Screwdrivers

Last Updated on June 20, 2026 by Stewart

Screwdrivers are a tool that should be present in every house due to how much they are used.

This can range from basic applications such as tightening a door handle, to more in depth tasks such as building flat pack furniture.

There are several forms of screwdriver on the market which come in at different price points to suit a wide array of budgets and needs. At the heart of it though, screwdrivers all have the same features.

Universal Screwdriver Features

All screwdrivers will have the same core features:

• The Handle: This is where the user will grip onto the screwdriver. They come in various lengths depending on their use. Generally, standard length handles will be used, but for tighter spaces, a stubby screwdriver can be utilised.
• The Shaft: This is a steel rod/bar that connects the handle to the tip.
• The bit/tip: This is the part of the screwdriver that makes contact with the screw so that it can be removed or inserted into the object of choice. There are various types of screw and bit available, such as Phillips, Pozidriv (Pozi), Flat head,  Torx and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard)

Different Types of Screwdriver

There are four main types of screwdrivers that you can choose from.

• Fixed design screwdrivers- Originally, screwdrivers came with a fixed head/tip. This meant that you could only use that screwdriver for one size and type of screw. These are still available to purchase on the market, and also a great option for any tool box.
  
  
• Multi bit screwdrivers -These work by having a fixed handle and shaft, but the user can swap the bit out so that it can be used on a variety of different screw sizes and bits. This saves on space and also cost when compared to having individual screwdrivers. The downside of this is that if you lose the bit, you can’t use the screwdriver for a specific need until you find the bit, or buy a new one.
  
  
• Ratchet Screwdrivers- These can also swap out their bits, but also have a ratchet mechanism in them as well. The benefit of this is that the task can be carried out more efficiently as well as causing less hand strain and therefore fatigue. However, these are more expensive than multi bit and fixed design screwdrivers. I have compiled a list of the best ratchet screwdrivers, and these are available at this page.
  
  
• Electric screwdriver- These can also swap out their bits so that the user can use it on a variety of different screws. The benefit of electronic screwdrivers is that they can carry out the task much quicker than a manual one. The downside of electronic screwdrivers is that they are the most expensive available, and also require charging before they can be used.
  My favourite electronic screwdrivers can be found at this page. I have also written a review of the Bosch Go 3 Electric Screwdriver and you can find it, here.

Choosing The Right Size

Regardless of the form of screwdriver that is chosen, it’s important to use the proper size and also type. For example, using a Phillips head screwdriver on a JIS screw is a sure fire way to strip the head from it. Similarly, using a bit that is too big for the screw will result in damage to the head of the screw, making it much more challenging to remove it.

High quality screwdrivers and bits should always be used. It limits the potential for cam out which is the head/bit skipping out of the screw.

The size of the users’ hands are also an important factor; for those that have large hands, continuously using smaller drivers, (including stubby screwdrivers) can cause hand fatigue and pain. It is therefore important to choose the right size to ensure user safety and to preserve the head of the screw.

I have developed a tool that will help you choose the right kind of bit for your screw of choice: