There are several screwdriver sizes and types available in the market. One of the popular ones is the Phillips or cross-type. You can quickly distinguish it by its shaft with a particular length and cross-slotted tip. A flat-head has a flat metal and comes in varying width and thickness. On the other hand, a cross-type compromises a thick shaft with different “+” tips.
We recommend against using a screwdriver for the wrong head because it can damage it, making it difficult to unscrew. Moreover, using the incorrect size can also cause damage.
This article will walk you through different screwdriver types and Phillips head sizes available in the market.
Summary
Standard Phillips (cross) screwdriver sizes range from #0 to #5, with the former having a 2.5mm tip size and the latter having an 8mm tip size.
In this article, we’ll go over the following topics:
- How they’re sized
- The best products
Phillips (Cross) Screwdriver Sizes
The below table shows sizes 0 to 4 of the screwdriver. We also have our recommendations for screw sizes.
We recommend a driver with a size one-point tip for wood, sheet metal, and machine applications of screws #2, #3, and #4.
A two-point driver tip should work correctly in screws #5 and #6.
Moving forward to the three-point driver tip, we recommend this for screw sizes from #10 to #16.
| Phillips head crew driver | Fits sscrew size | Tip size |
| #0 | 0 & 1 | 2.5mm |
| #1 | 2, 3, & 4 | 3mm |
| #2 | 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9 | 3.5mm |
| #3 | 10, 12, 14, & 16 | 5mm |
| #4 | 18, 20, & 24 | 6mm |
| #5 | 5/8″ and 3/4″ | 8mm |
How are the screwdrivers sized?
The drivers have five sizes ranging from 0 to 4. Size 0 is the smallest, while size 4 is the largest. The basis of these sizes is the very tip. However, the relevant size is the cross you will see when you point the driver towards your nose. How wide the tip goes towards the shaft is irrelevant.
Determining the accurate sizes will require some determination, a powerful microscope or magnifying glass, and thin digital calipers.
However, the Phillips screwdriver does not base on physical dimensions. They use the screws to which each size fits as the basis. Each one will have slight variances depending on the manufacturer.
| Tip Size | Screw Sizes |
| 0 | 0 – 1 |
| 1 | 2 – 4 |
| 2 | 5 – 9 |
| 3 | 10 – 16 |
| 4 | 18 – 29 |
Best set.
We recommend the M3 Assortment Fasteners Kit for the best all-in-one fastener set on the market. These use 304 stainless steel, which is rust and corrosion-resistant.
These screws have a sharp point, assisting in penetrating the material. The thread is clear and deep, ensuring a firm grip while penetrating the material’s surface. These are self-tapping. You can use them for different board products, such as wood board, partitions, ceilings, and gypsum board.
Pros
- You save a lot of money by buying this.
- Quality and Durability standards are successfully met.
Cons
- Some customers say the case arrived broken.
- Doesn’t work well on wood.
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Types of screwdriver heads
There are quite a few types, but we will discuss the 14 most common ones. Most of these have a shaft and a handle. The main difference lies in the tip, which comes in several shapes and sizes. More demanding work may have replaced it with a power drill, but that calls for a different discussion.
Slotted-Head or Flat-Head
A slotted-head’s key characteristic is the wedge-shaped flat tip, which we use to loosen or tighten a straight head. Several people claim it is the most common type. Nowadays, you can no longer find it in residential constructions. It is more evident in small cabinetry, furniture construction, and electrical appliances. There are several tip sizes available, varying from millimeters to inches.
Pros
- Superior quality, this product is made in the USA.
- Great addition to any toolbox.
- We love the affordable price.
Cons
- This product is not resistant to rust.
- The package took a very long time to arrive.
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Phillips
You can quickly identify this type with a “+” on its tip. It is used extensively in woodworking and construction. The head should fit snugly into it for better traction when loosening or tightening.
A screwdriver would be an excellent option for a small workload. A power drill with an interchangeable bit is more efficient if dealing with hundreds or thousands of it.
Pros
- The tip of this screwdriver is very rigid.
- Each driver is marked clearly on size and length.
Cons
- This screwdriver is quite expensive, although you also get a lot of value for the price.
