How to Choose the Right Screwdriver

A DIYer’s Guide to Types, Sizes, and When Each One Matters

A screwdriver may look like a simple tool, but choosing the wrong screwdriver can strip screws, damage materials, and turn a quick job into a frustrating mess. Choosing the right screwdriver, on the other hand, makes work faster, safer, and cleaner.

Whether you’re assembling furniture, installing electrical outlets, or tackling home repairs, this guide will help you understand screwdriver types, sizes, and styles, so you always reach for the right one.

What Does it Mean to Strip a Screw?

To strip a screw means to damage the head of the screw so the tool can no longer grip it properly.

More specifically:

The slots, cross, star, or square inside the screw head become rounded, widened, or chewed up
The screwdriver or bit slips instead of turning
The screw becomes difficult or impossible to drive or remove

Once a screw is stripped, the tool can’t transfer torque effectively anymore.

What Causes a Screw to Strip?

Common reasons include:

Using the wrong type of screwdriver (e.g., flathead on a Phillips)
Using the wrong size driver bit
Applying too much force or speed
Using worn or low-quality bits
Driving screws into very hard material without pre-drilling

Why Stripped Screws Are a Problem

They slow projects down
They can damage surrounding materials
Removing them often requires special tools or tricks

Quick Prevention Tips

Switch bits as soon as they start to wear

Match the driver type and size exactly to the screw

Apply steady pressure, not brute force

Let power tools do the work at lower speeds

Why Choosing the Right Screwdriver Matters

Using the wrong screwdriver can lead to:

Stripped screw heads
Slipping tools and injured hands
Damaged materials
Longer, more frustrating projects

The right screwdriver:

Fits snugly in the screw head
Transfers force efficiently
Reduces wear on both screw and tool

In short: the right choice saves time, money, and knuckles.

Common Screwdriver Types (Drive Styles)

The most important factor when choosing a screwdriver is the drive type—the shape of the screw head.

Flathead (Slotted) Screwdrivers

A line drawing of a flat screwdriver blade

Flathead screwdrivers have a single straight blade and are one of the oldest designs still in use.

Best for:

Older hardware
Light-duty household tasks

Cons:

Slips easily
Strips screws more often

Amazon Tip: Look for flathead sets with hardened steel tips and multiple blade widths.

Phillips Screwdrivers

a line drawing of a Phillips screwdriver head

Phillips screws have a cross-shaped head designed to prevent overtightening.

Best for:

General household projects
Furniture assembly
Appliances

Common sizes: #0, #1, #2, #3
(#2 is the most common for household use.)

Tip: A magnetic-tip Phillips screwdriver is a game-changer for beginners.

Torx (Star) Screwdrivers

Torx screws have a six-point star shape and are common in modern construction and appliances.

Best for:

Power tools
Automotive work
Electronics

Why they’re great:

Excellent grip
High torque without stripping

Tip: A Torx screwdriver set (T10–T25) covers most DIY needs.

Square (Robertson) Screwdrivers

A line drawing of a square (Robertson) screwdriver blade

Square-drive screws are popular in woodworking and decking.

Best for:

Construction projects
Wood screws

Why DIYers love them:

Rarely slip
Excellent control

Hex (Allen) Screwdrivers

Hex screws are common in furniture and machinery.

Best for:

Flat-pack furniture
Bicycles
Equipment assembly

Note: Many sets include both metric and SAE sizes.

Choosing the Right Size Screwdriver

Even with the correct drive type, size matters.

A properly sized screwdriver:

Fills the screw head completely
Doesn’t wobble
Requires minimal downward pressure

If the tip feels loose, it’s too small.
If it won’t seat fully, it’s too large.

Tip: Multi-size screwdriver sets are inexpensive and prevent guesswork.

Screwdriver Handle Styles

Standard Handles

Great for everyday use and light-duty work.

Cushion-Grip Handles

Offer better comfort and control during longer projects.

Precision Screwdrivers

Small drivers designed for:

Eyeglasses
Electronics
Small appliances

Manual vs. Specialty Screwdrivers

Ratcheting Screwdrivers

Allow continuous turning without repositioning.

Best for:

Repetitive tasks
Tight spaces

Insulated Screwdrivers

Designed for electrical work.

Important: Always use properly rated insulated tools when working near live electricity.

Should You Buy Individual Screwdrivers or a Set?

For most DIYers, a quality screwdriver set is the best starting point.

Look for sets that include:

Flathead and Phillips (multiple sizes)
Torx drivers
Magnetic tips
Durable storage case

This highly rated 43-Piece Chrome Vanadium set offers pretty much every screwdriver you’ll need for awhile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a flathead on a Phillips screw
Forcing the wrong size
Using worn or damaged tips
Applying excessive torque instead of switching tools

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right screwdriver isn’t complicated—but it does matter. By matching the drive type, size, and handle style to the job, you’ll work faster, safer, and with far less frustration.

A small investment in the right screwdrivers pays off on every project.

DIY projects involve risk. Always follow manufacturer instructions and use appropriate safety precautions.

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How to Choose the Right Screwdriver