What Is a Screwdriver? Tip Types and Selection Criteria
A screwdriver is a handled hand tool whose tip profile seats in the screw head recess to tighten and loosen screws; slotted, Phillips (PH), Pozidriv and Torx types exist.
A screwdriver is a handled hand tool whose tip profile seats in the recess of a screw head to tighten and loosen the screw. The handle gives grip and torque, and the shaft carries the tip to the screw. It is used on terminal blocks, switches, sockets, luminaires and panel connections, and to assemble and repair equipment.
Tip types
| Tip | Screw recess | How the size is given |
|---|---|---|
| Slotted | Single slot | Tip thickness × width (mm) |
| Phillips (PH) | Cross-shaped recess | PH0, PH1, PH2, PH3; PH2 is the most common |
| Pozidriv (PZ) | Cross recess with extra fine lines between the arms | PZ0, PZ1, PZ2, PZ3 |
| Torx (T) | Six-point star recess | T number; small sizes such as T5–T10 on electronic devices |
Selection criteria
- Tip profile: The tip must have the same profile as the recess in the screw head. PH and PZ look alike, but neither seats fully in the other's recess.
- Tip size: The tip must fill the recess without play. A tip that is too small strips the recess; one that is too large will not seat. On a slotted tip, the width should be close to the length of the slot without sticking out of it.
- Shaft length and thickness: A long shaft reaches deep terminals, a short one suits tight spaces. Slim-shaft electronics-type screwdrivers are made for small terminal screws and narrow recesses.
- Fixed tip or bits: In an interchangeable bit set, different bits fit one handle and the set takes up little space. Because the bit holder is thicker, it does not always reach recessed screws; a fixed-tip screwdriver reaches them more easily.
- Insulation: Live working requires an insulated screwdriver marked 1000 V. A plastic handle is for grip; the metal shaft conducts electricity.
Common mistakes
- Driving a large screw with a small tip: The recess strips and the screw may not come out again.
- Using a PH tip in a PZ screw (or the other way round): The tip cams out and both the tip and the screw head wear.
- Using a screwdriver as a chisel or pry bar: The tip breaks and the shaft bends.
- Touching a live terminal with an uninsulated screwdriver: Switch off first and check that no voltage is present.
- Working with a worn tip: A rounded tip no longer grips; replace the screwdriver or bit.
Standard
- IEC 60900: Sets the requirements for insulated hand tools used in live working up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC. Tools made to this standard carry the double-triangle symbol.
Screwdrivers in the catalog
The Screwdrivers category has 7 active products, all İzeltaş screwdriver sets:
| Set | SKU |
|---|---|
| Kraft Series Screwdriver Set, 7 pieces | `4100008107` |
| Kraft Series Slotted Screwdriver Set, 8 pieces | `4100008108` |
| Kraft Series Phillips Screwdriver Set, 6 pieces | `4120008106` |
| Opak Series Screwdriver Set, 7 pieces | `4300008107` |
| Electronics-Type Terminal Screwdriver Set, 6 pieces | `4500008106` |
| Electronics-Type Terminal Torx Screwdriver Set, 6 pieces (T5–T10) | `4530001006` |
| Interchangeable Bit Screwdriver Set, 7 pieces | `4815006107` |
None of these sets has 1000 V insulation in its name; they are for de-energised circuits and mechanical work. Spare bits are in Screwdriver Bits and Bit Sets, and screwdriver-shaped test pens for voltage checks are in Test Pens.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Phillips and a Pozidriv (PZ) screwdriver?
Both fit a cross-shaped recess. A PZ recess has extra lines between the arms, and a PZ tip seats more tightly in it. A PH tip cams out of a PZ screw; choose the tip by the marking on the screw head.
What is an electronics-type terminal screwdriver for?
Its slim shaft and small tip reach small screws and narrow recesses on terminal blocks, relays and control devices; on large screws the tip twists.
Should I buy a bit screwdriver or fixed-tip screwdrivers?
A bit set suits frequent switching between screw types and a compact kit; a fixed-tip set is more practical for recessed screws and terminal blocks.
Can ordinary screwdrivers be used for electrical work?
Yes, on a circuit that has been switched off and verified as de-energised. Live working requires an insulated screwdriver made to IEC 60900 and marked 1000 V.