Screwdriver facts for kids

A flathead screwdriver.

A Phillips screwdriver and screw.

Different types of screwdriver bits, like Torx and hex.

A screwdriver is a tool used to turn, or "drive," screws into things. It has a long part called a shaft with a special tip. This tip is shaped to fit into the head of a screw. On the other end of the screwdriver is a round handle that you hold. When you turn the handle, it creates a twisting force called torque. This torque makes the tip turn the screw.

Screwdrivers come in many different sizes and shapes. You can usually tell what kind of screwdriver it is by looking at its tip. The tip's shape matches the groove cut into the screw's head. So, a screwdriver helps you apply force to a screw and turn it, even in tight spots.

What Are the Different Types of Screwdrivers?

Screwdrivers come in many shapes and sizes to match all the different kinds of screws. If you use the wrong size or type of screwdriver, you might damage the screw. This can make it hard to tighten or loosen it.

Many screwdrivers have a handle that can be used with different tips. The shaft and tip can be removed from the handle. Then, you can attach a different one. The shaft and tip together are called a bit, like a drill bit. This way, you can have one handle and many bits for different screws.

How Do Power Screwdrivers Work?

Driving a screw with a cordless drill.

Most screwdrivers are used by hand. But some screwdrivers use an electric or other type of motor to spin the bit. These are called power screwdrivers. They help you drive screws quickly into different materials.

Just like hand screwdrivers, power screwdrivers use different bits. You can easily remove and swap bits to fit various screw types. Many types of drills can also be used as power screwdrivers. The best ones let you control how much torque force is used. This helps you tighten screws to just the right level without overtightening them.

Images for kids

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  Slotted screws

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  Robertson screw

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  Phillips screw head

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  "Perfect Handle" screwdrivers

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  Screwdriver with rubber handle

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  A rechargeable battery-powered electric screwdriver.

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  Stanley Yankee No 130A, a spiral or ratchet screwdriver.

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  A jeweler's screwdriver.

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  Screwdriver with a magnetic tip.

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  A variety of Robertson sizes.

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  Phillips and Pozidriv compared.