Screwdrivers – Principal Tool of Woodworking

Screwdrivers typically have a comfortable rubber and circular head easy to grip and keep control of the screwdriver.  The long body slims down to a fine piece of metal used to be inserted into the screw. With the advancement of technology, screwdrivers come in various forms including the traditional form and an electronic version that is either battery powered or uses an A/C adapter.   

Manual or Power-driven?

When working with wood, these options become important.  For screws that have been lodged into the wood and do are not easily removed by a traditional screwdriver, the electric power serves as useful giving one more thrust to extract the screw.  Also, when one is looking for precision and does not desire to make additional damages to a wall, the manual option helps to keep more control over the screwdriver.  If time is a concern, an electric screwdriver would be your handyman solution.     

Different Sizes and accessories

Additionally, since screw comes in different sizes so do screwdrivers.  There are mini screwdrivers which are useful for jewelers and eyeglass makers for the tiny screws they are infamous for using as well as standard size screws used for most woodworking projects.  Many screwdrivers now offer detachable tips called drill bits which allow the handyman to replace one size tip for another depending on the size of screws he is using.  It is vital that the correct sized tip is used or else the screw or wood will become damaged from this novice mistake.

Manufacturers of Screwdrivers

The integral screwdrivers used in the woodworking business are Philips, TORX, Allen and Robertson.  These various screwdrivers are used in wooden work due to their unique sized types.  Philips traditionally is known for its “X” shaped tip which corresponds with “X” shaped screws.  TORX has a 6 legged star shape while the Allen is hexagonal.  The Robertson is then square shaped in nature.  These screwdrivers are used in wooden work because of the demand of screws which are used.  If a 6 legged star screw is used in your woodworking, it will be impossible to accurately and correctly tighten/loosen/remove the screw without a TORX screwdriver. 

Using various sized tips in woodworking is pertinent for accurate woodwork.  Every handyman carries at least a flathead screwdriver to all of his projects because it is known in the wood world that if you are working with screws you must have a screwdriver near by because it is an integral part of working with wood.  Remember, screwdrivers come in a variety of sizes if you are working on a project. Do not force the screwdriver into the screw, find a screwdriver that matches so as not to ruin your project.