A Beginner's Guide to Screws and Screwdrivers

Cordless screwdrivers and manual screwdrivers, Phillips head and slotted head; all screws and screwdrivers are not created equal. Both cordless and manual screwdrivers are important tools for the home improvement fan or DIY hobbyist, but they're best used for different kinds of projects and situations. Both Phillips head and slotted head tools are necessary to have on hand, but they're best for tackling different kinds of jobs. However, it's not always easy to know which screws and screwdrivers are right for your task. This beginner's guide to screwdrivers will take you through the advantages and disadvantages of the most common types of screwdrivers for the home toolkit, and explain the key differences. From cordless screwdrivers to manual screwdrivers, from Phillips head screwdrivers to slotted head screwdrivers, this guide will help you pinpoint the right tool for your next project.

How To Tell A Phillips Head From A Slotted Head

Every toolbox should have at least one Phillips head screwdriver, and at least one slotted head screwdriver. These two screwdrivers aren't just for different kinds of jobs, they're for for different kinds of screws! You can easily tell the difference between these two kinds of screwdrivers at a glance: a Phillips head screwdriver has an pointy, tapered ending with an x-shape at the tip, and a slotted head screwdriver has a flat ending. A Phillips head screw has an x-shaped indentation for the screwdriver, whereas a slotted head screw has only a single, straight gash.

When To Use A Phillips Head Screw And Screwdriver

The x-shaped slot in the center of a Phillips head screw, also called a "cross head," "cross point," or "cruciform," provides lots of traction for a screwdriver. That means you can apply lots of pressure and speed without having to worry about the screwdriver losing its grip on the screw. Phillips head screws were designed for industrial construction on items like sewing machines and cars, so they're created to take a lot of wear and tear. If you'll be doing construction that needs screws to hold tight under lots of pressure or weight, powerful Phillips head screws are likely to be your best bet, so you'll need a Phillips head screwdriver.

When To Use A Slotted Head Screw And Screwdriver

Where ease of construction and precise control of the screw take priority over sheer strength of the join, slotted head screws and a slotted head screwdriver are a better option than a Phillips head. A slotted head, or "slot head" screw, is an ideal choice for most woodworking and hobby projects, especially when paired with a manual screwdriver.

When To Use A Manual Screwdriver

Manual screwdrivers have several advantages over cordless screwdrivers, especially when it comes to hobby and detail work. Manual screwdrivers are cheaper than their cordless counterparts, are safer for children, and are better for working with very delicate wood. If you'll be using a delicate wood like balsa that is easily split, the amount of control you have with a manual screwdriver will make it easy to maintain light, gentle pressure so that you don't break the wood. Gaining that amount of control with a cordless screwdriver can be very difficult.

When To Use A Cordless Screwdriver

Using a cordless screwdriver on a slot head screw can lead to trouble; a power driver can easily slip out of the single slot in the screw's head, especially if you're new to the tool. This kind of accident is inconvenient at best, and at worst can cause damage to your materials. However, there are plenty of situations where cordless screwdrivers stand head and shoulders above a manual screwdriver. Because cordless screwdrivers spin screws into place with the touch of a button, you can get big jobs done more quickly than if you had to do every twist and turn by hand with a manual screwdriver. Fast results make cordless screwdrivers great screwdrivers to use for substantial home improvement projects. Cordless screwdrivers require more of an initial investment than manual screwdrivers; cordless screwdrivers can cost anywhere from $30 to $200 depending on the size of the unit and the amount of power. Most cordless screwdrivers have removable tips so that you can switch back and forth between slotted head and Phillips head, which can be useful once you feel confident enough controlling your cordless to use it on slot head screws.