Screwdrivers are something all businesses and consumers need and use. Yet with so many types and just as many applications, it’s good to know where to find the right tool for the right job. Tips, grips, size and types of power differentiate one from another.

Common types of screwdriver tips include standard, Phillips, hex, cabinet, Frearson, clutch-head and square-tip. Large and heavy screws typically use regular tips, while small and countersinking screws use cabinet tips. Phillips and Frearson tighten cross-slotted screw heads while Torx tips drive six sided heads. Hex tips work with socket-set screws, clutch-head with four points of contact and square with five tip sizes for recessed screws. When ordering, consider the type of screwdriver needed for your business or consumer:

1. Buy hand screwdrivers for all around purposes.

2. Choose an electric screwdriver for more torque.

3. Get a cordless screwdriver for portability.

4. Purchase industrial screwdrivers for continuous use in demanding environments.

5. Select a screwdriver set for a combination of tips and sizes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find hand screwdrivers for all around purposes

When ordering hand screwdrivers consider head type, grip and size.

I recommend: Select one or more ball driver screwdrivers from many sizes or peruse through the listings for flat and Phillips head products at ChadsToolbox.com, Inc. Check out the selection of Klein screwdrivers with strength and durability that includes cushion grips, miniatures and plastic handles at mytoolstore.com. Select ergonomic big grip round shank slotted tip, cabinet tip or square shank slotted tip at Wright Tool Company. Choose Phillips, Torx, standard, cabinet or square screwdrivers from Stanley Tools Product Group.

Buy electric screwdrivers with different grips

Choose high or low torque and type of drive configurations that includes straight, pistol or angle.

I recommend: For a 120V shut-off clutch model for production assembly environments see Delta Regis Tools, Inc., also in 220V models with fan-cooled motors. See Flexible Assembly Systems, Inc., for a wide range of electric screwdrivers for various applications including ESD and clean room models with special grounding and anti-electrostatic features. Go to Express Assembly Products for a nice selection with torques ranging .2 to 50 pounds per inch.

Find a cordless screwdriver for mobility

Cordless screwdrivers rank high in construction, notably for drywall to wood and sheathing. Most charge in less than an hour.

I recommend: Go to mytoolstore.com for Milwaukee brand’s single and two speed cordless 2.4V screwdrivers. Check out the 14.4V cordless at The Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. Click either the 4.8 or 7.2V Craftsman cordless at Tyler Tool Company or click another brand from the list.

Purchase industrial screwdrivers for demanding jobs

These pneumatic industrial screwdrivers produce high speeds and torque for production and other industrial needs.

I recommend: Find an Ingersoll-Rand industrial duty screwdriver at DrillSpot.com. Go to Tool King for a Chicago pneumatic industrial screwdriver.

Locate screwdriver sets in a variety of bundles and cases

Screwdriver sets offer good pricing with multiple pieces, lengths and some come with soft or hard cases.

I recommend: Go to World Wide Tool Truck to view flat and Phillips head screwdrivers in 4 to 21 piece sets. Choose a combination set with or without insulated handles from the variety of screwdriver sets for businesses at W. W. Granger, Inc. See Northern Tool + Equipment for precision, insulated, ratcheting pistol and other selections. Scroll down the page for a host of kits that includes electronic, precision and cellular phone at Stark Electronic.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When choosing or recommending a screwdriver head size, figure the head either fills the screw slot or comes within 1/16 inch of filling the slot. A small tip easily slips off or strips the head. Oversized screwdriver heads don't reach the bottom, likewise stripping the screw head. When considering screwdrivers for sale, this is why kits make good sense for the consumer.