It would be very difficult to find an American household that did not have at least one screwdriver. Perhaps the most ubiquitous of hand tools, the screwdriver has a long genealogy, the result of a complicated manufacturing process. Archimedes is considered to have invented the screw in the third century B.C. , though his invention was designed to transfer motion (as in the continuous worm of a worm and gear assembly) rather than to fasten things together.
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By the first century B.C. , large wooden screws were used in presses for producing wine and olive oil, and were turned with spikes stuck into or through a handle that resembled a modern corkscrew used for opening wine bottles, although larger. These were made of wood with a flat rather than a pointed end, and a container to hold the material being pressed.
Metal screws and nuts seem to have been used as fasteners in the fifteenth century, although the heads of these screws were turned with a wrench and not a screwdriver—the screw heads were either square or hexagonal. Screws with slots in their heads were found in armor in the following century, although the design of the tool used to work the screws, the screwdriver, is unknown.
The modern screwdriver descends directly from a flat-bladed bit used in a carpenter's brace circa . Woodworkers were using hand screwdrivers in the early s, and they became more common after , when machines made the automatic production of screws possible. These early screwdrivers were flat throughout the length of their shaft; the current design of a rounded bar that is flattened or shaped only at the working end makes the tool much stronger and takes advantage of the round wire used in its manufacture. The oldest and most common type of screwdriver is the slotted screwdriver, which fits a screw with a single slot in the head. There are perhaps thirty different types of screwdrivers available today in a variety of sizes, all with different purposes and all designed to fit into special screws.
The second most widely used screwdriver, the "Phillips," was invented in the late s by Henry Phillips. Soon after its introduction, the tool posed a dilemma for its user—the head of the driver pulls away from the screw as it is fastened, or "cam-out," leading to stripped screw heads and assemblies that are difficult to take apart. However, cam-out became a virtue; the screws were meant to be driven with a power tool, and the assembler would know that the screw was completely driven when his power tool slid out of the screw head. A screw head that could accept the greater torque (turning power) of a power tool was an advantage over hand-turned, slotted screw heads. Today, manufacturers are producing or gearing up production of Phillips screwdrivers that eliminate cam-out. Possible solutions (although details of some systems are company secrets) focus on the angle of the edges that fit into the Phillips screw, or using a better gripping material to coat or plate the screwdriver tip.
The torx screwdriver, widely used for automobile repair and other applications, was designed to take the torque that a Phillips screw can while eliminating the cam-out problem. It has six edges in a star pattern on its flat point, and fits flat into the screw head.
It is not unusual to find torx drivers sold in a set with slotted and Phillips screwdrivers.Other types of screwdrivers have been designed for special uses, and a well-stocked hardware store will have slotted, Phillips, torx, Robertson (a square shaft that fits into a corresponding square cut out in the head of the screw), and other more obscure types of screwdrivers. Some screwdrivers have not found a ready market, such as one that was designed to fit into special screws that have slots both on the top of the screw and on the side of the screw head, with corresponding grippers on the point of the screwdriver. There are so many screwdrivers and types of screws available that even a high quality of design innovation is overcome by consumer resistance to purchasing new types of screwdrivers and corresponding screws.
The raw materials for most screwdrivers are very basic: steel wire for the bar and plastic (usually cellulose acetate) for the handle. In addition, the steel tips are generally plated with nickel or chromium.
Making a flat-tip or slotted screwdriver is not very different than making any other configuration. Variations between a flat-tip and a Phillips screwdriver will be discussed later in this entry.
Other models might be assembled on hydraulic presses, three at a time. The least expensive models are assembled six at a time on one machine and placed by robot on a skin card machine that packages the screwdrivers for mass-market sale.
Consumer Reports magazine found, in tests, that the type of finish had little effect on the quality of screwdrivers, although most of their tested screwdrivers were plated. Poor-quality plating, on the other hand, might indicate that not enough care was paid to the tool in the manufacturing process. Similarly, poor-quality grinding can lead to rounded edges and corners which will not be as efficient as they could be; a tip that was burned during the grinding process may not be as hard as it should be.
Hoffman, E. Fundamentals of Tool Design. T/C Publications, .
Pollack, Herman W. Tool Design. Prentice Hall, .
Self, Charles R. Fasten It. TAB Books, .
Watson, Aldren A. Hand Tools: Their Ways and Workings. Portland House, .
Bailey, Jeff. "Does Henry Phillips, Bane of Handymen, Really Rest in Peace?" Wall Street Journal, September 15, , p. 4.
"Screwdrivers," Consumer Reports. January, , pp. 44-7.
Kinghorn, Bob. "The New Age of Screwdriving," Family Handyman. October, , p. 12.
Pierson, John. "Screwdriver Redesign Aims to Lock Out Slips," Wall Street Journal. January 22, , pp. 1-2.
