What is a screwdriver, who invented it?

When working with threaded fasteners, you cannot do without a screwdriver. At work, at the dacha, at home - this simple device will come in handy everywhere. The screwdriver is used by both professionals and amateurs.

Of course, with the help of a powerful screwdriver, you can perform the necessary manipulations easier and faster. But it is not advisable to use it in all cases. After all, it has quite large dimensions, and this complicates construction activities in narrow places. If you have to carry out minor installation or repair work, it is more convenient to use a regular screwdriver. It takes up little space and is convenient for manipulation in hard-to-reach places.

To make your work as comfortable as possible, you need to choose the appropriate option. But first, let's find out where the screwdriver came from.

Screwdriver: what kind of tool is it, a little history

The need to create a screwdriver arose in connection with the invention of designs equipped with screws. The first documented mention dates back to the 16th century. At first, wrenches were used to install screws, because the screw head had a hexagon shape.

However, it was not easy to implement the plan. Therefore, for convenience, a small groove was made in the design into which the flat part of the device was installed. Then the tool was called a chisel.Today, another name is more common - screwdriver.

It is believed that the model we are familiar with appeared in the 17th century. Then it was actively used for the manufacture and maintenance of military equipment and weapons. Proof of the theory is that muskets and pistols were equipped with slotted screws. Until the beginning of the 20th century, other slot options were not used, so the flat screwdriver model remained the most popular.

The evolution of the instrument was facilitated by an incident that happened to a traveling salesman from Canada. Mr. Peter Robinson was doing his usual work, but at some point the tool slipped out of the working groove and seriously injured the man’s hand. After some thought, he suggested a safer model of the hat. Here the straight slot was replaced by a square-shaped recess.

The invention of the “Robertsonian cap” required changes in the design of the fastening tool. Since then, the working part of the screwdriver has taken a square shape. This option has found wide application in the automotive industry. For example, it was used in Henry Ford factories.

The model was popular until the 30s of the XX century. It was then that the American Philips proposed a cross version of the product. In those years they were actively used in aircraft construction.

The development of technology has led to the emergence of a variety of devices. Along with them, new mounting options have evolved. Each of them required its own screwdriver model. Therefore, now there are more than ten types of repair devices.

Screwdriver design and tool characteristics

Despite the variety of models, they all consist of three main elements:

1. Handle. The main purpose of the element is to ensure comfortable use.But there are models where the handle performs additional functions, for example, display. There are a variety of designs, which allows you to choose the most convenient option. Thus, screwdrivers with round, hexagonal, short, long, wide or narrow handles are available for sale. They can be made from various materials: plastic, wood, rubber. In addition, there are models with a T-shaped or pistol-shaped handle.
2. Kernel. The element allows you to select a product for specific purposes. The depth at which the fastening hardware is located depends on its length.
3. Tip. It can have different configurations. The choice of the appropriate one will depend on the head of the fittings - self-tapping screw, screw, and so on. To prevent the rod from slipping off the head when performing work, a special coating is applied to the tip. Magnetized options can also be found on sale.

Reference. A rod that is too long does not allow you to work correctly in narrow and hard-to-reach places. Therefore, in some cases, the length may become a disadvantage of the tool.

Types of screwdrivers, their features

Let's say you have to assemble furniture. To choose the right screwdriver option, look at the head of the fasteners. After all, if you take the wrong model, you can damage the spline. Then you will have to move on to drastic methods, for example, using an extractor.

The most common screwdriver options are:

1. Flat. The tip of the product has the shape of a flat “spade”. More often it is used for simple work: installing sockets, assembling furniture, installing key hinges and others.
2. Cross. The section has four edges. Thanks to this design, a large contact area is obtained.This allows the fittings to be tightened more tightly. Therefore, it is more often used for assembling and repairing cars, various electrical equipment and other equipment.
3. Star-shaped. The tip is made in the form of a star with six edges. This option is mainly used when assembling smartphones and other equipment. Therefore, the scope of application of the product is quite narrow - specialized repair shops, warranty service centers.
4. Hexagonal. The section is made in the shape of a hexagon. Thanks to this design, high torque is achieved. It is usually used for repairing electrical appliances, as well as for servicing live objects.

How many tools are needed for comfortable work? The answer depends on what kind of mounting hardware you plan to use. However, experts recommend purchasing several options or buying one with replaceable tips. At the same time, do not forget that the product should not only be comfortable, but also of high quality.