Having a quality flathead screwdriver in your toolbox should be a priority for each and every handyman. Whether you want to fasten or loosen the bolts and screws, a good flathead screwdriver will always come to your aid. A useful flathead screwdriver in your toolbox is necessary because you never know when you will need it.
All of that being said, you need to research the market to see which screwdrivers are worth picking up. We have done the heavy lifting for you and also added a handy buying guide below to help you make the right purchase. If you are a DIY enthusiast or are in the market for a new flathead screwdriver, look no further because we’ve chosen the finest flathead screwdrivers of 2023 for your toolbox.
Knowing that your flathead can get the job done is of utmost importance to anyone working with tools. If you’re unsure of how to get the most reliable flathead for your toolbox, stress no further as we’ve prepared a complete guide on the factors you should consider when buying a flathead screwdriver.
The size of your bolts will determine the size of the flathead screwdriver you need. Before you go ahead and purchase a screwdriver, make sure to measure the screws and bolts that you want to work with and buy the corresponding size. However, if you work with various sizes of screws on a daily basis, you would be better off buying a complete set of flatheads to satisfy all your needs.
The length of your flathead screwdriver mainly depends on the type of work you’re meant to do. If you work in tight places, it would be more convenient to get a short flathead screwdriver. However, if you’re trying to access screws in hard-to-reach places, get yourself a long flathead so that it can easily reach those tough spots.
For the handle, make sure to get a screwdriver with good anti-roll, non-slip grips in order to prevent your screwdriver from slipping or rolling every time you try to tighten a screw. Moreover, when it comes to the head of the screwdriver, durability plays a significant role in differentiating a quality screwdriver from a bad one. Alloy and nickel tips are generally considered to be very resilient. Furthermore, having a heat-treated tip also helps your screwdriver to maintain its original shape despite consistent rough use. You’ll also want to look for screwdrivers that are made from stainless steel so that you’re not left with a rusty piece of junk a couple of months in.
Having diverse options can help you finish more projects efficiently. Plus, you never know which size or tip you’ll need for different jobs. Keeping all this in mind, getting a screwdriver set is highly beneficial, and there are many good screwdriver sets you can choose from. Also, getting a set usually allows you to get the screwdrivers for cheaper as compared to buying them one by one. You can also opt for screwdrivers that have both a flathead and a crosshead, allowing you to be prepared for any job that comes your way.
If your bolts keep falling after you unscrew them, worry not because there is an easy solution for this. If you’re not aware, screwdrivers are often magnetized. This allows the screws to stick to your flathead once you unscrew them, and it makes work more convenient and helps you keep track of the screws instead of losing them. Plus, since the bolts stick to the magnet, it is significantly easier to tighten them since you can simply stick a screw to the head of your screwdriver and avoid fumbling when inserting a screw in a socket.
Screw drivers have varying handles. The most common is the plastic or rubber compact handles that allow you to hold on to them comfortably without slipping. On the other hand, rounded handles will enable you to rotate the screwdriver easily and apply a good amount of torque or force. When picking out a flathead screwdriver, look for one with a rounded handle encased in an anti-roll, non-slip grip so you can easily work in tight places without fearing the screwdriver slipping from your hands.
The Klein Tools Screwdriver is our pick for the most reliable flathead screwdriver you’ll be able to get in this price range, thanks to its special heat-treated shafts that allow the tip to keep its shape and work on heavy-duty work. It also features a cushion grip handle that keeps users’ comfort in mind. Not only that, but it also is resistant to corrosion, so you’ll be safe from that.
As if that wasn’t enough, this screwdriver also has internal flanges that give it a twist-resistance blade anchor. This is perfect for heavy-duty work since the tip will not break regardless of what you use the screwdriver for. There are tons of sizes available, so you have a wide variety of options to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a professional screwdriver, then this will be your best friend. Also, the Klein screwdrivers provide a premium look and feel that will help you stand out from others if you decide to use them professionally.
If you are looking for a screwdriver that is good for home DIY and beginners, then the Craftsmen Screwdriver set is perfect for you thanks to its comfortable design and reasonable cost. This flathead screwdriver is coated with a satin-nickel finish for enhanced durability and additional strength. On top of that, the company offers a lifetime warranty on their products, so you’ll be covered on that end too. If you damage the screwdrivers, you can get them replaced or repaired by the company without any issue.
The handle is specially made for comfort during use. While it isn’t the most suited for professionals, it can hold its own on some heavy work as well. Additionally, the set includes various sizes, which give you tons of versatility in your projects.
If you’re a tradesperson looking for a shock-proof flathead, then the Felo Slotted Screwdriver is optimal for you. Coming in at 8 inches, the tip is quite long as well, so you can use it in places that you can’t easily reach with other screwdrivers. This gives you a lot of versatility since you can use it for projects which you might’ve previously rejected. Getting a whole set of these screwdrivers will provide you with good value for your money since not only is the price reasonable, but the value it provides is also exceptional.
The flathead is ideal for oil plugs on cars and motorcycles. It works well with any torque screw where a regular screwdriver doesn’t fit. Plus, the grip is quite solid and durable, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking any time soon. The tip itself is decently durable despite its large size.
The Channellock Slotted screwdriver is highly versatile as it comes in many sizes to suit your needs. Additionally, the screwdriver is highly durable and you can use it for all sorts of projects. Not only is the tip durable, but the plastic grip is also quite firm. You can expect to use this screwdriver for a long time without needing to buy a new one.
The custom heat-treated tip adds to the durability and ensures the tip keeps its original shape even after years of use. Additionally, the tip is extremely precise, helping it fit into bolts without issue. Another great feature of this screwdriver is that it is lightweight. You can carry many different sizes without feeling like your toolbox is getting weighed down.
The TEKTON Stubby is a great flathead screwdriver with a steel blade that is hardened by nickel, chromium, and alloy. The alloy design gives it extra durability, which is much needed for any professional user. The unique markings on the butt end allow you to find the correct size from your tool belt without taking out every screwdriver. Doing so will not only save you time but also make your work a lot more enjoyable.
The grip is non-slip and anti-roll, which allows you to grip it firmly and complete the job without any worries. On top of that, it is resistant to extreme temperatures, gas/fuel, cleaners, and solvents. The precisely-formed slotted tip fits perfectly, especially in lighter screws and bolts. To add icing to the cake, the tip is made from robust heat-treated steel that helps it keep its shape and add further durability. The overall design of this screwdriver and its sturdy construction make it our recommended choice for any professionals looking to buy a new screwdriver.
A: Flathead screwdrivers can also be called turnscrews. Do not be confused if you hear that term as it refers to the flathead. Depending on the area you’re living in, people might call them different names, but these two are the most common ones.
A: A flathead screwdriver typically has a single blade that is used for tightening or loosening straight linear intrusion across the head. On the other hand, a regular screwdriver has two blades in the shape of a cross at the end. Flathead screws were used very commonly before, but are now becoming a bit outdated. If you are someone who works with antiques, then having a flathead screwdriver is extremely necessary.
A: Yes, you can use a flathead as a chisel. They make great chisels thanks to their durability and flathead design. You can even use them to pry open doors, however, they are obviously not as effective as a real chisel. If you do not have a chisel nearby, using a flathead screwdriver once or twice won’t hurt. Just keep in mind that continuous use as a chisel reduces the durability of the screwdriver.
