Question 1

What's the difference between Phillips and Pozidriv screwdrivers?

Accepted Answer

Phillips and Pozidriv look similar but are not interchangeable. Pozidriv has additional small ribs at 45° between the main cross arms, which grip the fastener more securely and dramatically reduce cam-out. Using a Phillips driver on a Pozidriv screw — or vice versa — will damage the screw head. In the UK, most modern furniture screws and many construction fixings use Pozidriv (marked PZ1, PZ2, PZ3), so a PZ2 is arguably the single most useful screwdriver to own.

Question 2

Is it worth spending more on Wera or Wiha screwdrivers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you use screwdrivers regularly — the difference is immediately noticeable. Both brands invest in precision tip geometry and hardened chrome-vanadium steel, which means the tip seats properly in the fastener head rather than rocking slightly and causing cam-out. The bi-material handles also reduce hand fatigue significantly during extended use. For occasional home use, a mid-range Draper Tools set is perfectly adequate. For tradespeople or anyone doing regular repair work, the step up to Wera or Wiha pays for itself quickly in fewer stripped screws and less frustration.

Question 3

What screwdriver set should I buy for general home use?

Accepted Answer

A 6-piece set covering PZ1, PZ2, PZ3, Phillips #2, a medium slotted driver, and a Torx T25 will handle the vast majority of household tasks. Sets in the 5 £ to 8 £ range typically offer this composition with decent chrome-vanadium blades and comfortable handles. Avoid sets padded out with duplicate sizes — check the composition before buying. If you only buy one driver, make it a PZ2 with a magnetic tip.

Question 4

Are cheap screwdrivers from budget brands actually usable?

Accepted Answer

For light, occasional use — yes. Yato and Vigor drivers in the 1 £ to 5 £ range are made from acceptable steel and will handle flat-pack assembly or the odd repair without issue. Where they fall short is under sustained torque: the tips wear faster, the handles are less comfortable, and the blade geometry is less precise, meaning more cam-out on tight or corroded fasteners. If you're using screwdrivers more than a few times a month, the budget tier is a false economy.

Question 5

Do I need a ratchet screwdriver, or is a standard one fine?

Accepted Answer

A ratchet screwdriver is worth having if you drive a lot of fasteners repeatedly — it allows continuous rotation without repositioning your hand, which is significantly faster and less tiring. For occasional use, a standard fixed driver is perfectly adequate and simpler to maintain. The Wiha 269 T11 01 ratchet set in our catalogue is a good entry point if you want to try the format without a large outlay.

Question 6

What does 'cam-out' mean and how do I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Cam-out is when the screwdriver tip slips out of the fastener recess during rotation, often gouging both the screw head and the surrounding material. It's caused by a mismatch between tip and fastener, a worn tip, or using the wrong drive type altogether. To avoid it: always match the tip type and size precisely to the fastener (PZ2 for PZ2 screws, not Phillips), use a driver with a precision-fit hardened tip, and apply firm downward pressure while turning. Pozidriv and Torx drives are inherently more resistant to cam-out than Phillips or slotted.

Question 7

Are there screwdrivers I should avoid buying?

Accepted Answer

Avoid any screwdriver that doesn't specify its blade material — if the listing doesn't mention chrome-vanadium or carbon steel, it's almost certainly using inferior steel that will deform quickly. Also be wary of very large sets (20+ pieces) at suspiciously low prices: they're typically padded with obscure sizes you'll never use, and the quality of individual drivers is usually poor. Finally, avoid using a slotted driver as a general-purpose tool — it's the most cam-out-prone design and should only be used when the fastener specifically requires it.

Manual Screwdrivers Price Comparison

Manual Screwdrivers price comparison UK