Screw driver lengths..

[IdahoMan]

What situations require what length of screwdriver? Please give some examples.

(Machinist, Mechanical, Automotive, Gunsmiths, Aircraft, Marine, Woodwork, Electronic engineering, Electrician, Watchmaker/Jeweller, Military, whatever, etc. for the last 100yrs.)

Post a picture with the example if you can.

 

[four.cycle]

I may have been misinformed, but my understanding was that the longer the screwdriver, the more torque could be applied.
I have dozens and dozens and dozens of screwdrivers, and I just bought some more the other day. No such thing as too many screwdrivers.

YMMV

 

[mobiledynamics]

What situations require what length of screwdriver? Please give some examples.

(Machinist, Mechanical, Automotive, Gunsmiths, Aircraft, Marine, Woodwork, Electronic engineering, Electrician, Watchmaker/Jeweller, Military, whatever, etc. for the last 100yrs.)

Post a picture with the example if you can.

Um....materials come in all different sizes. I don't think the reply allows that LONG of a response

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I may have been misinformed, but my understanding was that the longer the screwdriver, the more torque could be applied.
I have dozens and dozens and dozens of screwdrivers, and I just bought some more the other day. No such thing as too many screwdrivers.

YMMV

Handle length should be irrelevant, the twisting force isn't changed or lost by the length of the shank.





Cabinet screwdrivers have a straight side profile and thin shank. I use them at work to unplug electrical connectors, delicate prying, etc.

 

[IdahoMan]

I may have been misinformed, but my understanding was that the longer the screwdriver, the more torque could be applied.
I have dozens and dozens and dozens of screwdrivers, and I just bought some more the other day. No such thing as too many screwdrivers.

YMMV

Funny you should mention torque, I just got done reading this: https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/149314/does-screwdriver-length-matter

I believe the whole reason for different lengths is being able to reach the fastener/screw: Stubby and offset for limited space, regular, and then long. Ideally, I guess, you would want a full set (3 lengths) for every bit type/size. But that would mean a lot of full screw-drivers. I like the idea of bits (Ex: 1/4" power/reg bits) and a handle, but for tight holes over half-inch deep it might not work due to the bulk of the handle shaft.

 

[M6erfan]

What situations require what length of screwdriver? Please give some examples.

...

It's pretty simple.

If you need to reach a fastener that is far away or down a deep hole you need a longer driver. If clearance is an issue you might need a short/stubby driver. Then there's low profile bit wrenches...

 

[American Locomotive]

I think you're overthinking this.

You use whatever length screwdriver that's appropriate ergonomically for what you're trying to do. You may need a stubby screwdriver to get to a screw in a tight compartment on an airplane, or a 3 foot screwdriver to get to a hard-to-access screw in a car.

I may have been misinformed, but my understanding

That's only if you're using it as a pry-bar. Otherwise length does not impact torque.

 

[lardy1]

Does a machinist that needs a long screwdriver use the same as an electrician that needs a long screwdriver?

 

[woody 73]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but in the case of a jewelers screwdriver they will run very small in length. If you think about it for a second they are working on such very fine movements, (not clocks) that just the blades are almost like the shaft of a needle set sometimes. They must be very lightweight so they will not effect the person hands for such delicate work for long hours at a time.

The screws are so small that anyone working on such fine movements (watches) that they will need a jewelers loupe for such precision work. So in this case size does matter.

Hope that helps you out some...

 

[larry_g]

What situations require what length of screwdriver? Please give some examples.

(Machinist, Mechanical, Automotive, Gunsmiths, Aircraft, Marine, Woodwork, Electronic engineering, Electrician, Watchmaker/Jeweller, Military, whatever, etc. for the last 100yrs.)

Post a picture with the example if you can.

I can say that I have worked in 10 of the fields you list. When selecting a screwdriver length, the trade does not play a part. One selects the tool that fits the fastener and the situation that it is located in. Now some trades have brands that they traditionally use but that does not answer your question.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[plinker]

How accessible the fastener is pretty much determines what length blade will work best.

My preference for doing pretty much anything is having a short blade or bit shank so the hand is closer to the work. Bit drivers work great overall, but for example, the steering wheel cover screw holes on older Fords are sized for a plain #2 phillips blade only and it needs to have at least a 3" long blade.

IME handle size can allow more torque, but I think it has more to do with grip strength then anything. Screwdrivers are probably the most subjective tool in that everyone likes something different and most will have tried multiple brands to find that particular combination of handle shape and blade strength they want.

 

[Wamsutta]

I get more torque and downward pressure with a long blade.

 

[thin_concrete]

Does a machinist that needs a long screwdriver use the same as an electrician that needs a long screwdriver?

Maybe, depending on the job. My guess is that electricians might use insulated screwdrivers more to protect against shock though.

 

[monkeyspanners]

Its easier to keep the blade square to the screw with a longer shafted screwdriver.

 

[bonneyman]

It all depends on user preference. For me, I like #2 phillips and small tip cabinet drivers long (i.e. like 12" and up). #0 and #1 phillips I like small, and regular flat blade drivers I like in progression according to the size tip (i.e. the larger the tip the longer I like it). The old Proto yellow handles had a selection of styles and sizes that suits me well - plus I love the handle shape.

 

[SteveW1000]

Its easier to keep the blade square to the screw with a longer shafted screwdriver.

This. Particularly if you are dealing with high end cabinetmaking or joinery and slotted screws. You can do a lot of damage if the screwdriver slips from the head of a screw and across a highly finished surface. For most other trades the length which is needed for the task.

 

[thin_concrete]

(i.e. the larger the tip the longer I like it)

That’s what she said!

 

[sberry]

If a guy has to ask this he needs to march right down to HF and buy a big set to start with. Like sockets and wrenches, they all have their place, some you use more than other and a couple never maybe but a set is good place to start and its nice to have them all/most. You can buy more better as you go.