The electrician requires varied sizes of screwdrivers depending on the stage of usage and the size of the product. You’ll need a terminal block screwdriver, which comes in a variety of sizes. You should utilize 0.6 mm x 3.5 mm as typical size or on rare occasions, use 0.4 mm x 2.5 mm. The smaller flat bit is more appropriate for terminal blocks on VFDs and other devices than for DIN rail-mounted terminal blocks.
You should also have several sizes of screwdrivers such as 3mm, 4mm, 5.5mm, 8mm, and 10mm in your luggage. Although these screwdrivers aren’t used very often, it has been a lifesaver on a few occasions.
Furthermore, toolboxes of various sizes are available to fulfill all task requirements, such as Magnetic Screwdriver Set with Case or XOOL Professional Screwdriver Set with Case with 42-piece magnetic screwdriver set consists of 8 Conventional screwdrivers, 6 Precision Screwdriver and 25 screwdriver bits.
What is a Screwdriver?
A screwdriver is a tool that allows you to increase the speed with which your hands revolve. Its primary role is to make the process of removing screws easier.
If you’ve ever tried to remove a screw with just your hand, you’ll understand what I mean. A screwdriver allows you to quickly insert and remove screws by twisting the screwdriver’s handle.
Depending on whether you wish to tighten or loosen the screw, the turning action might be either clockwise or counterclockwise. The screw loosens anticlockwise (Lefty Lucy) and tightens clockwise (Righty Tighty).
Screwdrivers are available in a variety of forms and sizes. Some screwdrivers are intended for general usage, while others are intended for a specific purpose (such as an insulated screwdriver, which is a crucial part of any electrical tools list).
Types of Screwdrivers
Hex Key Screwdriver
A fairly odd screwdriver type, yet one that has grown in popularity in recent years. The tip of this screwdriver is shaped like a six-sided (hexagonal) shank, as the name indicates.
The hex key may not be a typical screwdriver, but rather an L-shaped six-sided metal with no handle or tip that is often supplied with packed furniture. This hex key is also known as an Allen key or Allen wrench.
There are, however, hex keys in screwdriver shape that can fit hex-head screws ranging in size from 0.03 to 3/8. This screwdriver has a larger shank and a more ergonomic grip than the Allen key version.
Although hex bits and screws are more commonly found in furniture and vehicles (such as bicycles), some electrical equipment requires a hex key for maintenance.
Torx Screwdriver
Torx screwdrivers are commonly referred to as star screwdrivers because their heads are fashioned like a 6-point recessed star. Torx drives were initially intended solely for use in security appliances and equipment, with the star-shaped heads offering extremely high torque tolerances.
It is ideal for applications requiring slippage resistance, such as wood-to-concrete applications, structural framing, and so on. They have, however, increased in popularity in a variety of commercial-grade electrical equipment.
Robertson Screwdriver
Because the Robertson screw heads are formed like recessed squares, they are commonly referred to as square heads. It became quite popular in Canada, where it was created in the early 1900s. When compared to other kinds, the Robertson head has the largest torque tolerance and is also highly robust.
Although square head tips are still not widely used in the United States and other areas of the world, they are commonly included in screwdriver sets. Robertson screw heads have grown in popularity in recent years, so we may anticipate more usage outside of Canada in the near future.
Flathead Screwdriver
The flathead (or slotted) screwdriver was created in Europe during the 15th century. Because of the flattened shaft tip, it can only be used with slotted screw heads. This style of screwdriver is most commonly available in 5.5mm and 8mm widths.
A slotted screwdriver can be used manually or in conjunction with a power-driven instrument. The power-driven approach demands less physical labor but greater attention. This is because if you don’t apply the proper amount of pressure, the screwdriver will easily fall out. As a result, the power-driven strategy is the more hazardous approach. The tip is prone to movement since it is flat.
Flat screwdrivers are classified into two types: flared slotted and parallel slotted.
Parallel Slotted Screwdriver
The edge of a parallel driver is the same width as the shaft. This keeps them from sliding off the screw head’s surface.
