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Screwdrivers are self-explanatory, they are mainly used to drive in and remove the screws. Most of the times, they are wrongly used - for chipping, punching holes, scraping, prying, and so forth. One of the most essential tools of any home, the screw driver is a tool for driving screws and rotating other machine elements with the mating drive system. It eases the hand's turning motion to the small, specially designed tip, inserted into the screw's head.
One can use numerous tip designs for special applications (such as appliance assembly), but the most commonly used are standard (also called flat, flared or straight) and Phillips (X-shaped) tips. The screwdriver handle is usually made of plastic or wood, sometimes with a rubberized cover to improve grip. Other tips include clutch (hourglass shape), Robertson (square) and Torx (six slots).
Some of the popular types of screwdrivers, used for tightening and loosening screws that match their tips are: Phillips, Flat Head, Cabinet, Robertson, Star, Hex, Clutch Head and Nut Driver.
- Jeweler's Screwdriver is tiny and designed for precision work, such as fixing glasses. It comes in sizes ranging from 0.025 inches and 0.10 inches.
- Offset is designed for use in small spaces. It is shaped like a letter "z" and has a variety of different tips.
- Awl has a pointed tip and is used for poking small holes or scraping surfaces. It is often used by shoemakers to punch holes in leather.
- Tack Claw is a type of screwdriver that has two curved tips in the shape of a claw. It is used for removing mall nails or tacks.
Screwdrivers are the only tools that need no maintenance, except for ensuring that the tips do not become misshapen. Standard screwdriver tips can be filed down if necessary, but Phillips and other screwdriver tips cannot easily be reshaped. For getting best results, always buy screwdrivers of hardened steel.
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