By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
Match the screwdriver to the screw head.
Step2
Don't assume that all cross-head screws are for Phillips screwdrivers. A Phillips will slip out of a screw designed for a Pozidriv screwdriver, which has a slightly flatter tip.
Step3
Drive hex-head screws with nut drivers.
Step4
Do fine work, such as on eyeglasses and computer equipment, with a set of jewelers screwdrivers.
Step5
Find screwdrivers with contoured handles that are at least 5 inches long and that fit the shank tightly. Handles without finger grooves are the most comfortable.
Step6
Try an offset or a stubby screwdriver in close quarters where a normal screwdriver won't fit.
Step7
Get a ratcheting screwdriver or an electric screwdriver to prevent repetitive motion injuries.
Step8
Use a screwdriver that has the same blade tip width as the screw head and fits in the slot tightly.
Step9
Look for screwdrivers with black oxide tips, which improve control.
Step10
Use a screw holder or a magnetic screwdriver to start screws in awkward or hard-to-reach places.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Electric drills can drive screws rather quickly, but impact drivers offer more torque, less kickback, more reliable driving, and less damage to screw heads. I find that screws which require two hands on the drill can be driven one-handed with a cordless impact driver.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Don't use a a good screwdriver as a scraper or pry bar or anything else it wasn't meant to be used for. Respect your tools.