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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, the can do serious injury if they slip or are misused.

Which way to turn it?

Those who are not accostomed to using a screwdriver are often uncertain which way to turn it.

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

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

How to use a screwdriver

First of all, make sure you're using the right type and size of screwdriver, paricularly if the screw might be tight, or needs to be well tightened.

Make sure the screwdriver is 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" and can make it almost impossible to remove a tight screw.

If the screw is rusty you can often 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.