Screwdriver Types: Common Screw Drive Heads and Screw Sizes Guide

The screwdriver is a necessary and required tool not just at home but also for those who work in the set decoration, construction, or scenic department in the film and television industry. Given how often you need to use a screwdriver, screw head types and sizes, you must learn the different screwdriver types.

My preference for my tool kit goes to the all-in-one retractable bit screwdriver, which is excellent for quick jobs at work and great for use at home. However, during lengthy construction builds or with some set dressing tasks, I suggest using a more robust screwdriver set so that you know you always have the right screwdriver types on hand for every job.

Ensure your screwdriver set is made of solid metal and magnetic alloy to keep your screws from dropping and to reduce stripping. I think the worst screwdriver brand for this is Black & Decker. Their bits and screwdriver sets are weak and prone to stripping the Phillips, PoziDriv, and Robertson bits, from my experience. My preference goes to DeWalt, Mastercraft, and Craftsman.

Pass Me a Screwdriver

Craftsman Auto-Loading Multi-Bit Retractable Screwdriver

65-Piece Mastercraft Screwdriver Set

One of my biggest pet peeves is when I ask someone to pass me a Robertson #2, and they stare at me blankly. “The square, the flat, or the star one?” they often ask. It also never occurs to these people that there are various screw sizes.

While I expect this from novices, it always surprises me how many people need to learn the names and sizes of specific tools, the most straightforward of which is the screwdriver. However, when I started, I thought Hex Keys were called X-Keys. I felt like the biggest loser when I found out I’d been saying it wrong the whole time.

Everyone has to learn somewhere, so hopefully, you get something out of this the next time you’re asked to use a specific screwdriver.

Screwdriver Types Guide

Names of Screwdriver Types

•  Flat Head (or Slotted or Straight Head)
•  Phillips
• Pozidriv
• Torx
• Hex (or Allen key or Allen wrench) * (Ikea loves this one)
• Robertson (Canada’s most common)
• Tri-Wing
• Torq-Set
• Spanner

Note: Many retractable screwdrivers and screwdriver sets do not come with the Hex or Allen key bit so you should always keep a Hex Key (or Allen wrench) in your pocket for pesky Ikea furniture.

Screwdriver and Screw Head Sizes

• #0: The tiniest of the four most commonly used sizes
• #1: The second smallest of the four most commonly used sizes
• #2: The medium size and the most commonly used size everywhere
• #3: The largest of the four most commonly used sizes

Note: There are other sizes available, but these are the most commonly used screw heads and required screwdrivers both in your home or at work.

What is your favourite tool? Why do you love it? Do you have a brand from which you do not stray? I’d like to know which tools, devices, and brands you love right now.

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Posted by Rose Lagacé

Rose Lagacé is a production designer for film & television by day and an emerging filmmaker by night. Rose is also the creator and editor of Art Departmental where she celebrates the art and craft of production design.

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