Electrical outlets and light switches are designed to take no fewer than three different types of screws, and a pinch, any screwdriver that fits can work. But there are specific sizes you can use that minimize your chances problems. In this blog post, I will cover what size screwdriver for electrical work, as well as the three types.
First and least : slotted screwdrivers for electrical work
The advantage of a slotted screwdriver is it will fit both the screws for the cover plate and the screws for the terminals. And if you have very old switches and outlets, they may not have modern combination head screws. If you’re a renovating an old house, the screws in the existing outlets and switches may only have slotted heads.
To avoid damaging screws, use a quarter inch slotted screwdriver. This maximizes your leverage while minimizing the chance of stripping out the screw.
The disadvantage of a slotted screwdriver is it is far more likely to slip out than the other two types. If you use the quarter inch size, it will give you more leverage than a Philips drive, so that may explain why some people prefer them.
Second Best: a #2 Philips drive
The second best size and type of screwdriver for electrical work is a #2 Philips screwdriver. These fit tightly in the combination head of modern outlets and switches and reduce the chance of slipping or falling off, at the expense of a bit of leverage.
The key really is using the right size. Using a screwdriver that is too small increases the likelihood of damaging both the tip of the screwdriver and the screw. This can unfortunately become a vicious cycle over time, something I learned the hard way.
You can save yourself some time and trouble by buying a #2 Philips screwdriver from the store closest to you that offers a lifetime warranty with a no questions asked exchange. If and when the tip of that screwdriver starts to show somewhere, exchange it for a new one. Or, if you want to save yourself the trip, buy a #2 Philips screwdriver made of hardened steel.
But a weekend warrior/ DIY type can do a whole lot worse than buying a Husky or a Kobalt.
Best size and type of screwdriver for electrical work: the #1 Robertson drive
Because I’m not Canadian, I was in my 30s before I knew what a Robertson drive even was, and it was in my 40s before. I knew that a Robertson type drive fits the terminal screws on electrical outlets and switches. But the aptly named #1 Robertson drive, also known as a #1 square drive, fits the combination screw heads on electrical terminals perfectly. Furthermore, it combines the leverage you would get from a quarter-inch slotted screwdriver with better slip resistance than you would get from a Philips drive.
I had a #1 Robertson bit that came with my electric screwdriver when I bought it years ago, but I’d always overlooked it. I had no idea I could use it with combination screws. When I tried it out, it was a game changer. So if you have a set of hex driver bits, take a look and see if it has any square bits mixed in on the end opposite of the Philips and slotted bits where they are all too easy to overlook.
And if you don’t have one, think about getting one before you take on your next big electrical project. The Canadians are right about this drive type.
A gift idea
Adult males are notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. And when you ask, they may not have much idea themselves. If you need a gift idea, look into a screwdriver set or multi-tip screwdriver with hex drive bits containing a #2 Philips drive, quarter inch slotted drive, and #1 Robertson drive. It may or may not be something they will treasure. But it is something they are likely to use fairly often. And if you can only find a pack that includes two of those three types rather than all three, it’s still something useful.
For bonus points, find out what national tool store chain they live closest to and buy a brand with a lifetime warranty they can exchange there in the event they ever damage one of them. If they live near a Home Depot, that means Husky. If they live near Lowe’s, Kobalt is one option. And if they live near Lowe’s or Ace, Craftsman is an option.
David Farquhar is a computer security professional, entrepreneur, and author. He started his career as a part-time computer technician in 1994, worked his way up to system administrator by 1997, and has specialized in vulnerability management since 2013. He invests in real estate on the side and his hobbies include O gauge trains, baseball cards, and retro computers and video games. A University of Missouri graduate, he holds CISSP and Security+ certifications. He lives in St. Louis with his family.