Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Shaping up screwdrivers

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.




View Full Version : Shaping up screwdrivers


sandy2000
05-18-03, 01:53 PM
I just got a bunch of banged up screwdrivers at a garage sale. What is the best way to get the slotted type back in shape, grinding wheel or hand files? Also one of them looks like a phillips is identified as a "reed prince". Are they the same?


Sharp Advice
05-19-03, 07:33 AM
Hello: sandy2000

Grinding wheels can shape a screw driver but in my opinion for the best job by a non pro and not having a professional machine and jig, a belt sander works best.

Sanders do not remove metal as fast as a grinding wheel which allows one to practice duplicating the correct and required shape.

Screw drivers are also an excellent tool to practice sharpening and shaping skills on. The most important factor is maintaining the correct shape, angle and squared end.

Practice does make perfect....:)

garywms
05-19-03, 04:18 PM
If any of them are Craftsman, go to Sears and they will replace them


NutAndBoltKing
05-23-03, 06:06 PM
Question: What is the difference between a Reed and Prince, and a Phillips screwdriver?

Answer: Good question. Those two screwdrivers are often confused as most people believe there to be only one: the Phillips screwdriver. There is, however, a Reed and Prince screwdriver that resembles the Phillips screwdriver. The difference is the Reed and Prince comes to a fine point and is steeper while the Phillips has a blunt point with squared-off blades. The blades on the Reed and Prince are tapered and sharp.

A Reed and Prince screwdriver will never work on a Phillips screw without slipping. However, the Phillips will fit a Reed and Prince screw reasonably well in most cases.