A slotted screwdriver is a tool used to apply torque to screws using a flat tip. Torque is the pressure applied when a device is turned clockwise or counterclockwise into place. This type of tool is designed to fit into slotted screw heads, which feature a single diveted flat impression on top of the screw. The device may be powered manually or by a motor.
The slotted screw design is often used in woodworking and fine jewelry making. The work that occurs in these types of industries is usually performed by hand, allowing the slotted screw to be easily tightened or removed. Other manufacturing industries tend to favor the Phillips head and the Torx® head, among others, both of which perform better when tightened with a power tool. Motorized drills tend to slip easily from slotted screw heads, potentially causing damage to the surrounding surfaces.
3 Slot Phillips Screwdriver
- Slotted screwdrivers work best when they fit appropriately into the slot of the screw. For example, a screw with a head that is ¼-inch wide is not easily turned by a driver only half as wide. Likewise, the thickness of the slot on the screw head should also be matched by the thickness of the tool for best results. Flathead Screwdriver Sizes.
- A Torx T25/slot Dual Drive screw, with a 3 ⁄ 16-inch or 4.8-millimeter flat-blade screwdriver on the left, and a T25 screwdriver on the right. Both screwdrivers can drive this screw, by design. Both screwdrivers can drive this screw, by design.
3 Point Screwdriver Bit
Slotted Bits with Screw Guide. Remove screws in hard-to-reach places. A spring-loaded sleeve guides bits onto the screw head and keeps them from slipping out. Tight-Clearance Slotted Bits. The small-diameter shaft can access screws in narrow recessed holes.
There are two types of slotted screwdriver primarily in use: keystone and cabinet. Keystone screwdrivers have slightly widened blades that narrow towards the flattened end of the driver. Cabinet drivers possess straight edges that form right angles with the blade edge. This type of screwdriver is often used for smaller screw work, like that which can occur in jewelry and watch making.
The slotted screwdriver may be operated manually or by an electric motor. Manual drivers feature a long, cylindrical handle, generally made of plastic, that fits into the palm of the hand. Motorized drivers are typically powered using a rechargeable onboard battery, or by means of an electrical cord that plugs into a socket. The head of this type of drill is typically interchangeable so that multiple driver ends or drilling bits may be used. Most drills are sold with a slotted and a Phillips head, and users may purchase additional bits depending on their personal needs.
Some versions of the slotted screwdriver are designed to perform additional tasks as well. The tester screwdriver, which is shaped identically to the slotted model, can be used to check for an electrical current through exposed wires. The flat headed tip of the driver can be placed against an exposed wire or piece of metal used to secure the wire. When current is running through the circuitry, a light flashes in the handle of the driver, alerting the user that the area is hot. Some tester screwdrivers can also be programmed to indicate whether the current is hot or used for grounding.
3 Prong Screwdriver
A Practical Slotted Screwdriver and Its 3 Benefits
Having a slotted screwdriver will come in handy at any point when you feel like doing some DIY or repairing that broken device or cupboard. While we do get numerous benefits from owning phones, tablets, and computers, these seem to break down quite easily and regularly, and unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars to the official repair service each and every time there is an issue, you better figure out a way to do it on your own. Our recommendation? Go ahead and check out some of the relevant YouTube videos and online articles, instructing you on how to properly open up an electronic device and find the root of the problem.
3 Slot Screwdriver
What will you need for such a task? A screwdriver, a few interchangeable bits, and some of the accessory tools including tweezers, plastic open tool, and a metal spudger. Talking about a proper screwdriver, there are a number of features that it should include too.
First, it is good if it comes with a flexible shaft and an extension that will help you get into those trickier places. Secondly, a magnetic top always comes in handy. Last but not least, a comfortable plastic handle will allow you to work for numerous hours without taking a break due to being tired.
There are a number of different screwdriver types with the slot with the Phillips being the most common traditional options. While these may be used for different heads, the purpose remains the same. In order to figure out which one you need and what the specifics are, we will need to answer the question of what is a slotted screwdriver. Keep reading to find out more.
As we mentioned above, it is one of the most common tools on the DIY market. Probably the first screwdriver known to a man, it is still widely used for fixing electronics and other items as the slotted screw head is present in almost all of these (along with Phillips).
There are numerous synonyms for a slotted screwdriver including a flat-head, common blade, straight, and standard screwdriver. It has been present for over a century, having been first invented as a tool to help with the process of manufacturing car parts.
Once called the flat-head screw turner, there are more than a few different variations within this type of screwdriver. The most common one? The keystone. It is made for heavier use, and adequate for dealing with screw heads that feature more torque.
The design somewhat differs from the original one as it features a tapered top and a flared blade body. On the other hand, if you are looking to do DIY jobs that require you to get into those harder-to-reach places, you may need a cabinet slotted screwdriver that is commonly used by jewelers as well.
In order to make the best-slotted screwdriver, there are a few tips and tricks that the relevant companies employ. The most important one seems to be grinding the top, which allows a better fit and durability.
Still, this doesn’t have to be the case as tapering the end once the screwdriver is already made can prove to be contradictory. Thus, it seems that induction-hardened slotted screwdrivers do best in terms of thickness and durability.
As we mentioned above, there are a few traits that make a slotted screwdriver what it is. Taking into consideration that the slotted one is the most common as well, it should feature those traits.
A proper slotted screwdriver should have a positive gripping action that will allow you to deal with heads that ask for more torquing as well as to reach trickier places. Additionally, as most handles are made out of plastic, you should be looking for comfortable and ergonomic models that fit in your hand properly.
If you ask us, getting a few from the Klein Tools brand is a smart decision — this company has quite a history with slotted screwdrivers and ensures the best quality for the lowest price.
The slotted screwdriver, which was first invented at the beginning of the 20th century, remains the most common repair tool. Thus, it doesn’t come as a surprise that hundreds of tool kits on the market include at least a few of these. Now that you know what it is and what it should feature, it is time to go ahead and find a set that will allow you to make DIY history.