What is a screwdriver: a little history, structure and characteristics of the tool

When working with threaded fasteners, you cannot do without a screwdriver. At work, dacha, at home - this simple device will come in handy everywhere. The screwdriver is used by both professionals and amateurs.

Of course, with the help of a powerful screwdriver, it is easier and faster to perform the necessary manipulations. But not in all cases it is advisable to use it. After all, it has a fairly large dimensions, and this complicates construction activities in narrow places. If you have minor installation or repair work, it is more convenient to use a regular screwdriver. It takes up little space and is convenient for manipulation in hard-to-reach places.

To make your work as comfortable as possible, you need to choose the appropriate option. But first, let's find out where the screwdriver came from.

Screwdriver: what is this tool, a little history

The need to create a screwdriver appeared in connection with the invention of structures equipped with screws. The first documented reference dates back to the 16th century. At first, keys were used to mount the screws, because the head of the screw was in the shape of a hexagon.

However, it was not possible to easily carry out the plan. Therefore, for convenience, a small groove was made in the design, into which the flat part of the device was installed. Then the tool was called a chisel. Today, another name is more common - a screwdriver.

It is believed that the familiar model appeared in the 17th century. Then it was actively used for the manufacture and maintenance of military equipment and weapons. The proof of the theory is that muskets and pistols were equipped with slotted screws. Until the beginning of the 20th century, other variants of the slot were not used, so the flat model of the screwdriver remained the most popular.

The evolution of the instrument was facilitated by an incident that happened to a traveling salesman from Canada. Mr. Peter Robinson was doing his usual work, but at some point the tool slipped out of the working slot and severely injured the man's hand. On reflection, he proposed a safer model of the hat. Here, the straight slot has been replaced with a square recess.

The invention of the "Robertsonian cap" required changes in the design of the fastening tool. Since then, the working part of the screwdriver has taken on a square shape. This option has found wide application in the automotive industry. For example, it was used in the factories of Henry Ford.

The model was popular until the 30s of the XX century. It was then that the American Phillips proposed a cross version of the product. In those years, they were actively used in aircraft construction.

The development of technology has led to the emergence of a variety of devices. Together with them, new mounting options have evolved. Each of them required its own model of screwdriver. Therefore, there are now more than ten types of repair devices.

Screwdriver device and tool characteristics

Despite the variety of models, they all consist of three main elements:

1. Handle. The main purpose of the element is to ensure comfortable use. But there are models where the handle performs additional functions, for example, an indication. There are a variety of designs, which allows you to choose the most convenient option. So, on sale there are screwdrivers with round, hexagonal, short, long, wide or narrow handles. They can be made from various materials: plastic, wood, rubber. In addition, there are models with a T-shaped handle or a pistol.
2. Kernel. The element allows you to select a product for specific purposes. The depth at which the fastening hardware is located depends on its length.
3. Tip. It can have different configurations. The choice of the right one will depend on the head of the fittings - self-tapping screw, screw, and so on. To prevent the rod from sliding off the cap when performing work, a special spraying is applied to the tip. You can also find magnetized options on sale.

Reference. A rod that is too long does not give you the opportunity to work correctly in narrow and hard-to-reach places. Therefore, in some cases, length can be a disadvantage of the tool.

Types of screwdrivers, their features

Let's say you have to assemble furniture. To find the right screwdriver option, look at the head of the fasteners. After all, if you take the wrong model, you can damage the slot. Then you have to move on to cardinal methods, for example, use an extractor.

The following screwdriver options are most common:

1. Flat. The tip of the product has the shape of a flat "blade". More often it is used for simple work: installation of sockets, assembly of furniture, installation of loops and others.
2. Cross. The section has four faces. Thanks to this design, a large contact area is obtained. This allows the fittings to be tightened more tightly. Therefore, it is more often used for assembling and repairing cars, various electrical equipment and other equipment.
3. Star-shaped. The tip is made in the form of a star with six faces. This option is mainly used when assembling smartphones and other equipment. Therefore, the scope of the product is quite narrow - specialized repair shops, warranty service centers.
4. Hexagonal. The section is made in the form of a hexagon. This design achieves a high torque. It is usually used for the repair of electrical appliances, as well as for the maintenance of energized objects.

How many tools do you need to work comfortably? The answer depends on what kind of fastening hardware you plan to use. However, experts recommend purchasing several options, or buying one with replaceable nibs. At the same time, do not forget that the product should be not only convenient, but also of high quality.