What Is a Special Screwdriver?
A special screwdriver is a screwdriver used for tightening or removing screws that are shaped differently from the commonly used Phillips or flathead screws in everyday life.
Some products are designed to prevent theft and tampering, while others are designed for durability and design. One type of special screw, the Torx screw, is used in Apple computers and hard drives, cell phones and portable game consoles, and BMW motorcycles.
How to Use Special Screwdrivers
Use the one that matches the shape and size of the target screw. Insert the screwdriver into the screw and rotate it in the same way as a regular Phillips or flathead screwdriver to tighten or remove the screw.
Names of common special screws are listed below:
- Torx
- Hexlobe/Hexlobe (torsion stop)
- Line recess/Line recess (torsion stop)
The above two “torsion stop” refers to a convex screw with a projection in the center. - Triangle
- Y-shape
- Pentalobe
- Round
- U-shape
How to Choose Special Screwdrivers
Select a screwdriver that matches the size and shape of the screw to be worked on. If the special screws used in your business are limited, you should choose a single screwdriver. If you use various types of special screws or for home use, you can choose a special screwdriver set.
There are two types of special screwdriver sets: those with an integrated bit and grip, and those with interchangeable bits. The one-piece screwdriver set is designed for commonly used special screws, but the number of bits is limited, such as a set of 10 bits. The type with interchangeable bits features a wide variety of bits, including sets with 30, 58, and even 103 different types of bits.
Torx screwdrivers are indicated by combining the Roman letter “T” and a number, such as “T1” and “T2.” The number indicates the size of the tip. In most cases, Torx screwdriver sets are available in the range of T4 to T10.