The Different Types of Screw Drives

Philips drive and slotted drive are the most common drives of the screws. Generally, hexagon head and hexagon sockets are also very common. In addition, there are many other styles of drive slots.

 ① Philips (cross) Drive: Common for household use, use a cross screwdriver to disassemble and assemble, the advantage is that it is easier to apply force than a slotted screwdriver, the disadvantage is that in case the drive damaged, then the teeth slipped.

② Philips-slotted Drive: Common for household use, use a cross or slotted screwdriver to disassemble and assemble, the advantage is that it is widely used, and there are no obvious disadvantages.

③ Slotted Drive: Common for household use, use a slotted screwdriver to disassemble and assemble, the advantage is that in case the slot is slightly damaged, you can use simple tools to deepen the slot, the disadvantage is that it is not easy to apply force

④ Hexagonal Drive: Common for mechanical products, use an inner hexagon wrench to disassemble and assemble, the advantage is that it is widely used (in the mechanical industry), no obvious disadvantages

⑤ Torx Drive: Used for mechanical and electrical products, use torx wrench to disassemble and assemble, the advantage is to protect the personal safety of electrical products and workers, no obvious disadvantages

 In summary, the philips drive and slotted drive are common in self-tapping screws, and the torque required to tighten with the corresponding screwdriver is not large, and a slightly larger torque will cause the screw to be twisted. The internal hexagon and external hexagon heads are more common in bolts, which are used in occasions with large locking torques. External hexagon bolts need to be tightened with a plate wrench or a sleeve wrench, and internal hexagon bolts need to be tightened with a hexagonal wrench. Even if a large torque is used, the hexagon head will not be twisted.