Screwdriver tips: Phillips, Pozidriv, slotted and Torx explained
Slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx and hex tips each fit a different screw, and the wrong one chews up the head. This guide explains how the tips differ, how to read the screw head to know which one you need, and how to pick the right size, with models from the WYNNTOOLS catalogue.
The common tip types
The tip has to match the recess in the screw head. With the wrong type or size the driver slips out, the head gets chewed and the screw never tightens properly. This table sums up the common tips and how to recognise them from the screw.
| Tip | How to spot the screw | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|---|
| Slotted / flat (SL) | A single straight slot. Sized by blade width in mm, e.g. flat 5.0 | Older screws, plugs and switches, cover plates |
| Phillips (PH) | A plain cross. Sizes PH000 to PH3; the bigger the number, the bigger the tip | Most household screws, furniture, appliances |
| Pozidriv (PZ) | A cross like PH, with small extra lines between the arms | Wood screws and flat-pack furniture |
| Torx (T) | A six-point star, sized T5, T15, T20 and so on | Electronics, computers, car parts |
| Hex (H) | A hexagon socket, sized in mm, e.g. H2.0 | Electronics, bicycles, furniture |
| Tri-wing (Y) | Three slots in a Y shape | Some toys and electronics |
PH vs PZ, and can you swap them?
The two look very alike. The easiest way to tell them apart is the screw head: small lines between the main arms mean PZ; no lines means PH.
A PH driver will turn a PZ screw at low torque, but it doesn't fully seat, so under force it slips and chews the head. A PZ driver rarely sits properly in a PH screw. Use the matching type, and if you do woodwork or assemble furniture often, keep both.
The W3492 12-piece magnetic bit screwdriver carries PH0, PH1 and PH3, flat tips, T15 and T20, plus PZ1 and PZ2 in one handle.
Getting the size right
A good fit fills the recess without rocking. With a cross tip, seat it and twist gently: if it wobbles, go up one size. With a flat tip, the blade width should be close to the slot length and the blade thickness should fill the slot.
Phones, watches and electronics use very small tips such as PH000, PH00, T3 to T8 and Y. General sets rarely include these, so use a dedicated repair set.
Impact, magnetic and bit screwdrivers
Strikable (impact) screwdrivers
Built to be tapped on the end of the handle with a hammer, which helps free a stuck or rusted screw. The W0345 strikable screwdrivers are CR-V 6150 steel with magnetic tips and a polymer handle the catalogue rates for striking, from 6×100 to 8×300 mm.
Magnetic tips
A magnetic tip holds the screw, which helps in tight spots or overhead work and stops screws dropping.
Interchangeable-bit screwdrivers
One handle with several bits saves space and is easy to carry. The W2089A set, for example, has PH0 to PH3 and flat 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 tips.
Power-drill bits
If you drive screws with a power drill, use bits made for it. The W0618 Phillips bits are S2 steel, rated HRC58–62 in the catalogue.
CR-V and S2 on the shank
CR-V is chrome-vanadium alloy steel, used for most screwdrivers and wrenches. S2 is a shock-resistant tool steel, popular for power-drill bits. Neither is stainless, so both can rust if left damp; wipe them dry after use.
For rust prevention, see keeping hand tools from rusting.
Common questions
Which Phillips size is used most?
Most household and furniture screws take PH2. PH1 is for small screws and PH3 for large ones.
Can I use a PH driver on a PZ screw?
At low torque, yes, but under force it slips out and damages the head. Use a PZ tip.
How is a strikable screwdriver different?
It is built to be struck on the end with a hammer. The blow seats the tip firmly and helps free stuck or rusted screws. Don't hammer an ordinary screwdriver, as the handle can split.
Which tips do phone repairs need?
It depends on the model. Small PH000 and PH00, small Torx and Y tips are common. Check the screw, then pick an electronics repair set that has that tip.
Can I buy by the dozen or carton?
Yes. Pack and carton counts for each code are on the screwdriver page; the W0345A strikable screwdriver, for example, packs 12/144. Send the codes on LINE for a quote.
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