Which screwdriver do I need?
Four common head types that look similar and are not — and why the wrong one destroys the screw.
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Time
- 10 min
- Read
- 2 min
Short answer
Match the driver to the screw head exactly. Pozidriv and Phillips look almost identical and are not interchangeable — using a Phillips driver on a Pozidriv screw is the most common cause of a chewed-up screw head.
Most stripped screws are the result of a driver that nearly fitted. The difference between Phillips and Pozidriv is small, extremely common in the UK, and almost nobody knows about it.
Step by step
- Learn to tell Pozidriv from Phillips.Both are cross-shaped. Pozidriv has four additional small lines between the arms of the cross; Phillips does not. Most UK screws are Pozidriv, and most cheap driver sets are Phillips.
- Match the driver exactly.A Phillips driver in a Pozidriv screw grips on a fraction of the surface and cams out, chewing the head. This is the single most common cause of stripped screws.
- Get the size right too.PZ1, PZ2, PZ3 and equivalents. PZ2 fits most household screws. A driver one size too small destroys the head just as effectively as the wrong type.
- Know the flat-head caveat.Slotted screws are largely obsolete but still appear in older fittings and electrical accessories. The blade should fill the whole slot — a narrow blade twists the slot open.
- Recognise Torx and hex.Star-shaped Torx and hexagonal socket screws appear in flat-pack furniture, appliances and bicycles. They grip much better, which is why they are increasingly common.
- Push as hard as you turn.Most cam-out is insufficient axial force. Firm pressure into the screw while turning keeps the driver seated.
- Buy a driver with a decent handle.The handle is what transmits the force. A comfortable grip lets you push harder and turn more accurately, which prevents damage.
- Use a bit holder and bits rather than many drivers.A magnetic holder and a set of bits covers everything, fits a drill as well, and takes up almost no space.
Tips
- If a screw head is starting to round, stop immediately. Every further turn makes removal harder — see the guide on removing a stripped screw.
- A magnetic tip is genuinely useful for holding a screw in an awkward position. Worth having.
- Impact drivers cam out far less than drills and are excellent for long screws, but they are easy to overtighten with.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Phillips and Pozidriv?
Pozidriv has four extra small lines between the arms of the cross. Most UK screws are Pozidriv, and using a Phillips driver on one is the main cause of chewed screw heads.
What size screwdriver do I need?
PZ2 or equivalent fits most household screws. Getting the size right matters as much as the type — one size too small strips the head.