Yeaple, Frank. "Zinc's Properties Enhance Hand Tool's Producibility," Design News. January 22, , p. 115.
— Lawrence H. Berlow
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If you’re a pro electrician, you must use a screwdriver daily. While you’re on the job, you must have the right size screwdriver to complete different tasks. If you’re an amateur, how do you know what size screwdrivers do electricians need?
Before we get into the subject’s details, let’s first learn a little more about screwdrivers. In this article, you will learn about the different types of screwdrivers and their uses. You will also learn how manufacturers make them. Let’s dig in!
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A screwdriver is a tool that enables you to remove or put in screws into a designated spot with ease. Have you ever tried to insert a screw with your bare hands? Tightening it must have been impossible! Through the turning of a handle on the screwdriver, you can remove or insert screws fast.
This is why we need screwdrivers; they help us to remove or insert screws.
The turning motion of a screwdriver will depend on what you need to do. For instance, a clockwise movement tightens the screw and anti-clockwise loosens it. Most screwdrivers have insulated handles made of plastic. They come in comfortable designs that you can hold.
They are usually made in a design that allows you utmost control. There are many different types of screwdrivers. They come in various shapes and sizes. Some are specific for electrical work and there are those you can use on general types of jobs.
Read on to learn about the different types of screwdrivers.
Electricians use two types of screwdrivers: a Phillips Screwdriver and a flathead screwdriver. You will use insulated screwdrivers in the form of Phillips or flathead screwdrivers.
The flathead screwdriver (slotted screwdriver) has it’s origins in 15th century Europe. It has a flatted shaft tip, so you can only use this screwdriverwith slotted head screws. Electricians use the 5.5mm and 8mm wide flathead screwdrivers. You can use a flathead screwdriver on its own or with a power tool. Even though using it with a power-driven device is easy, you will need to pay attention while working. The screwdriver can move out of the power tool if you slip or apply a lot of pressure. This method is risky as the you can hurt yourself while working.
The flared screwdriver has a tip with a flattened shape. Its edge is broader than the shaft.
The edge of this slotted screwdriver has an equal width to its shaft. This allows it to remain stable on the screw head’s surface.
The most significant advantage of the Phillips screwdriver is that it will help you save time. You will work faster as compared to when working with other screwdrivers. They have rounded tips that allow them to have a non-slip function.
The shape of the Pozidriv screwdriver is like the Phillips screwdriver. The most visible difference is that the Pozidriv screwdriver bears two cross signs. This makes it an excellent choice for tasks that need high torque while tightening. Pozidriv screwdrivers don’t tend to cam out as compared to the Phillips head.
Always keep an insulated screwdriver for electric work in your tool bag, tool beltor your tool backpack.The insulated screwdriver protects trades people, linesmen, and electricians. These are all people who work close to electricity or electrical applications. There are jobs that need you to work near live electrical parts. Always ensure that you have insulated screwdrivers with you.
Insulated screwdrivers have rubber or plastic coatings that protect you. The rubber will prevent electricity from passing through. A good electricians’ screwdriver will come with voltage ratings. These ratings tell you how much electricity a screwdriver can absorb without putting you at risk.
Most insulated screwdrivers have a rating of 1,000 volts. If you’re not working near electricity, you don’t need an insulated screwdriver. A non-insulated screwdriver can help you with the task you only need it if you’re working near an electrical application. ALL electricians MUST carry the insulated screwdrivers at ALL times during a job.
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If the question on your mind is “how are screwdrivers made?” read on to find out. A screwdriver may look simple, but it isn’t easy to manufacture. In the past, the manufacturing of screwdrivers was manual, and they had wooden handles.
But, the industry has caught up to technology trends. Enterprises can now mass-produce screwdrivers. There are many industries that manufacture screwdriver parts. Let’s look at the manufacturing process of screwdrivers.
At the start of the manufacturing line, the factory processes raw steel. It then turns it into a .375 diameter bar. Next, there’s straightening of the wire and cutting it into appropriate lengths. A layer of Chromium or Nickel coats the bar to ensure it’s corrosion-resistant.
One of the materials that make up screwdriver handles is cellulose acetate. It goes to the factory in powder form. Then, manufacturers mix cellulose acetate with a plasticizer. The result is a thick material, which becomes the handle.
Manufacturers add different colors into this substance to create different looks. Finally, the handles then go through a washing and drying process.
During the assembly, the manufacturer forces the steel bar into its handle. For added firmness and safety, they also do branding on the handles with a hot stamp.
Your screwdriver has two parts: the handle and the drive.
The handle is the part of the screwdriver that you hold while working. As we mentioned earlier, it’s made of plastic or rubber material. The grip on the rubber material allows you to apply the right pressure while working. Depending on the application of the handle, it can be a precision one or a regular one.