Phillips Screwdriver
The most significant advantage of this kind is that it helps users to do tasks precisely and save time. Because of its rounded tip design, the cam-out (slipping) effect is practically non-existent.
Pozidriv Screwdriver
The Pozidriv screwdriver resembles the Phillips screwdriver in form. The primary distinction between the two is that Pozidriv features two cross signs, whereas the. As a result, it’s ideal for tightening applications that need a lot of torque.
The Pozidriv (sometimes written Pozidrive) is an enhanced variant of the Phillips screwdriver. It was created to provide for increased torque and engagement when using a Phillips drive. As a result, Pozidriv screwdrivers are less prone to come out than Phillips heads.
Insulated Screwdriver
An insulated screwdriver is a screwdriver meant to protect electricians, linemen, and other tradespeople who operate in close proximity to electricity. As a result, it is frequently referred to as an electrician’s screwdriver. When working with live conductive parts, insulated screwdrivers are necessary.
If the conductive metal screwdriver tip comes into touch with electricity, the insulated plastic or rubber covering protects you.
The greatest electrician screwdrivers also have extra voltage ratings that define how much electricity they can take without passing it on to people who come into touch with the handle. A professional insulated screwdriver is typically rated at approximately 1,000 volts.
You don’t need an insulated screwdriver if you’re not operating near electricity. A less expensive non-insulated screwdriver will suffice. However, if you’re an electrician, an insulated screwdriver is a must-have in your toolbox.
Flared Slotted Screwdriver
A flared driver’s tip has a flattened form because the shaft is thinner than the edge.
How to make a screwdriver
Even though the finished product appears simple, the production process of a screwdriver is extremely complicated. Most screwdrivers used to be made of wood, which meant that they were totally handcrafted. Fortunately, the industry has progressed to the point where everything is now mass-produced.
There are now several factories that utilize industrial machinery to manufacture each screwdriver element. Following that, the pieces are sent to the assembly line, where the product is finished and ready for sale.
The Steel Bar
The raw steel is processed by industrial machinery into a.375 inches (diameter) bar at the plant. Furthermore, the metal is annealed by the producers to get the desired tensile strength. The wire is then straightened and trimmed to the appropriate length. Finally, to achieve complete corrosion resistance, the steel bar is enameled in nickel or chromium.
The Handle
One of the major components of a screwdriver handle is cellulose acetate. The material is delivered in powder form to the factory, where it is processed. They use a large mixer to combine a liquid plasticizer with the powder. As a result, they acquire a thick material that would constitute the majority of the handle later on.
The material is then fed into an extruder. This is the stage at which producers combine multiple colors to create a distinctive aesthetic. The handles are frequently dried and washed as the last process. stance.
Assembly
The term is rather self-explanatory. After the manufacturers have completed each production step, all that remains is for them to assemble the pieces. The difficulty of the assembly is approximately proportional to the tool’s quality. It might be incredibly quick or extremely sluggish.
The assembly line is made up of numerous horizontal assembly machines that push the bar into the handle. The machines mark the handles with a hot stamp to guarantee that everything stays in place. Following that, the factory submits the product for quality check before shipping it.
Who invented the screwdriver?
The precise date and creator of a screwdriver are uncertain. There are several theories as to where the screwdriver originated. According to legend, the original design debuted in Germany (or France) in 1490.
Although he cannot be said to be the true inventor, P.L. Robertson is responsible for the tool’s commercial success. He was the first to decide to market and patent the concept. Screwdrivers marked ‘Robertson’ are now among the most popular and extensively used tools. Later on, numerous other people added on the tool’s concept, making it even more distinctive. More about that in the part that follows.
What are screwdrivers made of?
There are various materials available to producers when it comes to making screwdrivers. Steel wires, chromium, and nickel are frequently used in the manufacture of screwdrivers.
A steel wire serves as the foundation of a screwdriver’s steel bar. Steel wires with a diameter of at least.375 inches are used in the manufacture. Furthermore, industrial equipment is used to pull the steel wire till it is the correct size for the steel bar.
