Screwdrivers You Need: Essential Hand Tools for Mechanics

Doesn’t matter if you are building a 1000hp restomod or performing routine vehicle maintenance or repairs, having the right screwdrivers on hand is just as essential as your wrenches. Screwdrivers are fundamental tools that mechanics and DIYers rely on every day.

Whether you’re just starting to build out your toolbox or already a seasoned expert, understanding different screwdriver types and their specific applications will significantly boost your efficiency. A screwdriver is identified by its tip, which is designed to suit the driving surfaces slots, grooves, recesses, and so on on the corresponding screw head.

For proper use, the screwdriver tip must engage the head of a screw with the correct size and type indication as the screwdriver tip. In this quick guide, we’ll explore only the essential screwdrivers every new (and old) mechanic should own to get started.

1. Flathead & Phillips Screwdrivers (Various Sizes)

One of the most quintessential hand tools, flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are the backbone of any mechanic’s toolbox. Even if you aren’t a mechanic, you should have a few of these for things around the house. These common screwdriver types are necessary for various mechanical tasks.

Main Uses:

• Flathead screwdrivers fit slotted screws, most commonly found in older vehicles and equipment.
• Phillips screwdrivers are needed for screws with cross-shaped slots, prevalent in automotive interiors, electrical panels, and mechanical assemblies.
• Available in a range of sizes, having multiple lengths and thicknesses ensures you can reach screws in tight or hard-to-access areas.

Investing in a quality set with ergonomic handles and durable tips will save you headaches from stripping screw heads or damaging your tools. It is good to know that some screwdrivers come with round shafts and some come with hex shafts; the hex shafts may allow you to use a wrench on them for extra torque.

Common brands like Craftsman, Husky, and Milwaukee have entry-level but good and well-priced options. Professionals will usually look to brands such as Cornwell, Matco, or Snap-on, which offer much nicer but more expensive professional-grade screwdriver sets. Here is a good example of a basic screwdriver set from Craftsman.

2. Torx Screwdrivers

Torx screwdrivers, recognizable by their distinctive star-shaped tips, provide superior grip and torque for screws found increasingly in modern automotive and mechanical applications. These are an absolute necessity if you work on anything European, as they seem to love this screw head type.

Main Uses:

• Ideal for working with automotive fasteners, electronics, and vehicle interior panels.
• Provides higher torque transfer without the risk of slipping or stripping the screw head.
• Essential for maintenance tasks involving newer vehicle models and precision components.

If you are new to these, it will be best to find a set covering various Torx sizes (from T10 to T50) to ensure readiness for any automotive project you may come across. Look for hardened steel tips to maximize durability and precision; getting a good brand with a strong warranty will suit you well here. Here is a good example of a basic Torx screwdriver set from Klein Tool.

3. Precision Screwdrivers

Precision screwdrivers are smaller-scale tools designed for detailed work requiring accuracy and careful handling. While these are not the most often used, they are generally cheap and take up little space, and these are one of those types of tools where you can’t really make it work with something else, so it’s wise to pick some of these up for those delicate tasks.

Main Uses:

• Critical for working on electronics, dashboard instrumentation, and other delicate components.
• Perfect for intricate tasks like adjusting sensors, small screws, and trim components.
• Frequently required for precise adjustments in tight or intricate spaces.

Precision screwdriver sets typically include both Phillips and flathead options and may feature magnetic tips to improve screw handling. High-quality sets from Klein Tools, PB Swiss, or Wiha ensure reliability and longevity. Here is a good example of a precision screwdriver set from Klein Tool.

4. Impact Driver

An impact driver type of screwdriver harnesses rotational and downward force, useful for stubborn screws that have rusted or seized. This tool will get you out of some tough situations when things don’t go smoothly. This is one of those tools that will make you a better mechanic.

Main Uses:

• Loosening rusted or overtightened screws without damaging the screw heads.
• Necessary for high-torque applications where manual screwdrivers fail.
• A lifesaver in automotive maintenance and repairs, especially in chassis or engine bay work where fasteners may heat cycle.

When selecting an impact driver, consider models with interchangeable bits to tackle various screw types and sizes efficiently; you can even get these in a ratcheting configuration. A quality impact driver set from brands like Lisle, Craftsman, or Tekton guarantees performance and longevity. Here is a good example of a hand impact driver set from Lisle.

5. Allen T’s (Hex Screwdrivers)

While these are not technically screwdrivers, they are usually bucketed with them and necessary nonetheless—especially if you work on European vehicles or machined parts often. Allen wrenches, or hex head screwdrivers, feature hexagonal tips used primarily on bolts and screws with internal hexagonal sockets.

Main Uses:

• Commonly used for automotive assemblies, engine components, and aftermarket accessories.
• Ideal for adjusting and assembling automotive interior and exterior components.
• Essential for precise tightening and loosening of hex bolts without rounding.

A comprehensive set, covering common sizes (1.5mm to 10mm), should be enough to get you started, ensuring coverage for most automotive applications; add additional single sizes as you need them over time. More common brands like Craftsman, Bondhus, and Klein Tool have decent, well-priced options available. Again, professionals will usually look to brands such as Cornwell, Matco, or Snap-on, which offer much nicer but more expensive professional-grade screwdriver sets. Here is a good example of an Allen T Set from Bondhus.

6. Picks and Hooks

A set of picks and hooks, commonly referred to as pick tools, are small precision instruments used for prying, aligning, and removing small components. Along with the Allen T’s, these are not screwdrivers, but they are usually in the same drawer, and having these will save you from improperly using your actual screwdrivers to remove something that you probably should be using a pick for.

Main Uses:

• Essential for removing O-rings, seals, and small retaining clips.
• Ideal for probing, positioning, and manipulating wires and components.
• Useful in tight spaces where precision is critical.

Look for sets with various tip shapes and sizes, including straight, angled, and hooked ends. Durable materials with ergonomic handles from almost all tool brands, like GearWrench, Snap-on, or Craftsman, are available. Any decent brand with good comfort should be suitable for these. Here is a good example of a pick tool set from Gearwrench.

Final Thoughts

Building out the foundation of your toolbox with the right hand tools, such as the screwdrivers listed here, will enhance your productivity, safety, and quality of workmanship. Investing in a range of high-quality tools with robust warranties is always worth it, minimizing downtime and preventing frustration.

Whether you’re working professionally or as a hobbyist, having a comprehensive screwdriver set ensures you’re always ready to tackle any mechanical challenge with confidence.

If you are a beginner and learning what other tools you need to set up your garage and fill your toolbox, we discuss a lot of the garage and tool essentials here. By equipping yourself with these basic tools early on, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any mechanical job with confidence and build your foundation as you grow your skills and tool collection.