Grab the wrong screwdriver and you’ll strip the screw head, round out the slot, and turn a five-minute job into a frustrating ordeal. Knowing the main screwdrivers types and which fastener each one fits is the difference between a clean, confident repair and a mangled mess. There are far more than the two everyone knows, and modern furniture, electronics, and appliances increasingly use specialized heads. This guide breaks down every common type, what it’s for, and how to build a set that handles almost anything around the house.
Phillips (Cross-Head)
The most common screwdriver in any household is the Phillips, recognizable by its cross- or plus-shaped tip. It seats into the matching cross slot on countless screws used in furniture, appliances, and general construction.
Phillips screws and drivers come in numbered sizes, typically #0 through #4, with #2 being by far the most common for household work. The design intentionally lets the driver “cam out” (pop free) under high torque to prevent overtightening, though that same feature causes stripping if you use the wrong size or apply uneven pressure. Match the number to the screw for a clean fit.
Flathead (Slotted)
The flathead, or slotted, screwdriver is the oldest design, with a single flat blade that fits a straight slot. You’ll still find it on older fixtures, electrical hardware, and many decorative or simple screws.
Flatheads come in various blade widths, and using one that’s too narrow or too wide is the fastest way to slip and gouge the surrounding surface. Choose a blade that fills the slot completely, both in width and thickness. Because the tip can slip easily under torque, flathead screws are best for light-duty applications.
Torx (Star)
Increasingly common in electronics, automotive work, appliances, and modern furniture, the Torx driver has a six-pointed star tip. Its design grips far better than Phillips or flathead, allowing higher torque with almost no cam-out, which is why manufacturers favor it.
Torx sizes are labeled with a “T” followed by a number, such as T10, T15, or T25. There’s also a security variant with a pin in the center, requiring a hollow driver. If you’ve ever opened a laptop, a flat-screen TV mount, or a newer appliance, you’ve likely needed a Torx set.
Hex (Allen)
Hex screwdrivers and the familiar L-shaped Allen keys fit screws with a six-sided recess. They’re the standard for flat-pack furniture, bicycles, machinery, and any fastener that needs reliable torque in a compact head.
Hex tools are sized by the width across the recess, in both metric (millimeters) and SAE (inches), so a complete kit covers both systems. The six contact points distribute force evenly, making hex fasteners resistant to stripping. A folding multi-key set or a screwdriver with interchangeable hex bits handles most assembly jobs.
Robertson (Square)
The Robertson driver, with its square tip, is a Canadian invention prized by woodworkers and electricians. The square recess grips tightly enough that a screw will often stay on the driver tip by itself, which speeds up one-handed work.
Robertson screws resist cam-out and stripping exceptionally well, making them popular in decking, cabinetry, and electrical work. Sizes are color-coded by number. While less common in the U.S. than in Canada, you’ll encounter them often enough in construction that a square-drive set earns its place in a serious toolbox.
Specialty and Less Common Types
Beyond the main families, several specialized drivers handle specific tasks. Keep these in mind as you encounter unusual fasteners:
- Pozidriv: Similar to Phillips but with extra contact points for better grip; common in European products. Don’t confuse it with standard Phillips.
- Tri-wing and spanner: Tamper-resistant heads found in electronics and game consoles to deter disassembly.
- Clutch (bow-tie): Seen on older RVs, mobile homes, and appliances.
- Nut drivers: Screwdriver-style handles with a socket tip for hex nuts and bolts.
You won’t need these daily, but a security-bit set covers the oddballs when they appear.
Manual vs. Powered Options
Beyond tip shape, consider how you’ll drive the screws. A standard hand screwdriver gives precise control for delicate work and small fasteners. A ratcheting screwdriver speeds repetitive jobs by letting you turn without re-gripping.
For bigger projects, a cordless drill or impact driver with interchangeable bits drives screws fast and saves your wrist, though the extra power makes stripping easier if you’re not careful with the clutch setting. Many homeowners get the best of both worlds with a manual set for finesse work and a bit-driver set for the drill.
Building a Practical Home Set
You don’t need every type to be well-equipped. For the vast majority of household tasks, this core lineup covers it:
- Phillips drivers in #1 and #2
- Flathead drivers in two or three widths
- A Torx set covering roughly T10 through T25
- A hex/Allen key set in both metric and SAE
- A magnetic bit driver with assorted interchangeable bits
A quality multi-bit screwdriver with a magnetic tip can replace half a drawer of individual tools. Look for hardened steel tips and a comfortable, non-slip handle, since cheap drivers wear and round off quickly.
Avoiding Stripped Screws
The right type only helps if you use it correctly. Always match the driver size precisely to the screw, seat the tip fully before turning, and keep the driver in line with the screw rather than at an angle. Apply firm, steady downward pressure as you turn so the tip doesn’t slip out.
If a screw starts to strip, stop immediately, switching to the correct size or adding a rubber band over the head for grip can save it. Understanding screwdriver types and respecting the match between tool and fastener will spare you stripped heads, scratched surfaces, and a lot of avoidable frustration on every project you tackle.
How to Identify a Screw You Don’t Recognize
Half the battle is figuring out which driver a mystery screw needs. Before you start trying tips at random, which is the fastest way to strip a head, look closely at the recess. A few seconds of inspection saves a stripped fastener:
- A single straight line: Flathead (slotted).
- A simple cross: Phillips, or possibly Pozidriv if you see faint extra lines between the arms.
- A six-pointed star: Torx.
- A six-sided hole: Hex/Allen.
- A square hole: Robertson.
- A pin in the center of any of these: A security/tamper-resistant variant needing a special bit.
Once you’ve identified the recess, match the size by trying the closest driver that seats snugly without wobbling.
Caring for Your Screwdrivers
A good screwdriver lasts decades with basic care, while a neglected one rounds off and starts slipping. Keep tips clean and free of debris, since grit packed in a recess prevents full seating. Wipe metal parts occasionally to prevent rust, especially in a humid garage or basement.
Never use a screwdriver as a chisel, pry bar, or paint-can opener; that abuse bends shafts and ruins tips, and it’s a common cause of slips that lead to injuries. Store drivers in a rack or roll so the tips don’t bang against each other and dull. Replace any driver whose tip has visibly rounded over, because a worn tip will strip every screw it touches. Treated well, a quality set of screwdrivers is one of the longest-lasting and most-used investments in your toolbox.