Stainless steel is frequently used by screwdriver makers. They only use it when they want to make a high-end professional screwdriver tip. Chromium is extremely resistant to discoloration and rust (corrosion).
Nickel is used by the makers to form the screwdriver’s coating. That material’s defensive qualities are unrivaled. Because the majority of these screwdrivers are produced for consumers, it is critical that they be safe to use. Nickel, for example, can lower the likelihood of being shocked by an electrical current.
How to store your screwdriver?
Because we know how valuable (and costly) screwdrivers can be, it’s critical to keep them in the best possible condition. They can be kept in a separate box, placed on a shelf, or hung on the wall. You can choose between completed items and do-it-yourself methods. Let’s take a closer look at them.
When it comes to finished items, you have a variety of tool cabinets, chests, boxes, buckets, and even tool belts to select from. These items’ designers are continuously striving to make them as little as possible. The items provide all of the required space for consumers to properly store and organize their equipment.
Tool chests, for example, feature numerous drawers with an open area on the front for a label. The screwdrivers may be readily arranged according to their form, size, and usefulness. Toolboxes and buckets primarily serve as storage for tools and guarantee that everything has a home.
In terms of DIY approaches, you may try making your own storage bins or shelves. There are several internet tutorials that describe how to make a screwdriver holder. These holders are typically made of plastic and may be attached to any wall or shelf. The gadgets essentially dangle from it, allowing users to rapidly browse over everything.
What are the best brands for electrician’s screwdrivers?
As you are aware, there are several brands of household and professional equipment available on the market today. So, which are the best electrical screwdrivers?
With so many diverse alternatives from businesses all around the world, it’s clearly tough to pick just a handful. However, for the sake of this article, here are our top five selections, along with our rationale for each.
Klein Tools
Klein is a power tool manufacturer headquartered in the United States that has been in business since 1857.
Klein provides a diverse selection of tools, including toolsets, multimeters, plumbing tools, different saws, and even telecom gear. Klein provides some of the greatest screwdriver models on the market today, including its extremely popular insulated screwdriver set.
All of its products are built to last and are of great quality, making it a favorite among electricians and power tool users.
Greenlee Tools
Greenlee is an Emerson subsidiary that has been producing various tools for over 150 years.
Greenlee is well-known for its extensive variety of electrical equipment, but it also provides excellent insulated screwdrivers and screwdriver sets for electricians. Greenlee, on the other hand, produced a wide range of power tools, from heavy-duty wire-pullers to hydraulic crimping and cutting tools.
Milwaukee Tools
Milwaukee is another American firm that has been in operation since 1924. Since then, the firm has changed hands several times, most recently being bought by Techtronic Industries in 2005.
Milwaukee provides a wide range of power and construction equipment and is well known for its Sawzall brand, a reciprocating saw tool. Milwaukee is also well-known for producing the Milwaukee Hole Shooter, the world’s first lightweight, 1/4 chuck one-handed drill.
Milwaukee products are well-known for their durability and dependability, even under the most demanding operating conditions.
Dewalt Tools
DeWalt, the last but not least of the American firms on this list, was founded in 1923 by Raymond E. DeWalt, the creator of the radial arm saw.
DeWalt provides a wide selection of tools, both motorized and static, connected and wireless, including screwdrivers, impact drivers, drills, saws, and even laser levels. DeWalt also sells accessories like drill bits and toolboxes, as well as outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers.
Bosch Tools
Bosch is a well-known German firm that has been in operation since 1886.
Bosch is well known for its range of power tools, but it also makes a variety of equipment for home/residential use. Bosch’s tools are more expensive than those of other European companies, but they are undoubted of superior quality.
The firm manufactures anything from screwdrivers to impact drivers to jigsaws, all of which are extremely robust and high-quality.
In Conclusion
Finally, screwdrivers are commonly used tools by electricians, therefore different screwdriver sizes will be utilized depending on the situation. For your convenience, the article has summarized all types of screwdrivers as well as well-known brands of electrician’s tools for you to select from while purchasing.
