- Hex head applications can be found on lug nuts for cars.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Hex heads are prevalent in most repairs and are driven with a wrench of some kind. Whether to use a socket, crescent, or closed-end wrench will depend on the location and force required. Other head types may accept multiple drive styles. Flat and oval head fasteners are used for a flush fit. Pan and truss style heads support more area to spread the load evenly. Acorn heads present a finished look to exposed hardware. Socket caps are sometimes called "cheese-head" bolts and have serrations to aid in hand-tightening. - Exact drive style and size is critical to avoid ruining the fastener and tool. Complications caused by a stripped drive often compound the difficulty of a task. Coins have been used to turn slot head screws with varying success, but the right size slot head screw driver works better every time. Phillips drive is sometimes combined with a slot to allow use of either style screw driver. Allen keys are used on socket cap heads, but Torx can be an option. Torx is also known as 6 lobe. Square and one-way drive heads are usually reserved for specialty applications.
- Jewelers use small, precision screwdrivers.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Correct drive size is vital to successful removal or installation of fasteners. Phillips style screwdrivers range in size fom #00 to #4, while torx drives range from size 10 to 60, and beyond. There are many sizes of slot-head drivers for different applications. Jewelers frequently use small, precision screwdrivers that the average consumer would never need. - Years of experience in a given trade may afford one the talent to eyeball a fastener for size, style or thread pitch particular to that trade. To eliminate doubt, aids are available. From thread size and pitch measuring devices to simple printed cards, help can be found. Taking a sample fastener to find a tool or replacement is invaluable.
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