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Big screwdrivers are categorised according to the type of screwdriver head needed for a given screw in tools and hardware. This is based on the size and shape of the screwdriver head. Big screwdrivers are large-sized for turning big screws that are normally used in construction and marine applications, electrical appliances, and automotive applications. Here are the most important types:
This has a head that consists of two intersecting pointed lines. The lines make a cruciform or X-shape. It is suitable for use in furniture from woodworking and carpentry, automotive industries, and hardware and home appliance fixing. The Philips head can drive large screws deeply into surfaces while preventing the screw from camming out or stripping. This makes the Phillips big screwdriver well suited for heavy-duty functions.
This is perhaps the most easily recognised of all screwdrivers due to its basic design. The flat blade is mostly used for slotted screw heads. They find usefulness in such applications as electrical panels, batteries, or any device that uses simple slotted screws. The flathead big screwdriver excels at prying apart pieces or working on oversize screws due to its width.
Also called a star big screwdriver, it has a head that consists of six points that look like a star. It is used mainly in automobile manufacturing and repairs, electronic gadgets, power tools, and more recently, in furniture assembly by some manufacturers. It offers better grip on the screw compared to Phillips or flathead screwdrivers. This reduces the risks of cam-out when driving the screw in, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
It also resembles Phillips but has an additional two notches on the head perpendicular to the primary slots. This gives it a modified X shape. It is used in flooring, construction, and many other applications where an even torque distribution is required. The Pozidriv big screwdriver is more effective than Phillips in preventing cam-out since its second set of notches allows it to grip the screw better.
In choosing a big screwdriver for customers, one advice that will certainly pay off is to know the materials and durability. Generally, there are three common materials used for the blades of screwdrivers. These have different levels of strength and edge-holding capacity.
Carbon steel is a mixture of steel and carbon, which in itself is an alloy of iron and carbon. The addition of carbon to the mix gives the resulting material enhanced toughness and hardness. Carbon steel screwdrivers have excellent wear resistance and are very durable. The downside is that without proper maintenance, they tend to rust over time.
Tool steel is a type of steel that is manufactured purposely to be made into hand tools. It is very hard and tough. Its hardness level can go as high as 60 HRC. Some are even harder and tougher than carbide. All this makes them excellent for use as cutting and shaping tools, including big screwdriver blades. Alloys of tool steel like chrome vanadium and chrome molybdenum are commonly used for manufacturing screwdriver heads.
While tough and hard, tool steel screwdrivers can brittly break if exposed to high impact or sudden force. Just like carbon steel, tool steel can also rust if the tools are not taken care of properly. But toughened varieties are tougher and more impact-resistant than carbon or just your normal steel.
Cobalt steel is a special type of alloy. It contains cobalt and gives the steel heat and wear-resistant properties. Screwdriver blades made from cobalt steel do not lose their hardness even when subjected to high temperatures. They also have good corrosion-resistant properties. This makes them very useful in heavy-duty and industrial applications. At these working environments, wear, heat generation, and stress on tools tend to be high.
In choosing the right big screwdriver for customers, the following factors will come into play:
It is important to pick a screwdriver that matches the customer's screw head type. For example, a Phillips big screwdriver is recommended where Phillips screws are used by customers. A slotted screw, on the other hand, requires a flathead big screwdriver. The Torx and Pozidriv screw types also need their respective big screwdriver heads.
Using the correct screwdriver type will not only make the job easier for the customers but will also do it safely. It will reduce the risks of stripping the screws or damaging the surrounding material. Ensuring screw and screwdriver compatibility helps in better performance and a more stress-free experience.
Big screwdriver durability, wear, and even rust resistance are influenced by the materials used to make it. A big screwdriver made of carbon steel alloy or tool steel or cobalt steel takes quite some time to wear down. It also holds up better against twisting forces found in heavy-duty applications. The degree of hardness of this material is measured by the Rockwell Hardness Scale, which should ideally be above 50 HRC in big screwdriver blades.
Lastly, to prevent corrosion, some manufacturers would coat the screwdriver tip with chrome finish or the head with nickel plating. For industrial use, find durable-scratch-resistant coating screwdrivers. To make handling easier, look for screwdrivers with rubberised or non-slip handles.
The handle design plays a huge role, especially on the comfort and practicality of use. There are several varieties of handle designs with their pros and cons. The cross or criss-cross handles give good torque because they provide a firm one.
The T or pistol grip handles are comfortable to wield and are ideal for prolonged use. There are still other types of handles, like the hollow ones, onto which bits of various sizes can be stored. These different handle designs suit different needs and preferences, so their viability must be ascertained.
The driving capacity is determined by the size of the screwdriver head and how deep it can sink the screw. A larger handle means the screwdriver can handle heavier torque. Larger screws find it appealing to use a bigger screwdriver. Larger-sized screwdrivers are most appropriate for installing or uninstalling deeper screws for tasks that need more force.
A1. As a rule of thumb, the longer the screwdriver, the wider the diameter of the blade, the bigger the screwdriver is. The driver tip, which is the working end of the screwdriver, must fit the screw head type snugly. This ensures the best turns. An example of a large-sized screwdriver is the 6-inch Moyno 2-12-5 Big Screwdriver. The big screwdriver excels where big screws need to be turned, like in mechanical or construction applications.
A2. A big screwdriver is a must-have for such assembly tasks as furniture assembly, electrical appliance assembly, and computer assembly. Flathead big screwdrivers and Phillips big screwdrivers are mostly used in these tasks. They are handy for turning larger-size screws, which is a common feature of these assembly tasks. A big screwdriver's sufficient length and width provide stability and power, making the turning of screws easy and efficiently.
A3. Take care of the screwdriver to keep it in good working condition. Always keep it clean and dry after use. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. For varieties with carbon steel alloy or tool steel or cobalt steel, corrosion and rust protection coating are applied. It is best to store them in a cool, dry place, ideally in a toolbox or on a magnetic strip. The protecting coat also prevents wear and tearing.
A4. No, the big screwdriver is not universally interchangeable with all screws. Although some have adjustable or interchangeable heads, others are specially made for specific screw types. For instance, a Phillips screwdriver can't replace a Pozidriv or Torx one. It's because each has its unique cross-shaped variations. Using the wrong screwdriver can cause frustration by endangering both the screwdriver and screw through damage.
A5. A big screwdriver differs from a small screwdriver in size, precisely the length and width of the blade and handle. A big one is appropriate for turning large screws, while a small one is for small screws. The handling efficiency at length and width ensures stability and torque when turning, thus becoming a perfect fit for tasks requiring more strength and precision.