Features of Hex Screwdriver

Any owner's tool kit will surely have a hex screwdriver. You can use this tool for various jobs: when assembling furniture, electrical equipment, carrying out repairs and other household activities.

A hexagon is a metal tool with a hexagonal tip. He twists and unscrews the fasteners. This type of screwdriver has a large torque that is higher than others, such as Phillips.

To use such a screwdriver, you need to have at least minimal information about it, know its structure and types.

• Lever. Various raw materials are used in its manufacture: wood, metal, rubber, sometimes plastic. The more comfortable type of grip resembles the shape of a clenched palm and has an anti-slip effect.

• Tip. Made from durable, stainless steel. Its shape depends on the deepening of the fastener with which it is necessary to work. Screwdriver models are available with both the simplest Phillips tips and rather complex ones (star-shaped edges, special nozzles that are sharpened at the desired angle).

• Kernel. In its manufacture, the most high-strength steel is used, since when working with a screwdriver, all the load goes to this element. Even after manufacturing, the rod undergoes additional metal hardening.

Hexagonal tools are of several types, they are used in various works with various fasteners. Screwdriver diameters range from the smallest (0.7 mm) to the largest (46 mm). You can also choose a certain size required to perform any work.

The kit may include the screwdriver options described below.

• With L-shaped rod. Has a torque that is 10 times the torque of other screwdriver options. Often found in sets for furniture fittings.

• With a T-bar. It is used to work in those situations where you need to make a lot of effort when screwing in or unscrewing various fasteners. This set usually contains commonly used fastener sizes, for example, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 20 mm.

• Universal type. It is produced in several size variations, helps in various types of work, but is especially appreciated in plumbing.

• Spanner. This is the name of the hexagonal tip, which is made in the form of two pins. It is used in the repair of household appliances.

• With an internal hexagon. This screwdriver is designed for high torques (20% higher than other types) and is used when working with tightly clamped fasteners. Holds hex screws in any position.

• Socket head. This model is needed for protruding recesses - hexagons. Helps to work in places that are difficult to get to.

• Star. It is necessary for working with small details, in the cross-section it looks like a star. It is often used in the repair of mobile phones and radio equipment.

• Screwdriver with bit holder at the end. The bit is a hexagonal bit with a working surface at the end. Bits can be inserted into special holders that are suitable for different installation tools. It is very convenient and practical to work with such attachments.

• Standard slot with PH marking has a cruciform shape with an extension at the shank, an angle of 55 degrees, a different diameter, which varies from a small PH0 (suitable for repairing small equipment) to a large PH3. This option is necessary when tightening self-tapping screws made of thin metal.

• Standard PZ. This is a cross-shaped slot with the same rib thickness, the angle is 50 degrees. It can be of different sizes: PZ1, PZ2 and PZ3. It is often used for tightening universal screws when assembling furniture.

• Straight SL. This is a flat slot with different widths. The number after the mark indicates the width in millimeters. Serves for tightening flat screws and screws.

• Torx. This modification looks like a six-pointed star. It is used in cases where the force is required when tightening the fasteners. It is rarely used in everyday life.

Unscrewing or unscrewing fasteners with a hexagon does not require much effort. When using such a tool, you must always adhere to safety measures and do not hit the screwdriver, creating a large lever force.

First of all, it is necessary to choose the type, size of the hexagon, which will match the size of the element's attachment.

• After that, you need to insert a screwdriver of the desired size into the hole in the part so that it takes up the entire space.
• If the L-shaped type is used, then it is advisable to use the short side.
• Then the load on the tool must be gradually increased until the torque is reached.
• In the same way, you need to act when twisting.

The hexagonal type of fasteners is rather inconvenient to use if there are no special tools. But sometimes it happens that, not having the very tools, you urgently need to replace, unwind, repair something at home. In this case, you have to look for an alternative to the hexagon.

Below are some tips for doing this.

• You can try any other kind of screwdriver first, but the correct size. In this case, you need to rest against its edges in the opposite direction, trying to tighten the bolt, and vice versa.
• Bolt with nuts included. They can be screwed onto the threads by placing them inside the hexagon.
• A triangular file of the appropriate size or the same sprocket will do.
• If the repaired product allows, you can cut a small hole for a flat screwdriver.

To have a good tool on hand, you need to get the right screwdriver for all occasions. Today there are many instruments that differ in price, quality and composition. But before you buy something, you need to know some selection rules.

• For use in professional activities with constant use, you should choose sets that include at least 10-12 types of screwdrivers. For ordinary home use, 3-5 types are enough. You can buy them separately, not in sets.
• High quality hexagons are made of special tool steel. The service life of such a tool is much longer, while it does not deform.
• When buying, you should not save money, because a good quality hexagon, although expensive, consists of high quality metals.

For an overview of Torx bits, see the video below.