TM 9-243
TYPES AND USES - Continued
RATCHET SCREWDRIVERS
Ratchet screwdrivers are used to drive or remove small
screws
rapidly.
The
spiral
ratchet
screwdriver
automatically drives or removes screws. It can be
adjusted to turn left, right, or locked to act as a common
screwdriver. Some spiral ratchets have a spring in the
handle which automatically returns the handle for the
next stroke. Another style of ratchet screwdriver has a
knurled collar for rotating the blade with your fingers.
The spiral type has separate blades (1) that are inserted
in the chuck (2). The common ratchet screwdriver has
one integral blade (3).
SCREWDRIVER BITS
A screwdriver bit is a screwdriver blade with a square,
hex, or notched shank so that it can be used with other
tools:
• Breast drill
• Ratchet bit brace
• Socket wrench handle
JEWELER'S SCREWDRIVERS
Jeweler's screwdrivers are made for driving and
removing small size screws. They usually have knurled
handles (1), and a swivel end finger rest plate (2). The
tips (3) range from 0.025 inch to 0.1406 inch wide.
Some jeweler's screwdrivers have removable blades.
FLEXIBLE SCREWDRIVERS
A flexible screwdriver has a spring steel blade which
bends, allowing the user to get around flanges,
shoulders, and other parts to drive and remove screws.
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