Screwdriver tips: tips for power tools

Screwdriver tips: functional tips for power tools

The nozzles on the screwdriver greatly facilitate repair and construction work, since the process of assembling and dismantling various structures is simplified by using this convenient and useful tool. Removable devices allow you to expand the scope of its application, in this article you can get acquainted with the features of the most popular of them. The text contains brief reviews of attachments designed to work with wood, metal and drywall.

For each type of fastener, a suitable bit for a screwdriver is needed

Screwdriver tips: general information, main types of tips

Like removable drill attachments, screwdriver attachments belong to the category of devices that are aimed at expanding functionality. Thanks to them, this tool can be turned into a universal screwdriver or a compact machine for cutting metal sheets. The range of tips offered by manufacturers is very wide. With their help, you can perform construction work of any complexity at home, which has ensured such popularity of the screwdriver.

To choose the right bits, you need to know the classification of products of this group

Some buyers do not see the difference between a drill and a screwdriver, but it is available. Moreover, these differences must be taken into account when choosing removable attachments for certain jobs. Firstly, the rotational speed of a screwdriver is significantly less than that of a drill. Secondly, it lacks a moment of inertia. In other words, if you press the off button, the screwdriver will instantly stop, unlike the drill, which will rotate for some time.

All screwdrivers have a release coupling. It is designed to adjust the twisting force. Some models lack a cartridge. Instead, a hexagonal socket is installed in which the bits are fixed.

There are several varieties of the tool, each of which can bring some benefit:

Working nozzles for a screwdriver can be purchased in sets or individually

Important! When working with a screwdriver, it is advisable to use protective equipment. This is especially true for operations such as grinding and polishing, during which fragments and dust are formed.

What are the names of the nozzles on the screwdriver and what features do they have

Removable nozzles that are installed on the screwdriver are called bits. These devices are inserted into the cartridge. Bits can be cross-shaped, square, with a straight slot, hexagonal, in the form of stars, etc. The buyer can purchase a nozzle for any type of screws.

In order for the fastener to hold tightly on the bit, you need to choose its size and shape correctly. The nozzle must exactly match the notches on the screw. Otherwise, you can not only spoil the bits and break the tool, but also get injured. Using a special holder completely solves this problem. With its help, any type of bit can be installed on the screwdriver, regardless of its length and size.

There are several types of holders:

The classification of products by size and type will help you navigate through an extensive assortment

These are far from all existing varieties of holders, the list lists only the main ones and the most popular ones.

The main types of nozzles for a screwdriver

On sale you can find a lot of devices that expand the functionality of power tools. The user can get, thanks to the nozzles on the screwdriver, pump, mixer, saw, polishing brush and other types of specialized equipment.

All removable devices are divided into three main groups:

The working element of the tips belonging to the main group has the form of a cruciform or hexagonal head. Such attachments for a screwdriver for self-tapping screws of any type are suitable. They provide excellent grip on the fastener. In some nozzles, the heads are magnetized, which greatly facilitates the twisting process. In terms of technical characteristics and capabilities, such tips are similar to screwdrivers.

The existing types of bits for a screwdriver differ in the shape of their working part

Devices of the combined type belong to the category of universal purpose attachments. Unlike the main tips, they have a working organ on both sides. Each end of the combined bit has its own size and its own fastening system. For convenience, during operation, the unnecessary part of the tip is simply dismantled.

Special purpose bits are mainly presented in the form of nozzles on a screwdriver for twisting wires. They can also be used to control the depth of unscrewing and screwing in fasteners located at an acute angle.

Useful advice! To reduce or increase the rotational speed of the nozzle, it is enough to weaken or, conversely, strengthen the pressing of the start button.

Characteristics of rivet attachments for screwdrivers

Traditional rivets with an integral design are used extremely rarely. Many specialists prefer to use a welding machine. However, not every master has such equipment in his arsenal, and also has the skills necessary to work with it. In this case, the best option will be a rivet attachment, which is installed on a screwdriver.

Rivet screwdrivers can only be used on models with a reversible drive

Such devices can be used on electric and battery tools for mounting wrench-type rivets and other fasteners with a core.

It should be noted that the nozzles on the rivet screwdriver can only be used on those models of the tool where there is a reversible drive. These devices are designed for the installation of aluminum or steel fasteners, the diameter of which is in the range of 2.4-5 mm. They can also be used to install sleeves made of non-ferrous metals, the diameter of which does not exceed 25 mm.

If a battery-powered screwdriver is used to install the rivets, make sure that the battery voltage does not exceed 12 V. The installation process itself is not particularly complicated, and the nozzles are compact enough to be stored together with a screwdriver in one case.

The main types of angle adapters for screwdrivers

Adapters with an angular design allow you to unscrew and tighten fasteners in hard-to-reach places.  Such nozzles greatly simplify the work, because the tool can be held perpendicular to the surface, and the screws can be twisted at an angle, both on the left and on the right.

