Screwdrivers: setting it up and changing the bit or blade

Learn to pick the right screwdriver bit, fit it correctly, and use it without stripping screws.

SD-01Learn the parts of a screwdriverA screwdriver has three parts: the handle you grip, the shaft (the metal rod), and the tip (the shaped end that goes into the screw). Many screwdrivers sold today are 'bit drivers' - the handle holds small interchangeable metal tips called bits, rather than having one fixed tip. Beginners often assume any screwdriver fits any screw. It doesn't - the tip shape has to match the screw head exactly, or it will slip.

SD-02Tell Phillips from PozidrivBoth look like a cross shape, but they're not the same. Phillips has smooth rounded corners between the four arms. Pozidriv has extra small ridge lines between the arms and squarer corners - most UK screws you'll meet are Pozidriv. Using a Phillips bit in a Pozidriv screw (or the other way round) feels loose and will slip, rounding off the screw head - this is the single most common beginner mistake.

SD-03Match the bit size to the screwBits come in numbered sizes - PZ1, PZ2, PZ3 for Pozidriv, or PH1, PH2 for Phillips. Most household screws (sockets, hinges, flat-pack furniture) use size 2. Push the bit into the screw head before turning: it should sit snugly with no wobble. A bit that's too small will slip and chew up the slot; too big and it won't seat at all.

SD-04Change the bit in the handleOn a bit driver, find the collar - a ring near the tip end. Pull or twist it (check which, as both types exist) to release the old bit, then push the new one into the hexagonal socket underneath. A small magnet inside usually holds the bit in place. Push firmly until you feel a definite click - a bit that just rests there without clicking is not seated properly and will fall out mid-use.

SD-05Check the bit is seated correctlyThis is how you know you've done it right: grip the bit and give it a gentle tug and a twist. It should not wobble, rattle, or come loose. Look at it side-on - it should sit dead straight in line with the shaft, not tilted. If it looks crooked or slides out with light pressure, pull it out and push it in again properly.

SD-06Hold and use the screwdriver correctlyGrip the handle firmly in your palm, not just your fingertips. Keep the shaft at a right angle (90 degrees) to the screw head, not leaning to one side. Push down firmly into the screw while you turn - the pushing matters as much as the turning. Beginners often turn without pushing hard enough, which lets the tip 'cam out' (pop up and slip sideways), rounding the screw.

SD-07Know when it's going rightDone correctly, the screw turns smoothly and steadily, and the screwdriver stays firmly seated in the head the whole time - no scraping or slipping sound. If you see shiny metal shavings appearing, or the corners of the screw slot start to look smooth and rounded, stop straight away. That's a sign of the wrong bit, wrong size, or not enough downward pressure - fix that before carrying on, or you'll ruin the screw completely.

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