What Is a Penetrating Driver?
Penetrating drivers are hand screwdrivers with a metal shaft that contacts the screw and penetrates through the grip.
It is made so that the metal part behind it that comes out of the grip (called a washer or buttstock) can be struck with a hammer. The difference between a penetrating driver and a screwdriver is that a screwdriver has a non-penetrating structure, such that the metal shaft that turns the screw is stuck halfway through the grip.
When a regular screwdriver is used and struck with a hammer, not only is the force applied to the screw reduced, but the screwdriver is also damaged.
Uses of Penetrating Drivers
The primary use of penetrating drivers is to tighten or loosen screws.
It is also sometimes used to strike the back of the grip with a hammer to impact and loosen screws that have become tight or corroded and difficult to remove. It is also used to reshape crushed screw heads and for temporary hatcheries.
The best hammers to use when impacting screws with penetrating drivers are plastic or resin hammers. If a metal hammer or similar tool is used, the impact will be greater than necessary and may adversely affect parts other than the screw. If a screw cannot be loosened by any means, it is also effective to use a lubricant, etc. at the same time.
Principle of Penetrating Drivers
When you strike the metal part behind the penetrating driver that comes out of the grip, the impact is transmitted from the tip of the driver to the screw, causing the sticking part to move and a slight gap to be created, which loosens the screw.
Compared to regular screwdrivers, many penetrating drivers have a thicker, firmer grip made of resin. The reason for this is that Penetrating Drivers are designed to be struck with a hammer and to provide a firm grip. When using penetrating drivers, it is recommended to grip the penetrating driver firmly and to use gloves to soften the impact on the hand and prevent injury. Penetrating drivers are not suitable for work related to electricity, as they conduct electricity directly.
Types of Penetrating Drivers
Penetrating drivers, like regular screwdrivers, are available in a lineup of types for a variety of applications. Typical types are as follows:
1. Round Shaft Type
The cross section of the metal shaft is round. The rounded cross section of the metal shaft allows smooth turning even when the screwdriver is turned with the hand. This is the same type of screwdriver commonly seen in general.
2. Square Shaft Type
This type has a metal shaft with a square cross section. A wrench or spanner can be applied to it to turn it with a large force.
3. Bolster Type
This type has a hexagonal shape at the joint of the metal shaft and the grip. A wrench, glasses, etc. can be applied to the hexagonal part and turned with great force.
4. Magnet Type
A magnet is built into the tip of the metal shaft or magnetized so that screws and other metal objects stick to it. The magnetized type is useful when working in confined spaces where both hands cannot reach. There are various types, including round-axle and square-axle types with a magnet at the tip.
Other Information on Penetrating Drivers
Cautions for Use
Most manufacturers do not recommend the use of penetrating drivers and hammers to impact screws, but since many users use penetrating drivers to impact screws, they are made to withstand impact. However, care should be taken when using a flat-blade penetrating driver in place of a tup, as it can damage the tip of the screwdriver.
A shock driver (impact driver) is suitable for loosening hardened screws. Shock drivers are effective for loosening screws because the tip is made to rotate slightly as soon as it is struck with a hammer and the impact is transmitted.