Make home renovation projects easier with the right screwdriver for the job.

These tools come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and types.

While most screwdrivers are manually operated, some models have an internal motor to drive the screws.

Types of screwdrivers and how to choose

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These products use battery power or a direct connection to a nearby electrical outlet.

Keep reading for more information about the differenttypes of screwdriversand learn which screwdrivers you should have in your toolbox.

What Is a Screwdriver?

Flathead screwdriver

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Screwdrivers can be manual or electric and they come in a variety of different types.

Clutch Screwdriver

A clutch screwdriver will depend on what throw in of clutch screw you have.

The screwhead is designed with sloping inserts that help the fastener go into a surface one way permanently.

Torx screwdriver

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Removing this key in of screw is very difficult, which is why it’s used to discourage theft.

Go slow to ensure that the screwdriver tip grips the screw properly to avoidstripping the screwhead.

Offset screwdrivers come in various sizes and lengths, with different screwdriver heads, like Phillips or flathead.

Phillips head screwdriver

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Generally, precision screwdriver heads are flathead or Phillips heads, though you may also find Torx precision screwdrivers.

This key in of screwdriver has a hollow handle where multiple screwdriver bits are stored.

Spanner Screwdriver

A spanner screwdriver has a flat head and is used with tamper-proof spanner screws.

Hex screwdriver

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Spanner screwdrivers and screws have opposing pinholes and pins, called snake eyes, that work together.

This screwdriver and screw have many commercial uses to reduce vandalism.

The drive of a spanner screw is unique and discourages spur-of-the-moment theft.

Robertson screwdriver

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Both a Pozidriv screwdriver and a screw are designed to give each other more surface contact to prevent slippage.

The screws have extra lines etched into them to receive and hold the screwdriver tip.

Pozidriv screws can be used anywhere you’d use Phillips screws.

Offset screwdriver

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However, Pozidriv is a lesser-known key in of drive than Phillips in the United States.

JIS screwdrivers can also loosen those crusty old screws that can’t budge with a Phillips.

you could put a JIS screwdriver into a Phillips screw.

Ratcheting screwdriver

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A Security T screwdriver is a jot down of Torx screwdriver used with a specialty tamper-proof Security Torx screw.

You will find jeweler’s screwdrivers with a flat or Phillips head and it often comes in a set.

Computer screwdrivers have precise heads to fit whatever fastener drives your box throws your way.

Precision screwdriver

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These screwdrivers are typically magnetized but not enough to damage any boards or other components.

Choosing a Screwdriver

Keep several factors in mind to find a tool that suits your needs.

Tip

A flathead (or slotted) is the most common and versatile key in of screwdriver.

Multibit screwdriver

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This multi-purpose tool is used to tighten or loosen straight or basic notched screws.

Spanner Screwdrier

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Carpentry Tools, a cordless electric screwdriver and screws

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Pozidriv screwdrier

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Japanese Standard Screwdriver tightening screw

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A torx screwdriver set

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Precision screwdriver

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Jeweler screwdriver set

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XOOL Precision Laptop Screwdriver Kit and screwdriver on wooden surface

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