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Torx
Torx is the preferred type for builders. Some refer to it as the star screw because it has six recessed tips ranging from 0.031 to 0.81 inches. T1 to T100 designates its sizes, with T15 and T25 the most common.
Power drills also utilize the Torx because it resists slippage during application. Its typical application is finish work, structural framing, and wood-to-concrete fastening.
Pros
- The shaft extends so it can be used in tight spaces.
- We love the magnet, it is strong enough to hold the screws.
Cons
- The handle is uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.
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Hex or Hexagon
Hex-heads have available sizes from 0.03 to 0.375 inches. These are small, which you can find in towel bars, doorknobs, and similar mechanical installations. Its design has a tapered square, which fits into its matching screw head. Another name for a hex head is Allen, which comes in T or L-shaped screwdrivers.
Pros
- We found the handle quite comfortable to hold.
- The driver’s head is resistant to rust.
- They will last for a long time.
Cons
- If you tighten too hard, the tip might break off.
- Only ideal for light work.
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Square or Robertson
The Robertson has the highest tolerance against torque and is the least common. You can find it in furniture and automotive because they are durable.
Pros
- We found it perfect for our camper.
- Good quality at an affordable price.
- The handle is comfortable to hold.
Cons
- The package arrived with visible damage.
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Pozidriv
The Pozidrive is another name for the Pozidriv, which is only a better version of the Phillips design. GKN screws and fasteners invented the Pozidriv after the expiration of the Phillips head patent.
The Pozidrive’s design was to solve the issue of prone cam-out. It refers to the drive recess slipping out after torque goes beyond its limit. The updated design enables closer surface contact, making slipping less likely.
Pros
- We like the case for the screwdrivers.
- The tips are coated.
- Professional product at an affordable price.
Cons
- Difficult to get a warranty replacement.
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Bow Tie or Clutch Head
The bow tie had a few changes over the past years. The head resembles the bow tie, but the old version has a middle recess. Its popular application is in automotive, specifically recreational vehicles.
Clutch heads have better torque because of the slotted drives, which secure them. The applications include prisons, bus stations, and steel gears.
Pros
- We love the chrome vanadium steel blades.
- This product is break-proof and can handle shocks.
Cons
- The customer support did not answer our questions about the product.
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Frearson / Reed & Prince
The Reed & Prince or Frearson is Phillips’s variation, with its tip having a sharp point. On the other hand, Phillips has a more rounded edge and an angle of 45 degrees. The main application is nautical equipment, which needs small and precise toolsets.
The typical issues of premature wear and shattering are not evident in the Frearson. We use a bit holder with a power tool, providing a more flexible and economical combination.
Hex Socket
The hex socket is best in mechanical industries, which utilize sockets instead of a tip and acts as a socket wrench. These wrenches have a handle running parallel to the surface. The bolt is embedded in it, needing more space as it turns. As a result, there is little clearance while turning.
A hex key, Allen key, or hex screwdriver drives the hex socket. These are available in several metric and standard sizes. It makes tightening and loosening of bolts and hex nuts significantly easier.
Manufacturers use copper, aluminum, brass, or almost any steel grade in producing these items.
Pros
- Excellent customer service.
- We managed to repair our drone with this kit.
Cons
- Only for light duty work.
- They lack versatility.
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Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS)
The Japanese Industrial Standard or JIS is ideal for the cross-point type. Its main selling point is the self-centering design, allowing operators to center the driver into the head.
Pros
- The right screwdrivers for Japanese items that use cross-recess screws.
Cons
- The handles are small and not comfortable to hold.
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Magnetic
The magnetic type can have different tip styles because they are interchangeable, resulting in more application. However, most tips that come with magnetic sets work with small electronic devices. You can use the same to magnetize screws in hard-to-reach places.
Pros
- We love the fast interchangeable blade.
- The magnets are strong in the blade.
- Very easy to switch between bits.
Cons
- The ball bearings are weak and may fall out.
- These bearings are tiny, so they can get lost forever.
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Ratcheting
A ratcheting type reduces lift, which saves you time. These have an internal bearing mechanism allowing the user to do multiple turns.
Pros
- Multiple options available on the tool.
- Good grip.
- The handle fits well in our hands.
Cons
- The mechanism feels loose.
- The cap is made of cheap plastic.
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