Screwdriver: a complete guide to types, uses, and choosing the right one
A screwdriver is one of the most basic hand tools, and also one of the most useful. It is a tool with a handle and a shaft that turns screws into material or removes them from it.
This guide explains what a screwdriver is, how it works, the main types, what each type is used for, and how to choose the right one. It is written for home use, DIY, and repair work, and it links to more detailed guides where a type needs its own article.
What is a screwdriver?
A screwdriver is a hand tool used to turn screws. The tip of the tool fits into the head of the screw, and turning the handle turns the screw.
A typical screwdriver has three parts:
- Handle: the part you hold. It is usually made of plastic, rubber, or wood, and shaped for grip.
- Shaft: the metal bar between the handle and the tip.
- Tip: the part that fits into the screw head. The shape of the tip must match the shape of the screw.
Some screwdrivers have a fixed tip. Others have interchangeable bits, so one handle can work with many screw types if you have the right bits.
A screwdriver is not the same as a drill. A drill is a power tool made for drilling holes and for heavy screwdriving. A screwdriver, in its basic form, is a manual tool made for control and for small to medium jobs. An electric version is covered in our guide on electric screwdriver.
How a screwdriver works
The idea is simple. You place the tip in the screw head, hold the tool straight, and turn the handle clockwise to tighten the screw or anticlockwise to loosen it.
A few habits make the work easier:
- Choose the tip that fits the screw head exactly.
- Hold the tool in line with the screw, not at an angle.
- Press firmly enough to keep the tip in the screw, but do not force it.
- Turn slowly at first, especially if the screw is old or tight.
- Stop when the screw is flush with the surface.
If a screw will not turn, check for rust, paint, or damage before you force it. A damaged screw head is harder to remove than a tight one.
Main types of screwdriver
There are many types of screwdriver, and each one is made for a different screw head. Using the wrong type can damage the screw and the tool.
phillips screwdriver
A phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip. It is one of the most common types, and it is used in furniture, electronics, appliances, and general home repair.
A phillips screwdriver comes in different sizes. Using a size that is too small can slip, and using a size that is too large will not fit. For more detail, see our guide on phillips screwdriver.
Flat head screwdriver
A flat head screwdriver has a straight, flat tip. It is used for screws with a single straight slot. It is also sometimes used as a light prying tool, but that is not its main job and it can damage the tip.
Flat head screws are common in older furniture, light switches, and simple fixings.
torx screwdriver
A torx screwdriver has a star-shaped tip. It is common in electronics, cars, bikes, and appliances. The star shape gives good grip and reduces slipping.
Torx sizes are marked with a T number, such as T10 or T20. Always use the right T size. For more detail, see our guide on torx screwdriver.
Other common types
- Pozidriv: looks like a phillips screwdriver, but with extra lines. It is common in furniture and in European products.
- Hex / Allen: a hexagonal tip, often used in furniture, bikes, and flat-pack assembly.
- Precision screwdriver: a small tool for glasses, phones, watches, and other small devices.
- Ratchet screwdriver: a tool that lets you turn the screw without lifting and repositioning your hand after each turn. It is useful for jobs with many screws.
If you are not sure which type you need, check the screw head first. The shape of the head tells you the type.
Comparison table: common screwdriver types
| Type | Tip shape | Common uses | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| phillips screwdriver | Cross | Furniture, electronics, appliances, home repair | Use the right size, or it can slip |
| Flat head screwdriver | Straight slot | Light switches, older furniture, simple fixings | A worn tip can slip easily |
| torx screwdriver | Star | Electronics, cars, bikes, appliances | Use the right T size |
| Pozidriv | Cross with extra lines | Furniture, European products | Looks like phillips, but is not the same |
| Hex / Allen | Hexagon | Flat-pack furniture, bikes | Use the right size to avoid rounding |
| Precision screwdriver | Small, various | Glasses, phones, watches, small devices | Needs a light touch |
What is a screwdriver used for?
A screwdriver is used to:
- assemble and disassemble furniture
- fix door handles, hinges, and locks
- open battery covers and small panels
- repair electronics and appliances
- tighten loose screws in the home
- install light switches and socket covers
- work on bikes, cars, and other small machines
It is a general-purpose tool, so it is useful in almost every home. Most people need at least a small set, not just one tool.
How to choose the right screwdriver
1. Start with the screws you use most
Look at the screws in your home. Are they mostly cross-shaped, flat, or star-shaped? Buy for those first.
2. Buy a set, not just one tool
A single screwdriver is useful, but a set is better value for most homes. A good starter set should include:
- two or three phillips sizes
- two flat head sizes
- a torx set if you work on electronics or bikes
- a small precision set if you work on glasses or phones
For more on sets, see our guide on screwdriver set.
3. Check the handle
A comfortable handle makes a big difference. Look for:
- a grip that does not slip in your hand
- a handle that fits your hand size
- a shape that lets you apply pressure without hurting your palm
A cheap handle can be hard to hold, especially if your hands are wet or oily.
4. Check the tip quality
The tip should be strong and well made. A soft tip will wear quickly and slip. A magnetic tip can be helpful because it holds the screw in place while you start it, especially in tight spaces.
5. Think about electric vs manual
A manual screwdriver gives you the most control for delicate work and for a few screws. An electric screwdriver saves time and effort for many screws. Many homes have both.
If you often assemble furniture or do DIY, an electric screwdriver is worth considering. If you only turn a few screws a year, a good manual set may be enough.
How to care for a screwdriver
Good care keeps a screwdriver working for a long time:
- Wipe the tip clean after use.
- Store screwdrivers in a case or a rack, not loose in a drawer where the tips can get damaged.
- Keep them dry to avoid rust on the shaft.
- Replace a tool if the tip is worn, chipped, or rounded.
- Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel or a pry bar unless it is made for that use.
A worn tip is the most common reason a screwdriver slips. If it slips often, check the tip first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong type: a phillips tip in a torx screw will damage both.
- Using the wrong size: a tip that is too small will slip and strip the screw head.
- Tilting the tool: hold it straight, in line with the screw.
- Forcing a stuck screw: check for rust or paint first, and use penetrating oil if needed.
- Over-tightening: stop when the screw is flush, especially in soft wood or plastic.
Frequently asked questions
What is a screwdriver used for?
A screwdriver is used to turn screws into material or to remove them. It is used for furniture, home repairs, electronics, appliances, and many other jobs.
What are the main types of screwdriver?
The main types are phillips, flat head, torx, Pozidriv, hex, and precision screwdrivers. Each one fits a different screw head shape. The right type is the one that matches the screw you are working with.
Which screwdriver should I buy first?
For most homes, start with a small set that includes phillips and flat head screwdrivers in two or three sizes. Add torx and precision tools if you work on electronics, bikes, or cars.
Is an electric screwdriver better than a manual screwdriver?
It depends on the job. An electric screwdriver is faster and less tiring for many screws. A manual screwdriver gives you more control for delicate work and for a few screws. Many homes have both.
How do I know which size I need?
Check the screw head. The tip should fit snugly, with no wobble. If it slips, try the next size up or down. For torx screws, check the T number on the screw or in the manual.
Conclusion
A screwdriver is a simple tool, but choosing the right one matters. The tip shape must match the screw, the size must fit, and the handle must be comfortable to hold.
Start with a small set that covers the screws you use most — usually phillips and flat head — and add torx and precision tools as you need them. Keep the tips clean, store the tools properly, and replace a worn tool before it damages a screw.
If you want more power for jobs with many screws, read our guide on electric screwdriver. If you want help choosing a specific electric model, read our guide on the best electric screwdriver.
