TM 9-243
TYPES AND USES - Continued
RATCHET SCREWDRIVERS
JEWELER’S SCREWDRIVERS
Ratchet screwdrivers are used to drive or remove small
screws rapidly. The spiral ratchet screwdriver automati-
cally 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
Socket wrench handle
Ratchet bit brace
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, shoul-
ders, and other parts to drive and remove screws.
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