Introducing Gears - Screwdriver Edition

This time I’m going to introduce the gears I currently use.
The gears in this article don’t refer to musical instruments or audio equipment, but they refer to the tools that I use for repairs.
There are quite a few types of tools, so I’m going to focus on just the screwdriver today.

What is a screwdriver in the first place?
I would think that many of you already know, but it's a tool that is used for turning screws. In Japan, the screwdriver is simply called a ‘driver’.

Well, let’s get started.

First, I have some cross-head screwdrivers and flat-blade screwdrivers.
I think most people use them.
The reason why I have a couple of different cross-head and flat-blade screwdrivers is because the types of screw drives vary from one to another.
In Japan, the JIS standard is most commonly found in home improvement stores. Some of the main types are JIS standard, Phillips, and Frearson for cross-head screws. The JIS standard and the Phillips screw drives can be interchangeable, but they don’t perfectly match. The screw hole can be stripped or damaged due to the gap between the screwdriver and the hole. In order to prevent this, I recommend using a screwdriver that meets the JIS or Phillips standards. Frearson drives are not compatible with the JIS and the Phillips standards, so you will need to use a Frearson dedicated screwdriver. The size can also vary, so use the right size of the screwdriver to match the size of the screw hole.

For slotted screws, the standard varies depending on the country or region. The DIN standard driver that is used in Europe has the same width in the shaft and the blade. In Japan, the common flat-blade screwdriver has a wider blade than the shaft. Since there are also different sizes of screwdrivers for the slotted screws, it is best to choose the size that fits best into the screw hole.

By the way, the red and blue screwdrivers in the picture are my old pals that have been helping me out for more than 10 years.
The crystal-shaped handle fits my fingers well.

Next up is the Pozidriv screwdriver.
This screwdriver has additional ridges at 45° from the main cross blanks, making it easier to add force when tightening the screw than the cross-head screwdrivers mentioned earlier.
At first glance, it looks like a cross-head screwdriver, but they are regarded as different screwdrivers with different standards.
Since the Pozidriv was invented in the UK, it is often used in Europe. The Pozidriv screws are rarely used in Japanese products, but they are often found on the back covers of effects pedals that were made abroad.

Torx Screwdriver

These Torx screwdrivers are also rarely seen in Japan. The Torx screwdriver is used for turning the Torx screw that is characterized by a star-shaped hole with six rounded points. Also, it is called a hexalobe because it is not just a hexagon but it also has these ridges called ‘lobes’.
The Torx is widely used in Europe, but it is not common in Japan, so Torx screws are apparently used in places that people don’t want to be opened...

Hex Screwdriver
You probably have seen hex wrenches more than hex screwdrivers.
The hex wrench is often included in furniture and other goods such as stands, chairs, and cases that require partial assembly.
Screws come in both metric and inch measurements, so finding the right size can often be a hassle.

Stubby Screwdriver
These cross-head and flat-blade screwdrivers, which I explained in the beginning of this article, are stubby screwdrivers.

“Is it necessary to have a shorter screwdriver?”

I think a lot of people may be asking themselves this question.
There are times when the shorter screwdriver is the best solution. Sometimes the longer screwdrivers can’t get into small spaces or only the shorter screwdriver can apply the right amount of force.

Offset Screwdriver/Offset Ratchet Screwdriver
These screwdrivers are necessary when turning screws in spaces that are too cramped for a stubby screwdriver to reach. This ratchet type is especially useful when the turning width is narrow.
Some screwdrivers have interchangeable heads that can be switched according to the shape of the screw hole.

Specialty Bit Set
This set includes rare sized and shaped bits.
Phillips #00, triangle, tri-wing, or star-shaped screwdrivers are rarely seen in everyday life but these specialty shapes are often used for screws inside audio equipment, so this kind of driver head kit is so helpful.

Electric Screwdriver
I use an electric screwdriver to remove a lot of screws in one go. One of the main selling points of this model by RYOBI is a good torque and low rotation speed, so it doesn’t damage screw holes. One disadvantage is that it is too heavy for a 3.6V electric screwdriver. It makes my arm tired when using it for a long time. By the way, I do not use an electric screwdriver when tightening the screws. I usually do it by hand because using an electric screwdriver to tighten screws can damage the screw head and the hole.

Impact Screwdriver
I rarely use an impact screwdriver for repairs but I do use it to remove stubborn screws and for disassembly.
The good thing about this Earth Man model is that the battery is the same as other models in the Earth Man series.I’m fairly satisfied with the functionality of this impact screwdriver, however, I want the one from Makita.

If I ever have a chance, I would like to share with all of you more about power tools someday.

There are more types of screwdrivers than I had space to write about here.
I think that many people use screwdrivers for equipment maintenance, but if you choose one with the right shape and size, the screws will last longer. On the other hand, if you use a screwdriver that does not properly fit the screw, you may accidentally strip the screw hole and then you might not be able to remove it. This will make maintenance and repair even more difficult for yourself.

I hope that you’ll find this article helpful and I’ll be happy if it helps you to maintain your equipment for a long time.