set, make sure you get the right tool to maximize the success you have with it. That means knowing the different parts of a screwdriver and how they fit together.
The parts:
1. Head
The head is the screwdriver’s tip. It’s what you insert into the screw or nut that you attach a component to for versatility. This is also the most important part of the screwdriver. Getting it right will determine whether you have the right tool for the job or whether you need to run to the hardware store to avoid stripping more screw heads.
2. Head type
Traditional screwdrivers are used for basic slotted screws. Later on came a more refined crosshead, which is usually known as a Phillips head screwdriver. There are a variety of different heads on the market for a wide range of uses, from woodworking to advanced consumer electronics like phones.
3. Handle
There’s not a lot of description necessary for what a screwdriver handle is. It’s the part that you hold on to. Screwdrivers with molded plastic handles tend to be a little longer-lasting and stronger than handles made of wood. The wood ones are old school, and most screwdriver sets are made from synthetic materials.
4. Ferrule
Between the handle and the shank on some screwdrivers is the ferrule. It’s a little metal cup in the handle that holds the shank in place. The bottom line is that screwdrivers with ferrules are a bit stronger than screwdrivers that are just molded plastic around a metal shank.
5. Shank
A screwdriver’s shank is the thin rod of metal between the handle and the head. On most screwdrivers, it’s a very straightforward piece of metal. However, some screwdriver sets allow you to swap out shanks of different length for greater versatility. Even more common are shanks with openings at the top where you can slip in whatever kind of head you need.
Conclusion
Most screwdriver parts are pretty self-explanatory. However, it’s still useful to understand what they do, especially if you’re in the market for a tool that is as versatile as possible. Knowing the different parts will help you get the right toolset for your needs and pack as much possibility into as small a frame as you can.
