There is more to the screwdriver family than the well-known flathead and Phillips screwdrivers. In fact, you might want to add triangle to the types of screwdrivers available. Just as flatheads are used on single-slot screws and Phillips screwdrivers are used to drive cross-shaped screws, the less popular triangle screwdriver is designed to drive triangular-shaped screws.
Common Applications
Unlike Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, the triangle screwdriver serves a more specialized function. For example, it is most commonly used on children's toys found in fast food meals. These types of toys are typically manufactured in large quantities and held together by triangular screws. Another common application is Roomba Robot Vacuums. Such appliances, which automatically vacuum rooms, are held together by triangular screws at their battery compartments. Failing to own a triangle screwdriver can make maintaining these appliances difficult.
Make Your Own
You can purchase triangle screwdrivers in stores, or you could create a makeshift one yourself. If you take the latter route, all you will need is an old screwdriver and a bench grinder. Then take the tip of the old screwdriver to the bench grinder and form the end of the bit until it is in a triangular shape. This can also be accomplished by grinding old Allen wrenches into a triangular shape.
Life Span
With the limited number of triangle screwdriver applications, you might think that these types of tools aren't made as robust as Phillips or flathead screwdrivers. But this is not the case. For example, many triangle screwdrivers are made from a chrome vanadium steel shank hardened to resist stripping. They are also commonly equipped with features such as ABS plastic handles to allow users a firm, comfortable grip. Such a grip also allows users to apply more torque. These tools are not disposables; they are meant to last.
Other Information
Triangle screwdrivers are necessary only for a small number of applications. But one thing to consider is that using a Phillips or flathead screwdriver on triangle-screw applications could damage your screwdriver, the screw and the part you are working on. Triangle screwdrivers are not going to break the bank, either. Generally, they run about $5, similar to the cost of Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. It is well worth the small investment should you encounter a rare triangular screw.