Corner adapters make it easier to work in hard-to-reach places

Taking into account the technical characteristics, as well as the functional purpose, there are two types of angle nozzles for a screwdriver:

• flexible;
• tough.

Flexible design nozzles use flexible coupling to change the direction of the torsional axis. Externally, the device looks like a drill used in dental clinics for dental treatment. The removable tip consists of a flexible shaft that connects the working bit to the screwdriver chuck. This type of nozzle makes it easier and faster to work in hard-to-reach places where you need to unscrew the screws.

Pay attention! Flexible angle nozzles on the screwdriver are not suitable for fasteners that are made of durable alloys.

Adapters with a rigid design are a short nozzle that changes the direction of the axis of rotation mechanically. Unlike the previous version, the cartridge of this device is much stronger. Rigid adapters allow installation and disassembly of fasteners from any side. Such nozzles are usually used in professional screwdrivers, the engine of which is designed for high loads and strong vibrations.

There are two types of angle nozzles for a screwdriver: flexible and rigid

The main types of polishing and grinding nozzles for a screwdriver

Polishing and grinding nozzles for a screwdriver are a large group of removable devices, including many varieties. In this category, you can pick up tips for performing various tasks:

• polishing of metal, wood and glass surfaces, as well as products covered with varnish;
• cleaning of products made of metal from corrosion and remnants of old paintwork;
• polishing of wooden and metal surfaces.

Thanks to the huge variety of nozzles on the screwdriver for grinding, it is possible to choose tips for performing operations that cannot be carried out in standard ways.

Varieties of nozzles for a screwdriver for grinding

There are more than ten varieties of tips for a screwdriver, with which you can perform surface grinding. Removable devices of this type consist of a rod on which an abrasive material is fixed:

• sandpaper;

The nozzles on the screwdriver for grinding consist of a rod on which the abrasive material is fixed

• hard abrasive;
• rigid fabric, such as felt;
• brushes.

The most popular among craftsmen are the following types of removable tips:

There are many varieties of grinding tips for a screwdriver

Pay attention! If desired, you can use a compact screwdriver with an end nozzle for jewelry processing. The tip is so precise that it allows you to grind small details on jewelry made of precious metals.

Features of polishing nozzles for a screwdriver

After processing the product with a polishing nozzle, its surface becomes perfectly smooth. To do this, an end disc is used, which removes the microscopic upper layer of the material. Due to this, the thickness of the product does not change.

Related article:

Drill nozzles for various purposes for work in a home workshop

The main types of components for cutting, grinding, polishing and other tasks. Nozzles for working with metal, plastic, wood.

The nozzles on the screwdriver for polishing various surfaces have a thrust circle with fasteners for fixing the polishing material. This element is held by a threaded tip. Since the tool shaft can rotate both to the left and to the right, it is possible to find devices with connections of the appropriate type on sale.

During operation, the polishing disc on the nozzle wears out, so it should be periodically replaced with a new one. Replaceable products have a small thickness (only a few millimeters). They are usually made of polyurethane. Although there are other options – made of felt or wool of natural or artificial origin.

There are variants of polishing nozzles for a screwdriver made of felt or wool

Some types of tips can be used for polishing the car body and glass, as well as products made of polycarbonate. Such nozzles should be kept parallel to the treated surface during operation.

The main types of attachments for a screwdriver for cutting metal and wood

To perform many construction and repair work, a jigsaw is required, attachments to a screwdriver in the form of special scissors or a saber saw can become an almost complete replacement for this tool.

Removable tips in the form of scissors for cutting metal are of several types:

• disk;
• turbo;
• die – cut;
• sector.

Each of them has its own working principle and is designed for cutting sheets of a certain thickness.

The main purpose of the screwdriver when working with wood is drilling holes

Overview of screwdrivers for cutting sheet metal and plastic

The disc shears are equipped with two steel discs. One of them rotates due to the rotational motion transmitted from the cartridge on the tool. The design of the cutting disc for the screwdriver is designed so that the metal is cut in a straight line even without marking.

Disc shears are used in sheathing and roofing works using:

• metal tiles;
• galvanizing;
• siding;
• metal profile.

Pay attention! Disc shears are maneuverable enough to create curly segments, but they will not cope with the manufacture of complex metal parts.

Die–cut scissors for a metal screwdriver are a nozzle that has high maneuverability and allows you to get a very accurate cut. The edge turns out to be as smooth and neat as possible, so the possibility of cutting your hands when working with metal is almost completely eliminated.

Disc shears are used in sheathing and roofing works

Turbo scissors is a screwdriver attachment that works on the same principle as conventional scissors, but cutting is much faster. This device is suitable for cutting metal sheets, plastic and other materials with a high degree of rigidity. The advantage of this nozzle is that there is no vibration during operation. Thanks to this, the back of the claw does not damage the surface it touches.

