Types of Screwdriver Bits and Inserts for Screwing and Unscrewing

One of the pillars for the work of mechanics and maintenance in any field is the definition of the types of screwdriver tips for screwdrivers and inserts to work on screws of any kind and with the upper indentation of different shapes. In fact, the choice of a Torx screw or cross or maybe with flat tip and domed shape is not without consequences. For example, do you choose a Phillips cross screw?

Thanks to this solution you offer a larger gripping surface of the screwdriver, avoiding slipping known as cam-out. That's why it's important to understand which types of screwdriver tips and inserts to choose to complete your technical work.

How many types of tips do we have

The types of screwdriver tips and inserts to insert into your electric screwdriver are different. In fact, the number of tools to work with screws and bolts is high but we have two main families of possible tips: those with slot and star. The first are solutions that, as the name suggests, have a straight shape that is used for common screws. What are the basic characteristics?

Easy to use, this type of screw tip does not offer particularly high mechanical performance. Different situation for cross or star tips which improve tool grip thanks to a larger surface. The main variants of cross screws: the Torx that take the shape of a 6-point star and the Pozidriv, a star with two diagonals that cut the main shape.

Torx also have variants. There's the one with central pin that requires the use of specific tools (thus gaining anti-tampering value) and with an additional straight insert to give more grip to the operation. In any case, here's a basic list:

• Slot: the most classic, with a single linear slot.
• Cross: two crossed slots, excellent grip for screwing.
• Pozidriv: with additional notches to reduce slipping.
• Torx: features a star-shaped head with six points.
• Torx Plus: improved design for secure grip.
• Allen: hexagonal shape for Allen keys.
• Tri-Wing: a type of screw with three angled wings.
• Quadrex: with square recess and cross.

The different screw head shapes

There are not only different types of tips and inserts that can influence the choice of tool as screwdrivers and inserts for electric screwdrivers. Even the head can make a difference. For example, we can count on flat heads with conical shape that are used to have countersunk screws thanks to conical tips. Then we have oval, domed and button-shaped.

The latter can offer a larger operating surface and have an aesthetic role in the structure. Screws like these can be better managed if they strip, compared to flat ones which are complex to handle when damaged.

How to choose screw tips

Now we move to the practical aspect of the work to be carried out: what are the essential points to respect when choosing a tip for the different types of screws? There are two fundamental rules to follow: the size of the tool to use and the cut.

If you don't respect these steps you risk ruining your screw. First of all, therefore, you must choose screwdrivers or inserts (like those of LTI) for screwdrivers able to fit perfectly into the recess. If it's too small or large you risk stripping the screw with the risk that it will no longer be possible to extract it. Furthermore, you must respect the shape which in many cases is binding but not always.

You could try to screw a Torx with a slot screwdriver but the results will be disastrous. So it's a trick I recommend you avoid. Because if you need to carry out professional work you can purchase screwdriver insert kits.

Inserts capable of solving any need. Also in relation to the material with which the tool was made. For example, LTI models are made with CNC lathes for high precision operations, and treated with a vacuum hardening plant to avoid decarburization and surface oxidation problems.