Screwdrivers & Fastener Drives
Slotted, Phillips, hex, Torx and other drive systems that shaped shop kits.
How did screwdriver handle designs evolve?
Short answer: Screwdriver handles have evolved from wood to plastic and multi-material grips to improve comfort, torque transfer and resistance to oils and solvents.
Screwdriver handles have evolved from wood to plastic and multi-material grips to improve comfort, torque transfer and resistance to oils and solvents. Some professional drivers also have a hex bolster for a wrench to add torque.
How long have offset screwdrivers been used in automotive work?
Short answer: Offset screwdrivers, with bent or right-angle blades, have been used for decades in automotive work.
Offset screwdrivers, with bent or right-angle blades, have been used for decades in automotive work. They reach dashboard, lighting and accessory screws where a straight driver has no room.
Why did interchangeable bit drivers become popular?
Short answer: Interchangeable bit drivers use a single handle with many bits.
Interchangeable bit drivers use a single handle with many bits. They became popular as vehicles used more fastener types such as Torx, hex and security heads.
Why did slotted screws decline in automotive assembly?
Short answer: Slotted screws allow drivers to slip out under power, which slowed assembly lines.
Slotted screws allow drivers to slip out under power, which slowed assembly lines. Phillips and later Torx drives replaced many slotted screws in automotive production.
How did self-tapping screws change vehicle assembly?
Short answer: Self-tapping and thread-forming screws allowed fasteners to cut or form threads in sheet metal and plastic.
Self-tapping and thread-forming screws allowed fasteners to cut or form threads in sheet metal and plastic. They sped assembly and became common in body and interior parts.
How did clips and push fasteners replace screws in vehicles?
Short answer: Automakers increasingly used plastic clips and push fasteners to speed assembly and reduce weight.
Automakers increasingly used plastic clips and push fasteners to speed assembly and reduce weight. This change led to new trim tools and clip assortments in shops.
How did flange bolts change vehicle fasteners?
Short answer: Flange bolts have built-in washers and became common in automotive assembly.
Flange bolts have built-in washers and became common in automotive assembly. They spread load and reduced the need for separate washers.
Why did thread-locking compounds become common?
Short answer: Anaerobic thread-locking compounds, popularized by Loctite in the mid-twentieth century, help prevent fasteners from loosening.
Anaerobic thread-locking compounds, popularized by Loctite in the mid-twentieth century, help prevent fasteners from loosening. Automakers and shops adopted them for critical fasteners.
How did screwdriver tip manufacturing improve?
Short answer: Improved steels and precision machining created better-fitting tips.
Improved steels and precision machining created better-fitting tips. Some makers later added coatings or textured tips to reduce cam-out.
How did impact-rated bits develop?
Short answer: As impact drivers became common, standard bits could break.
As impact drivers became common, standard bits could break. Impact-rated bits with torsion zones developed to absorb shock and last longer.
How did fastener coatings change?
Short answer: Fasteners moved from plain steel and cadmium plating to zinc and other coatings.
Fasteners moved from plain steel and cadmium plating to zinc and other coatings. Environmental rules and corrosion protection influenced these changes.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.