Precision Screwdriver

Precision Screwdriver

The screwdriver, as you likely already know is a tool that is used to tighten screws.  There are a very large number of screwdriver types.  Rather the end is different (straight, Philips, torx, etc) or just the size is different.  There screwdrivers out there for every use.  However, what specifically has drawn you this page is your interest in picking up a good precision screwdriver.

A precision screwdriver is a smaller driver that is generally made for a specific function.  Most often people associate a precision screwdriver with glasses or watch repair.  However, there are many other industries and uses for them, and it is a niche that has a huge following, with lots of manufacturers, such as Wiha Tools, trying to get their piece of the pie. 

We’ve created this page in an attempt to help you sort through all the different precision screwdriver varieties, their intended uses, and on subsequent pages you will find our suggestions for best manufacturers to purchase from. 

Most precision screwdrivers are found in sets of anywhere from 3-4 screwdrivers up to 50 or more.  However, generally speaking you don’t need a large precision screwdriver set, as a small set should serve your purpose just fine. The most common types of tips that you will find on precision screwdriver are slotted, Phillips, and Torx.  In the mini screwdriver page we will further cover Hex (metric), Hex (standard), square-drive, and Nut drivers. 

The flat-tip or slotted screwdrivers are the best known screwdrivers.  They are disctinctive by their flat head.  When looked at from straight at the end, it is just a straight line kind of like “—“.  While slotted screwdrivers can be found with tip sizes up to as large as 1 inch (25mm) across, a traditional precision screwdriver would usually be in between 0.8mm-4.0mm (.031 in - .157 in).  The most common size needed for precision screwdriver work is probably around 2.5mm.

The Phillips screwdriver has a very distinctive and recognizable tip as well.  The tip of a Phillips screwdriver when looked at from the end looks like a + (plus symbol).  The Phillips screwdriver sizes range from a 0 to 4, with 0 being the smallest and 4 being the largest.  However, with precision screwdrivers they are available in even smaller sizes, these are designated by adding additional 0’s, so you can find a #000, #00, or #0.  The most common size you will need for your precision screwdrivers is usually #00, #0 or a #1.

The tip of a Torx (pronounced “TORKS”, kind of like “forks) driver resembles a rounded star with 6 symmetrical points.  The design allows the screw to lock on to the driver’s tip and not slip or cause the strip or bit to wear out prematurely, this makes it very popular in the automotive and electronics industries.  The sizing of Torx is determined by a T followed by a number, such as T15.  The sizes range from T1-T100, with most common sizes being a multiple of 5 (T10, T15, T20, T25, T30, T35, etc).  Most people don’t need a Torx precision screwdriver, so a lot of the basic sets won’t include them, but When it comes to getting a precision screwdriver set that includes Torx drivers, you will need to look at your application, the most common sizes found in these kits range greatly from T1-T20.