How to drive screws like a pro

Tips on how to use screwdrivers most effectively.

Summary

Using a screwdriver is easy - who needs a page like this? You will often get away with using the wrong screwdriver or not using it properly, but you can easily damage the head making it extremely difficult to remove an obstinate screw.

Safety

Screwdrivers have pointy ends and although not sharp like a knife, they can cause serious injury if they slip or are misused.

Which way to turn it?

Those who are unaccustomed to using a screwdriver are often uncertain which way to turn it.

The easy way to remember is that it's like a tap (not the modern quarter-turn type):

• You turn a tap anticlockwise to open it and release the flow of water.
  • You turn a screw anticlockwise to undo it and release whatever it's holding.
• You turn a tap clockwise to turn it off and hold the water supply.
  • You turn a screw clockwise to tighten it and hold whatever it's fixing.

How to use a screwdriver

First of all, make sure you're using the right type and size of screwdriver (see next section), particularly if the screw might be tight, or needs to be well tightened.

Make sure you're holding the screwdriver straight and not at an angle to the screw.

Press hard! If you can't turn the screw easily, PRESS VERY HARD!!

If the screwdriver isn't straight or you don't press hard enough to prevent it slipping you are likely to damage the screw head. This is known a "camming out". It can be almost impossible to remove a damaged screw.

If the screw is rusty you may be able to loosen it by applying a little WD40 to the thread and leaving it to soak in.

External links

• External links (if any) as bullet points.
• If non, delete this section.