What Is a Flexible Driver?
A flexible driver is a screwdriver with a flexible shaft. It is used for tightening screws in narrow places where it is not possible to insert the arm, or near walls where a screwdriver cannot be used.
In addition to screwdrivers that simply have a flexible shaft, there are also products that include a ratchet body, a flexible shaft, and a bit. Flexible shafts for electric screwdrivers are also available. These can be attached to electric tools to perform tasks such as tightening screws at will.
How to Use Flexible Drivers
Place the screwdriver on the screw and hold the tip with one hand to stabilize it while tightening the screw. Although it is possible to work with one hand, it is preferable to support the screwdriver with your hand in order to work in a more stable condition.
In the case of a flexible shaft, it is attached to an electric screwdriver. Similar to a manual screwdriver, screw tightening is carried out while supporting the screwdriver with one hand to ensure stable operation. The portion outside the shaft rotates at high speed during work, so exercise caution to avoid touching it with your hand.
How to Choose Flexible Drivers
The following explains how to select a screwdriver, screwdriver set, and flexible shaft:
- Single Screwdriver
Select a screwdriver with a shaft length suitable for the work. - Screwdriver Set
Select a product that comes with a set of screwdriver bits required for the work. Also, check the length of the flexible shaft that is included in the set. Some sets can be attached to power tools. - Flexible Shaft
Check the power tool to which the flexible shaft is compatible. Depending on the product, there are different applicable tools, such as those dedicated to electric screwdrivers, those for both electric screwdrivers and impact drivers and so on.Select a shaft with the appropriate shaft length for the job, ranging from about 100mm to over 1m for longer flexible shafts. For home use, a shaft length of 200mm to 300 mm is sufficient.
Also, check the chucking capacity. Chuck capacity refers to the size of bits that can be attached. It is advisable to check the size of bits to be used in the work beforehand.