Screwdriver Best Practices

Different screw heads call for different driver types. Whether it be Phillips, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), Pozidrive, Torx, Triwing, or plain old Flathead, use the correct driver for your application.

Using a driver that’s “close enough”—like a Flathead driver with a Phillips screw—can sometimes get you out of a bind, but mostly it’s a recipe for trouble.

What’s that, you say? That sounds like a lot of drivers to keep track of? Try using a set of interchangeable bits, like the 64 Bit Kit for electronics repair or the Universal Bit Kit for larger applications.

When you find a driver that fits about right, compare the next size up as well as the next size down before you proceed.

In general, use the largest driver size that fits snugly into the screw.

Keep your drivers in good working condition by using them only as designed.

To avoid stripping screws, only use drivers that are in good condition.

Use continuous downward pressure to keep the driver tip in contact with the screw.

• A limp grip or a lack of pressure will cause the driver to simply slip out of the screw head instead of turning the screw.

Keep the driver directly in line with the screw, with the shaft directly over the screw head. The driver and screw should be “on-axis,” forming a straight line.

Finally, use appropriate torque when tightening screws down. A properly fastened screw will be snug, but not so tight that your driver starts to slip.

• This is largely a matter of feel, so your technique will improve with practice.

Very small screws—such as those used in phones and tablets—require almost no tightening force at all. As soon as you feel resistance, give it about another quarter turn and then stop.