This is the end of the list of attachments for a screwdriver for cutting metal. Sector-type scissors are used in the installation of communication systems. They are suitable for cutting plastic pipes, as well as power cables.

Scope of application and features of the saw attachment for a screwdriver

Even if there is a jigsaw in the house, some types of work simply cannot be done with this tool. In such cases, the capabilities of a reciprocating saw will be useful. The nozzle on a screwdriver of this type is usually used for cutting wood, although it can be used to cut plastic and sheet metal of small thickness. The saber saw can also be used to care for the garden in the suburban area. This type of device is suitable for pruning young trees.

The saw attachment on the screwdriver is used for cutting wood

Usually, three replaceable blades of different lengths – 10, 15 and 23 cm are included in the kit with the nozzle (only an approximate value is indicated, which may vary depending on the manufacturer). Buying such a tip will cost several times cheaper than buying an electric saw. The nozzle is capable of operating at a speed of about 2000 rpm.

The housing of the removable device is made of very durable plastic. Blades are made of the same material. Despite this, they are able to cope with cutting solid wood.

Pay attention! When cutting the material, you need to press the bracket tightly against it, which will perform the function of a stop. This will reduce vibration and maintain the efficiency of the reciprocating saw.

Characteristics of the nozzles on the screwdriver for drywall

Drywall is widely used in repair work as a rough finish, as well as for the construction of decorative structures and partitions. The sheets are fixed on the ceiling and walls with screws. For their installation, a conventional screwdriver is used, which allows you to control the installation of each fastener. This method is quite time-consuming and time-consuming. To speed up and simplify it, you can use a special drywall nozzle and a tape screwdriver.

For the installation of drywall, a tape screwdriver is most often used

For drywall, bits marked PZ and PH are used, which have a different slot shape. In the PZ nozzles, the faces are arranged in parallel with respect to each other. Thanks to this, the head of the self-tapping screw is rigidly fixed and centered.

In nozzles marked with PH, the slots diverge slightly. This is necessary so that the tool can independently align the center even when it is at an angle. If the pressure is excessive, then the edges of the nozzle will simply pop out of the fastener head without damaging it.

Types of attachments for screwdrivers for self-tapping screws in the tape

Not only bits, but also tapes can be used to fix screws with a screwdriver. They are part of the devices that provide automatic feeding of fasteners. Such nozzles allow you to speed up installation work by about 2-3 times. The advantage of using them is that the master does not need to take a new screw every time and install it on the bit.

Not only bits, but also tapes can be used to fix screws

Manufacturers produce two types of drives with a belt feed mechanism for self-tapping screws:

Tape screwdrivers are rechargeable and mains. Devices that plug into an outlet are twice as cheap. However, they are completely dependent on the power grid and are not so convenient to work with, since a hanging cord creates certain inconveniences. This is especially true when installation work is carried out on the ceiling.

Useful advice! To increase the polishing efficiency, the nozzle disc must be lubricated with a special polishing paste.

There are two types of drives with a belt feed mechanism for self-tapping screws: stationary and removable type

How to use a screwdriver with a ribbon nozzle

The tape nozzle cannot be called universal, since it is used exclusively for tightening screws during the installation of plasterboard sheets. Many manufacturers have taken care of user convenience by equipping some models of screwdrivers with the ability to work without tape. Such a tool allows you to tighten single screws. To do this, remove the tape, and then install an adapter and a bit of the appropriate size instead. The process of installing the tape nozzle is somewhat more complicated.

How to change the nozzle on a tape-type screwdriver? To do this, follow these steps:

This completes the preparation of the tool for work. During operation, the screwdriver is pressed against the drywall. This is done so that the sheet is snatched and securely connected to the profile. Before starting work, it is advisable to put a marking on the drywall. In the appropriate places on the material with a pencil or marker, you need to put dots.

You need to move the screwdriver with a ribbon nozzle in the right direction, pressing it against the surface of the drywall

Installation works using a tape screwdriver are characterized by high speed and efficiency. All screws are sunk to the same depth, so the result is neat and high-quality.

It is desirable that the function of fixing the start button is provided in the screwdriver. In this case, the tool will work continuously. The master will only need to move the screwdriver in accordance with the marking in the right direction, pressing it against the surface of the drywall. When the fastener is screwed, the knot snaps off, the tape with other screws moves.

This is not the end of the list of attachments that increase the functionality of the screwdriver. This article discusses only the main ones. To purchase a high-quality tip for a power tool, you need to pay attention to such nuances as the material of manufacture (molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, chromium), the presence of a protective coating on the bit (titanium, nickel or diamond coating) and the reliability of the manufacturer. According to consumer reviews, the following companies are recognized as the best brands: Torx, Slot and Pozidriv.

The nozzle is fixed in the screwdriver chuck

Being in a specialized store, it is necessary to make sure that the seller has certificates confirming the quality of products, because the service life of the nozzles depends on it. In addition, the buyer must be provided with a guarantee.