Learn me on Screwdriver sizes

[E36M3]

Hi, first off a quick introduction. I am a new member who has been lurking for a few months and I am new to tools but becoming a bit of a addict! I would say this forum has really contributed to my new addiction.

Anyways, I've got lots of basics to learn with tools so lets get started with screwdrivers.

What are the different sizes in screwdrivers? How can you tell if a screw is a '#1 size' or '#2'?? BTW I'm really wondering just about flat heads and Phillips.


Thanks!

 

[Haveblue]

Welcome E36M3! Its easy..if the driver has a "positive" engagement, no slop, then it is the correct size. If you want to experiment, get a driver with interchangable bits to get a feel for the sizes.

 

[E36M3]

Welcome E36M3! Its easy..if the driver has a "positive" engagement, no slop, then it is the correct size. If you want to experiment, get a driver with interchangable bits to get a feel for the sizes.

Thanks for the reply! But LOL your answer is to simple!

If somebody were to ask me for a #2 Phillips, how can I tell that apart from say a #3?

 

[jmm]

They're usually marked. For all intents, a 2 is the most ubiquitous. If you've got a variety that you're used to using, it'll become second nature.

 

[CWP1616L]

Most of your #1 Phillips will be for #6 machine screws. #8 and #10 will be #2 Phillips. When you get into 1/4'' machine screws, you'll see #3 Phillips.

 

[spotco2]

#2 is most common.

#1 is little, #3 is big.

 

[TheJohn]

#2 is most common.

#1 is little, #3 is big.

Perfect response.

 

[E36M3]

#2 is most common.

#1 is little, #3 is big.

LOL I will probably remember this and it will likely help me for years to come!

I'm still curious on the technical differences though. What are the sizes a screwdriver must be to actually be classified as a #2?

 

[CWP1616L]

A #2 Phillips will usually have a 1/4'' diameter shaft and a #1 Phillips will usually have a 3/16'' diameter shaft.

 

[E36M3]

^Thanks, that's actually more of the technical definition I was looking for. What about for flatheads? Are the numbers about the same?

 

[Texican]

Have fun http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives

 

[neophyte]

^Thanks, that's actually more of the technical definition I was looking for. What about for flatheads? Are the numbers about the same?

With the exception of the "Swiss Standard" screwdrivers made by
PB Swiss/Baumann and also sold by some other manufacturers, like Wera? I'm not really sure there is a "numbering standard" for slot head screwdrivers. Most slot head screwdrivers are classed by head type, i.e., keystone, cabinet, hollow ground, gunsmith, swiss, etc., and then by size, i.e., 1.2mm. by 6mm., 2mm. by 10mm. , etc. Some of these screwdriver sizes tend to mach standard screws whether metric or imperial, round head or flat head, but as far as I'm aware, most there isn't a numbering system for slotted screwdrivers like there is for Phillips or Pozidriv.

 

[sberry]

Got to be some kind of engineer?

 

[neophyte]

Got to be some kind of engineer?

Was that meant for me?

 

[sberry]

No, for the OP, I glanced to see if there was a profile. Was just teasing him a little.

 

[krautracer]

Don't forget about sizes 0, 00, 000, and JIS standard screwdrivers.

 

[neophyte]

Don't forget about sizes 0, 00, 000, and JIS standard screwdrivers.

And Pozidriv, they seem to be showing up more frequently these days.

 

[Vinko]

And Robertson -- which I just started using for wood 2 x 4 stuff. I'm starting to prefer them to the phillips!

 

[Jeff]

#2 is most common.

#1 is little, #3 is big.

and #4 is really big!

 

[chipper]

#2 is most common.

#1 is little, #3 is big.

That's pretty much all there is to it

 

[Jisp]

I couldn't resist!
Michael.

 

[billp603]

#2 is most common.

#1 is little, #3 is big.

This is the perfect answer, you'll never need to know the technical details, it's just not that complicated. I use #2 for most things, and only use #1 for small electronics, computer cases. I have had a #3 in my box for 20 years that I've never run across a screw that needed it.

 

[E36M3]

I couldn't resist!
Michael.

Love the cartoon!

This is the perfect answer, you'll never need to know the technical details, it's just not that complicated. I use #2 for most things, and only use #1 for small electronics, computer cases. I have had a #3 in my box for 20 years that I've never run across a screw that needed it.

This is pretty much what I was thinking. I just felt the need to find out what makes a certain size. Some times(often times) I ask weird questions. Hope I don't get to annoying with my questions which I'm sure their will be more of.

 

[andywander]

http://books.google.com/books?id=R2YEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA82#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

[therealwormey]

#2 is most common.

#1 is little, #3 is big.

This is the perfect answer, you'll never need to know the technical details, it's just not that complicated. I use #2 for most things, and only use #1 for small electronics, computer cases. I have had a #3 in my box for 20 years that I've never run across a screw that needed it.

pretty much true unless your working on certain things out of the realm of everyday stuff, like some japanese motorcycles. some yamaha engines are basically put together with #3 and sometimes #4 will rear its ugly head.

 

[neophyte]

pretty much true unless your working on certain things out of the realm of everyday stuff, like some japanese motorcycles. some yamaha engines are basically put together with #3 and sometimes #4 will rear its ugly head.

Yamaha uses "Phillips" screws? Are you sure the screws aren't Japanese Industrial Standard/JIS screws. Do you have a problem with screws stripping out? I would have thought a Japanese manufacturer would have used JIS.

 

[babzog]

And Robertson -- which I just started using for wood 2 x 4 stuff. I'm starting to prefer them to the phillips!

Robertson rules! Nice for wood and sheet metal, also common in electrical fixtures. #8 Robertson is one of my best friends.

 

[Haukur]

PH3 is common on car door strikers, retaining bolts for brake discs and I've seen a lot of it on system floors in ships, countersunk heads holding down aluminum panels.

 

[MikeF2316]

Yamaha uses "Phillips" screws? Are you sure the screws aren't Japanese Industrial Standard/JIS screws. Do you have a problem with screws stripping out? I would have thought a Japanese manufacturer would have used JIS.

I've always used phillips screwdrivers on the screws on my Yamaha. My old #3 phillips fits this Yamaha screw pretty well. I've never had any strip out.

 

[neophyte]

I've always used phillips screwdrivers on the screws on my Yamaha. My old #3 phillips fits this Yamaha screw pretty well. I've never had any strip out.

Those do look like Phillips screws.

 

[sberry]

Yes, found on lots of old stuff.

 

[sberry]

I dont know al the kinds but I like square because its simple with the same bit for all the sizes. For off the ladder construction work I like torx, etc they take no push to drive but each size takes a different bit, my lumber yard that has been 40 yrs behind on everything went with new drive and no old, I found squares at Menards.

I have tossed boxes of philips in the junk, they show up every once in a while or on old work, drywall, all purpose etc. It cost extra with coated deck screws but they drive easy and remove easy. I dont even stock other cheaper types. No rust, always come out.