Choosing The Right Tire Size For Your Screwdriver

Driving with a screw in your tire can be dangerous. While it may seem harmless, the screw can cause the hole it created to become bigger, which can lead to a tire blowout. If the hole continues to expand, the tire may be ruined and require replacement. To avoid this, it is recommended to have the tire repaired as soon as possible. Reputable repair shops will plug the hole from the outside and patch it from the inside. Leaving a screw in the tire can not only cause damage to the tire but also poses a safety risk. A blowout can lead to accidents, injuries, and costly repair and medical bills. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue promptly and choose the appropriate screwdriver size for the repair.

Flat-head screwdriver sizes

Flat-head screwdrivers, also known as slotted screwdrivers, come in a variety of sizes and lengths, each serving a specific purpose. The two key measurements to note are the length of the shaft and the width of the head. The standard way to present these measurements is width by length (e.g. 1/8" x 4").

The width of the screwdriver's tip should match the width of the screw's slot for the most effective use. For example, a 1/4"-wide screw head will be difficult to turn with a screwdriver only half as wide. Similarly, the thickness of the screwdriver should match the thickness of the screw head.

Flat-head screwdrivers come in a range of sizes, from mere millimetres to fractions of an inch. Examples of flat-head screwdriver sizes in inches include 3/32" by 1 1/2", 3/16" by 1 1/2", 1/8" by 4", 3/16" by 4", and 1/4" by 4". The first number in these examples represents the width of the screwdriver head, while the second number indicates the length of the shaft. Longer shafts are useful for reaching screws located in tight or recessed spaces, which is common in automotive work. Shorter shafts, on the other hand, are better suited for close-up work.

When choosing a flat-head screwdriver, it's important to consider the size of the screw head you'll be working with. Selecting the correct size will help prevent stripped screws, damaged screwdriver bits, and spoiled work surfaces. It's recommended to choose a bit that fills the screw head entirely to ensure proper seating.

In addition to standard sizes, flat-head screwdrivers also come in miniature sizes measured in millimetres, which are useful for precision screws found in items such as glasses, watches, and small electrical components.

Phillips screwdriver sizes

Phillips head screwdrivers are sized using a numbering system, with the most common sizes being #2 and #3. The #2 Phillips head screwdriver is the most commonly used for household projects and repairs and has a tip that measures 3.5 mm. The #3 Phillips head screwdriver is often used in construction and building projects and has a 5 mm tip.

Phillips head screwdrivers range in size from #0000 to #5, though #0 to #4 are the most commonly used sizes for basic household projects. The #0 Phillips head screwdriver fits screw sizes 0 and 1 and has a 2.5 mm tip. This small screwdriver is used in small appliances, like coffee makers, and home electronics such as laptops and game consoles. The #1 Phillips head screwdriver fits screws 2, 3, and 4 and has a 3 mm tip. This size is also used for small projects such as crafting kits or assembling jewellery boxes.

The less common Phillips head screwdriver sizes are used for more specialized tasks, such as eyeglass repair or precision electronics assembly. The #4 Phillips head screwdriver has a 6 mm tip and fits screws 18, 20, and 24. The #5 Phillips head screwdriver is used on machine screws that are 5/8" and 3/4" in size and has an 8 mm tip.

The size of a Phillips head screwdriver is important because using the wrong size can cause the screw to strip, making it much more difficult to remove and install.

Pozidriv screwdriver sizes

A Pozidriv screwdriver is an improved version of the Phillips screwdriver, designed to address the cam-out problem associated with Phillips screws. It was developed by the American Screw Company and GKN Screws and Fasteners in 1962.

A Pozidriv screwdriver has a blunt tip, parallel flanks, and an additional small rib between each slot, allowing for increased grip between the bit and fastener. It has a much shallower angular tip with a total of eight radial slots which all still converge at the centre. The four primary slots, in a cross pattern, have a secondary set of four smaller slots set at 45 degrees to the primary ones. The flutes in between each slot are parallel rather than tapered.

Pozidriv screwdrivers are often designated using the letters "PZ" followed by a size code of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 (in order of increasing size). The numbers do not correspond to nominal screw size numbers. PZ1 is normally used in screws with nominal diameters of 2–3 mm, PZ2 in 3.5–5 mm screws and PZ3 in 5.5–8 mm.

Pozidriv screws are excellent for applications requiring high torque or those where power tools are combined with Pozi drive bits.

Hex key screwdriver sizes

Hex keys, also known as hex wrenches or Allen keys, are simple drivers for bolts or screws with heads that have internal hexagonal recesses (sockets). They are formed from a single piece of hard hexagonal steel rod and bent to 90 degrees, forming two arms of unequal length that resemble an "L". The tool can be held and twisted by its long arm, creating a relatively large torque at the tip of the short arm. Alternatively, it can be held by its short arm to access screws in tight spaces and to turn screws faster, although this comes at the expense of torque.

Hex keys are designated with a socket size and are typically sold in kits with a variety of sizes. The key length generally increases with size, although not necessarily proportionally. The short end of the hex key may be inserted into a transverse handle, which can contain multiple keys of varying sizes that fold into the handle when not in use.

Hex keys are measured across-flats (AF), which is the distance between two opposite (parallel) sides of the hexagon. Standard metric hex key sizes are defined in ISO 2936:2014 "Assembly tools for screws and nuts—Hexagon socket screw keys", also known as DIN 911. Common metric hex key sizes include:

7 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.5 to 5 mm in 0.5 mm increments, 5 mm to 19 mm in 1 mm increments, and 21 mm to 36 mm in varying increments.

Common US customary hex key sizes are defined in ANSI/ASME standard B18.3-1998 "Socket Cap, Shoulder, and Set Screws (Inch Series)".

Robertson screwdriver sizes

The Robertson screwdriver, also known as the square screwdriver, is a Canadian invention dating back to 1907. It features a square-shaped socket in the screw head and a corresponding square protrusion on the tool, with both the tool and socket slightly tapered. This taper makes it easier to insert the tool and helps keep the screw in place without the user having to hold it there. Robertson screwdrivers are commonly used in woodworking and electrical work and are especially useful when working one-handed.

When choosing a Robertson screwdriver, it is important to consider the slot configuration, slot size, shank length, handle width, grip, and cost. Robertson screwdrivers are available individually or in sets, with sets providing a range of sizes to accommodate different screw sizes.

Frequently asked questions