Screwdrivers and Nut Drivers

Toolbox essentials for tradespeople and homeowners alike, screwdrivers and nut drivers come in all shapes and sizes.

You'll find thousands of screwdrivers and nut drivers from leading brand names Phoenix, Wiha, and Klein for sale in our online range.

Browse our selection of products that are in stock and ready to ship. If you know the specific product name or number of the screwdriver or nut driver you need, enter it into the search bar at the top of the page. Alternatively, filter the results to suit your requirements.

What's the difference between a screwdriver and a nut driver?

Screwdrivers and nut drivers are handheld tools that use manual torque, but there is a clear difference between them. A screwdriver is used to tighten or loosen screws, while nut drivers are used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts.

Featuring ergonomic handles and reinforced shafts, they are similar in appearance. One subtle but key difference between a screwdriver and a nut driver, however, is that the latter tend to have a hollow shaft so nuts can be threaded onto a bolt.

Many tools, including Klein screwdrivers, have interchangeable heads and can hold different screwdriver tips. Some can also be converted into a nut driver for a truly versatile tool.

Because the tools are handheld, they're typically used for applications that require much lower torque. Where greater power is required, an electric device should be used.

What are screwdrivers and nut drivers used for?

Screwdrivers are used for turning screws, though the head must fit the screw for it to work properly.

On some jobs, it's impossible to reach a screw with a long straight shaft and a special offset screwdriver is required. Typically, offset screwdrivers will be used where screws are hidden behind pipework or other obstructions like in bathrooms and kitchens.

Where screwdrivers are commonplace in homeowner toolkits, nut drivers tend to be used more in electronic applications, especially around vehicles. However, a nut driver is also a useful tool in carpentry when making furniture.

Nut drivers are ideal for opening and closing electric boards and switches, as well as for working on the intricate machinery of automobiles like cars and motorbikes. If you don't have a nut driver, socket wrenches and even can wrenches will do a similar job.

How to choose the right tool for the job?

Screwdrivers and nut drivers are available in myriad sizes with a whole host of drive bits and tips. It's all about finding the one that fits your needs.

• Flathead screwdriver: Also known as slotted screwdrivers, they are the oldest and most widely used version of the tool. Handheld flat head screwdrivers tend to cam out, causing the tip to slip from the surface. This can cause damage to the screw head and even the screwdriver
• Hex screwdriver: Similar to nut drivers, they're used to fasten bolts and not screws. The hexagon-shaped head nullifies the potential for slipping.
• Phillips screwdriver: Features a cross-sign head design. Phillips screwdriver heads tend to be used more with electric screwdrivers to deliver a higher torque.
• Pozidriv screwdriver: Provides better resistance against the cam-out thanks to the double cross-sign design, with the two offset at 45-degree angles. Pozidriv screwdrivers tend to be more widely used in Europe
• Robertson screwdriver: Commonly known as the square screwdriver. They feature tapered square heads that help guard against camming-out.
• Torx screwdriver: Predominantly used in the motor industry, they can also be referred to as star tips. This is because of the shape formed by the six rounded lobes on the bit. This allows for a much higher torque without the tool slipping.

When choosing a nut driver, you'll need to consider a few things first.

• Handles: Many sets contain fixed-handle nut drivers that can often feel more stable when working. Interchangeable handles with an assortment of shafts provide greater versatility, though.
• Driver sizes: Just as screwdrivers have a variety of sizes, so too do nut drivers. You may find that some sets use a combination of SAE - which stands for Society of Automotive Engineers - and metric sizes, whereas others only contain one type. Be sure to consider the projects you'll need your tools for.
• Shaft length: If you have the space and you need more leverage, a longer shaft - or shank - will provide you with that additional force and torque. However, if space is limited, a shorter shaft is more suitable. Klein nut driver sets, for example, have a variety of shaft lengths to choose from, providing versatility for most projects.

Find and order your screwdrivers and nut drivers online

RS is one of North America's leading authorized distributors of electronic equipment and tools. Our offering of screwdrivers and nut drivers contains only the most trusted brands, meaning you can depend on all our products to deliver the power, reliability, and durability you need.

Shop everything from Granlee screwdrivers to Wiha screwdriver sets, Klein nut driver sets, and the Wera Micro Series set.

If you're unsure which screwdriver or nut driver you'll need for your project, you can contact us or visit our expert hub for more help and advice.