Screwdrivers come in many handle sizes. The larger the handle, the more torque you will apply on the screw. Larger screwdrivers are heavier and bulkier than smaller ones. Shorter screwdrivers have larger handles. The torque produced by a screwdriver is higher if:
– The handle is bigger
– The screwdriver is long
Manufacturers make up for the lack of torque in smaller screwdrivers by making them with larger handles.
One of the factors you need to consider when choosing a screwdriver is how comfortable the handle is. If the handle is uncomfortable, it’ll be hard to hold onto and heavy. A screwdriver handle should be light, easy to grip, and comfortable.
A screw drive is the tip of a screwdriver. You might need a large flathead screwdriver or a Phillips screw. Whichever you choose, you must ensure that you have the right one for the job. Even though your screwdriver can turn a screw that it doesn’t match, you shouldn’t use it.
Always use the correct screwdriver, or you’ll damage the screw head. Some screwdrivers come with a detachable drive. This allows you to carry your tools around much easier. Instead of carrying around many screwdrivers, you can take drives that are easy to remove.
Also, you can carry a multi-purpose screwdriver. If you travel a lot and have to bring your tool bag, this is the best option. Also, it’s much cheaper to buy detachable screwdrivers than a full set. If you’re a pro or a serious DIYer, it’s better to go for a screwdriver set. They’re of higher quality and are much stronger.
A screwdriver also has a blade and a shank. The shank is the long part that connects the tip and the handle. You will sometimes see it running into the handle to ensure that it’s more durable.
The blade and the tip of the screwdriver have almost similar functions. But, the most significant difference between the two is that the blade holds the tip.
There are different materials used to make screwdrivers. But, the most common ones are chromium, nickel, and steel wires. The base component of a screwdrivers steel bar is a steel wire. They are usually .375 inches thick. The factory makes use of industrial machines to ensure the size of the wire is correct.
Chromium is the most popular material for the creation of stainless steel screwdrivers. It is used for the manufacture of professional, high-end tips for a screwdriver. The reason for this is that it is exceptional at rust and discoloration resistance.
Manufacturers use nickel to coat the screwdriver. It has excellent protective properties that few materials can match up to. Manufacturers make screwdrivers with trades people in mind. It is vital for manufacturers to ensure that they are always safe to use. Using nickel reduces your risk of getting shocked by an electrical current.
A screwdriver is an essential tool for an electrician and can be expensive to buy. It is vital that you maintain and store yours in the best way possible. You can keep your screwdrivers away from other tools, hang them on a wall, or place them on a high shelf. You can either choose to DIY your storage solution or go for finished products.
Finished products for screwdriver storage include:
– Buckets
– Boxes
– Tool belts
– Chests
– Tool cabinets.
Manufactures always ensure that these products are compact. These items usually have enough space to allow you to store your tools in the best way possible.
A good example of finished products is tool chests. They come with many drawers, which you can label. These drawers allow you to arrange and store screwdrivers according to their use. They also help you arrange them in their respective shapes, and sizes. Tool buckets and boxes allow for tool storage in different spaces.
If you’re an avid DIYer, you should make shelves and storage containers for your screwdrivers. Get online and check out one of the many videos that’ll show you how to make an excellent screwdriver holder.
DIY storage options are usually plastic. The best way to store these containers is to hang them from a shelf or a wall. This allows you to look through all the compartments fast and pick what you need.
The inventor of the screwdriver and the exact date of its invention aren’t known. But, there are many speculations on its origins. One such claim is that the screwdriver made its first debut in France or Germany in .
Currently, P.L. Robertson receives credit for being the first person to patent the idea. He is also recognized for commercializing the screwdriver design. But, we cannot applaud him as the real inventor for the screwdriver.
Robertson screwdrivers are popular and used by many. There are other contributors to how a screwdriver is being used today. Some of them expanded on the idea and made the tool unique. A good example is the screwdriver electrical used by tradesmen.
Henry Phillips patented the design of head screws 28years after Robertson patented his. There was significant demand for Henry’s screws hence his decision to patent them. At the time, many car assembly lines required screws. The screws he made were compatible with the screwdrivers used in the assembly lines. Due to this, they were very popular and he made good sales.
Are you still asking, “What size screwdrivers do electricians need?” There are many different kinds of screwdrivers on the market. But, if you’re an electrician, there are screwdriver sizes you will need for most jobs. These include the 4mm for spurs/socket outlets and the 3mm for switches and light fittings. You also need the pozi 6.5mm and 2mm for DB’s. These are the main ones, but you will accumulate other sizes to ensure your toolbox is perfect. What size of screwdriver’s do you carry along for your jobs? Which one can’t you do without?
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