Screwdrivers are probably the most common tools used for both home and professional purposes. They come in a wide variety of sizes, from small jeweler’s screwdrivers, and are designed to match the wide variety of screws available.
The screwdriver appears to have originated in France or Germany in the late 15th century. The original name of this tool was screwdriver or rotary screw. Early screwdrivers had pear-shaped wooden handles and were made for slotted screws. Screws were used in the 15th century to build screw-cutting lathes, to secure breastplates, backplates, and helmets in medieval jousting armor. Screwdrivers developed over time as screw development evolved and improved.
In 1908, a Canadian, PL Robertson, while not the first person to patent the idea of socket head screws, was the first person to successfully commercialize them. Socket head screws quickly grew in popularity and remain a favorite with mechanics today for their resistance to wear, their compatibility with hex keys, and their ability to stop a power tool when set. Unfortunately, Robertson was unwilling to give up his patents and as a result ran into difficulties trying to commercialize his invention in the booming auto industry.
Meanwhile, an American, Henry F. Phillips, patented his own improved invention, today known as the Phillips screw. It was a version of a deep recess with a cruciform (arranged in the shape of a cross) that quickly became, and still is, the most popular screw in the world. A main attraction for the screw was that conventional slotted screwdrivers could be used.
Torx, the trademark for a type of screw head characterized by a six-pointed star-shaped pattern, was developed in 1967 by Camcar Textron. The screwdriver used with these screws is sometimes called a Phillips screwdriver. Torx screws are commonly used in automobiles, motorcycles, bicycle brake systems, hard drives, computer systems, and consumer electronics. Initially, they were used in applications that required tamper resistance, as drive systems and screwdrivers were not readily available.
There are many different types of screws and consequently many different types of screwdrivers available today. Slotted, Phillips, and Robertson screwdrivers remain the most popular. From minor household repairs to large construction projects, the need for a good screwdriver set is self-evident. It would be convenient to require only one type, but the variety of screws available for metal and wood make this impossible. If a screwdriver is not the correct size and type for the screw being used, it is very likely that the screw will be damaged in the process of tightening or loosening it.
Screwdrivers can be purchased individually or in sets. Your toolbox or tool drawer should contain at least one pair of flat or slotted screwdrivers, one pair of Phillips screwdrivers, and one pair of Robertson screwdrivers, all in various sizes. A precision screwdriver set and perhaps a small cordless screwdriver with several bits are also great tools to have on hand. Some screwdriver bits are magnetic so the screw remains attached to the screwdriver while the screwdriver is being used. This feature is particularly useful when working with small screws that are normally difficult to handle.
A screwdriver set or cordless screwdriver can be an inexpensive but useful gift for someone starting out on their own. Both men and women can make use of these tools for a variety of tasks, from simply tightening existing screws around the house, installing a ceiling fan, or working on home renovations. Having the right tools for the job is a must. Although it may be tempting, never use screwdrivers as makeshift substitutes for crowbars, crowbars, hole punches, or any other purpose for which they were not designed. Such use can damage the tip or bend the shaft, or injure the user if the driver slips or misfires. Always remember safety first!
