Screwdrivers: what it does and when to reach for it

Learn to pick the right screwdriver, size it correctly, and drive or remove a screw without stripping it.

TY-01Tell flathead from crossheadA flathead (slotted) screwdriver has a flat blade tip for screws with a single straight slot. A crosshead has a pointed, star-like tip for screws with a cross-shaped slot - in the UK this is usually a Pozidriv (marked PZ) or Phillips (PH), which look similar but aren't the same. Beginners often grab whichever screwdriver is nearest rather than checking the screw head first - always look at the screw before you pick a driver.

SZ-01Match the tip size to the screwScrewdriver tips come in sizes - for Pozidriv it's PZ1, PZ2, PZ3, with PZ2 being the most common for everyday screws. Hold the tip against the screw head: it should sit snugly with no wobble and no gaps. A tip that's too small will slip and chew up the screw; too big and it won't seat in the slot at all.

ST-01Set your grip and stanceHold the handle in your palm with your fingers wrapped round it, not just pinched between finger and thumb. Push the tip firmly into the screw head with one hand while you turn with the other - the push matters as much as the turn. Line your arm up straight behind the screwdriver, not at an angle, so the tip doesn't slide sideways off the slot.

DR-01Drive the screw inTurn clockwise to drive in ('righty tighty'), keeping steady downward pressure the whole time. It should turn smoothly with even resistance that builds gradually - if it suddenly goes very hard, stop, because you may be hitting something solid or the screw may be going in crooked. Don't rush the last few turns; slow down as the head gets close to the surface so you don't overtighten and strip the slot or sink the head too far.

CO-01Spot and avoid cam-outCam-out is when the driver suddenly slips out of the screw head, usually rounding off the slot so no screwdriver will grip it properly again. It happens when you turn without pushing hard enough, or when the tip size or type is wrong. If you feel the driver starting to slip rather than turn, stop immediately, check the tip is the right size and type, and reapply firm inward pressure before continuing.

RM-01Remove a screw the right wayTurn anticlockwise ('lefty loosey'), again pushing in as you turn - people often forget this and just spin the handle, which causes cam-out on the way out too. If the screw won't budge, don't force it sideways; a sharp firm push straight into the head as you turn usually breaks it free. Old, painted-over, or rusted screws are more likely to strip, so go gently and stop if it feels wrong.

CK-01Check you've done it rightA well-driven screw sits flush or very slightly below the surface, doesn't wobble, and the slot in its head is still crisp and undamaged. If the head is rounded, chewed up, or sticking proud and won't tighten further, something went wrong - usually wrong tip size, not enough push, or overtightening. Getting this right every time just takes practice on scrap wood before you use it on anything that matters.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides