No tool kit is complete without a screwdriver. Even a tiny tool case contains at least a small selection of screwdrivers. Without these hand tools, you will be unable to carry out virtually any manual work. In the past, a small selection of standard screwdrivers was sufficient. In contrast, there was also only a manageable number of standard screwdriver profiles. For example, screws with a slotted or cross-slotted profile.
Today, a large number of different screw profiles are in use. For this reason alone, the requirements for the screwdriver design can be very different. In addition, the workpiece to be fastened and the conditions under which the screwdriver is used can be very different. For these reasons, the range of screwdriversis huge!
To summarise briefly: Not all screwdrivers are the same.
What types of screwdrivers are there?
Choosing the right screwdriver depends first and foremost on the type of screwdriving task. Therequirements for the screwdriver vary depending on the working conditions, workpiece or area of application.
Wiha has been producing screwdrivers for over 80 years. The range covers all the different requirements you may have for your screwdriving work: Electrical, industrial or DIY -You are sure to find the right screwdriving tool.
The Wiha screwdriver handle size concept
The special feature of Wiha screwdrivers is their grip. The handles are particularly ergonomic and comfortable to hold. Handles of different widths are available depending on the screwing requirements. The ideal size of the handle ensures that the torque of your hand is transferred to the screwdriver in an optimised manner.
Furthermore, with the right handle, you don't have to apply as much pressure to hold the screwdriver in the profile. Wiha screwdrivers therefore offer maximum comfort for screw fastening under various conditions. They help you to carry out screw fastening with less force, pressure and friction on your tendons and joints. This takes the strain off you and allows you to achieve a good result with less effort and more comfort.
Wiha is officially recommended by doctors and therapists for its handle size concept and has an independent, official certificate. The only hand tool manufacturer in the world to do so. Further information on the AGR certificate can be found in the "Ergonomic tools" guide.
Another advantage of the handles is the material composition with a soft and a hard grip zone (= multi-component grip). This effectively prevents calluses, blisters and other injuries from long-term use. In addition, the surface is non-slip and your skin does not "stick" unpleasantly to the handle.
Filigree screwing:
For delicate screw connections, you should use screwdrivers with slim handles. With these, so-called presicion screwdrivers, you minimise the risk of damaging sensitive parts. This is because your force is transmitted less strongly, i.e. with less torque, to the screw and therefore the components. This is important, for example, when loosening and tightening special screws in smartphones or other electrical devices, in model making or when repairing glasses.
Powerful bolting:
For powerful screwdriving in rougher work steps (under dry working conditions) , you should choose a screwdriver with a wide handle. With this handle shape, the force of your hand is transferred to the screw without loss. Even loosening tight screws is easier with such screwdrivers. You will find this type of screwdriver labelled SoftFinish® in all screwdriver categories. (Almost) all models are collected under this link; "Mechanic's screwdrivers".
Screwing under wet working conditions:
If you frequently screw in damp or oily conditions, MicroFinish® screwdrivers are the right choice. The non-slip surface of the handle ensures that you have a secure grip and do not slip. Thanks to the large handles, you can apply high torques to the screw. You can find this type of screwdriver in the "Mechanic's screwdrivers" shop category.
Screwing in the vicinity of live parts:
Screw connections in the vicinity of live parts harbour the risk of electric shock. There are numerous standardised safety rules for such work. Nevertheless, there is always a residual risk. For example, because switch cabinets are incorrectly labelled or because systems cannot be completely de-energised. To further reduce these residual risks there are insulated screwdrivers (VDE).
Screwing on electrostatically sensitive components:
In the electronics or semiconductor industry, sensitive components are at risk from electrostatic discharge. The dissipative ESD screwdrivers dissipate this energy. This protects sensitive electronic components from sparks and static charges during screwdriving work. You can find this type of screwdriver in the "ESD safe screwdrivers" shop category.
Screwdriver profiles
Once you have found the right type of screwdriver, it's all about the profile. Profiles are also known professionally as drives. To be able to tighten and loosen a screw effectively and without causing damage, the screwdriver profile and the screw must fit together perfectly.
There are numerous DIN regulations that specify standardised profile dimensions. Make sure that the profile type, the profile width and the thickness of the profile fit perfectly into the screw head. This will ensure that your screwdriver remains firmly in the screw profile. This significantly minimises the risk of a screw head "turning round". You will also enjoy your screwdriving tool for longer because the tip stays in shape.
If you would like to find out more, read our guide on the so-called "CamOut forces".
In addition to common and traditional profiles, such as slotted screws or Phillips screws, many other profiles have come onto the market over time. Partly because newer drives can absorb higher torques, such as Torx profiles. Partly because special screws have come onto the market to make it more difficult for non-professionals to open devices themselves. These include, for example, special profiles such as the Pentalobe profile. You can find a good overview of all common and special profiles in our "Screwdriver profiles guide".
Because there are so many different screw profiles, it is advisable to have a wide selection of screwdrivers with different drives to hand. Screwdriver sets or multi-tool screwdrivers are very practical here.
What are good screwdrivers? Three general quality features
Quality of the material
If you want your screwdriver to last a long time, pay attention to its material composition. This is the most important criterion when it comes to the resilience of tools. If high-quality materials are used, the blades and profiles will withstand high torques and will not deform. The addition of chromium and vanadium to tool steel should be mentioned here. They ensure a very high level of robustness and are standard today. The tool steel is one step more resistant if it also contains molybdenum. Even under continuous use, a chrome-vanadium-molybdenum tool can be used for a long time if used properly. Even under adverse conditions. In addition, high-quality screwdrivers use hardened steel throughout, making them even more resistant. Finally, you should only use burnished screwdrivers. Burnishing the tip gives your tool a thin layer that protects it from corrosion. You can often tell whether a tip is burnished by the grey or black tip of the blade. As with all purchasing decisions, the same applies when choosing your screwdriver: buy cheap, buy twice.
Safety through high-quality construction
Whether you can use your tool safely depends, among other things, on how it has been designed. The blade and handle should be as firmly connected as possible.The blade must not wobble or turn during the screwing process. The highest strength is achieved when the blade is fully connected to the screwdriver handle. This is the case with screwdrivers with an impact cap. Make sure that no "seams" are visible on the handle. If the connection is correct, the handle will remain securely connected to the blade even at high torques.
Comfort thanks to ergonomic dimensions and haptics
As the screwdriver is used to transfer force to a workpiece, it should fit perfectly in the hand. This means that in addition to "looking" closely, "touching" is also important. The feel and grip should be convincing so that the force is optimally transferred from the hand.
Special screwdrivers for special screwdriving situations
Screwing at narrow points
Narrow points can be very challenging when screwing. In the worst case scenario, you cannot use screwdrivers with standard dimensions because they are too long, for example. The Wiha Stubbys with their extremely short and wide handle provide a remedy for such screwdriving tasks. They are only approx. 7 cm long, which means they can be used powerfully and comfortably even in tight spaces.
You can find our "Stubbies" in the shop category: "Mechanic's screwdriver".
Loosen or tighten tight screws
Screwdrivers with an impact cap and hexagonal base are useful for working on stuck or rusted screws. Targeted hammer blows on the back of the screwdriver are transferred to the screw without loss. These hammer blows help to loosen the screws. For particularly stubborn cases, you can also use the hexagon socket. Even the most stubborn candidates can be loosened using an open-end spanner.
You can find our screwdrivers with impact cap in the shop category: "Mechanic's screwdriver".