While simple, the screwdriver is one of the most important tools in any plumber’s arsenal. To ensure ultimate productivity within your plumbing business, it’s vital to invest in quality screwdriver sets containing the tools your workers need to get the job done.
This article will go into detail about the types of screwdrivers plumbers use and their unique benefits. We recommend choosing a screwdriver set containing at least one of these tool types in various sizes and configurations.
Hex Screwdrivers
Hex screwdrivers are a common and highly versatile plumbing tool. They’re also known as Allen wrenches or keys.
These drivers come in several configurations, including the standard L-shaped Allen key, and straight screwdriver designs with a plastic, wood, or rubber handle. These tools come in a broad range of sizes to suit a variety of applications, from piecing together furniture to attaching objects to masonry or steel.
Hex keys or drivers fit with hexagonal screw sockets, a common sight in construction thanks to their usability in small spaces and resistance to dirt, debris, and grime.
Torx Screwdrivers
Torx screwdrivers feature a six-pointed, star-shaped head designed for tightening and loosening matching screws. Industrial manufacturing company Camcar Textron created the design in 1967.
Torx screws are significantly more secure than traditional flat and cross-head varieties, thanks to their unique star shape. They also allow for much higher torque.
A variation of the Torx screw head, known as the security Torx screw, features an extra pin at the six-pointed star’s centre. These screw heads cannot be tightened or loosened with a traditional Torx screwdriver to prevent tampering, so a special security Torx screwdriver must be used.
Flathead Screwdrivers
Flathead screwdrivers are some of the most common tools available today, used by construction workers and DIY enthusiasts around Australia. They feature a flat, wedged tip that slots right into screw heads with linear notches.
Plumbers may use these screwdrivers to fasten or remove nuts and bolts on cabinetry, metal hardware, and many other applications. They are an affordable, widely available, and versatile tool. However, flathead screwdrivers are prone to slippage, so it’s essential to choose the appropriately-sized tool for the job.
Phillips Head Screwdrivers
Phillips head screwdrivers are the most popular screwdriver design in the world. These drivers feature a four-pointed, cross-shaped, self-centred tip that reduces slippage risk.
Phillips head screwdrivers will still cam out to prevent over-tightening, so choosing a driver that perfectly matches the screw head is essential.
These screwdrivers come in a broad range of standard sizes, from #000 (perfect for jewellery or automotive frame assembly) to #4 (for large industrial jobs). They also come in various lengths, with longer shanks ideal for installing or removing fixtures and fittings in hard-to-reach places, such as underneath sinks.
Conclusion
Plumbers will come across various screw types and configurations in their line of work, so a versatile screwdriver set is crucial. Make sure to choose sets with a range of screwdriver types, shapes, and sizes so your employees can tackle any job they come across.
