Screw holding Screwdriver

[RDB85]

I’m looking to buy a screw holding screwdriver. As I’ve got a huge fire alarm job to do and always find that the m4 brass screws are a pain with a flat head. Has anyone used one?

I’ve seen this, but I’m not sure if it’s the right size:

RS PRO Slotted Screw Holding Screwdriver, 0.9 mm Tip, 200 mm Blade | RS

uk.rs-online.com

 

[littlespark]

I had a wera set of vde drivers which came with a couple of attachments… basically shaped rubber tube that fits of the end and grips the screw head.

 

[Yozza19]

You can get m4 bolts in pz2 or torx from jr Webster ect for around the same price always use theese on fire alarms especially xp95 sounders can be a right pain torx are the better

 

[RDB85]

Our

You can get m4 bolts in pz2 or torx from jr Webster ect for around the same price always use theese on fire alarms especially xp95 sounders can be a right pain torx are the better

Our place won’t buy them. They just go with the pan head flat head ones.

 

[Lister1987]

Our

Our place won’t buy them. They just go with the pan head flat head ones.

Klien do a screwholding screwdriver, might help you

 

[R-fur]

I have one of the quick-wedge drivers and it is very good, holds the screw very firmly, you cant use it for final tightning though.

 

[RDB85]

I have one of the quick-wedge drivers and it is very good, holds the screw very firmly, you cant use it for final tightning though.

That’s great. Do you know what size it is? As I’ve linked the quick - wedge but I’m not sure if it’s the right size.

 

[SparkySy]

I have the Klein ones, they are great and really grip well in brass M4 screws, I have been known to hold a conduit box lid on the screw as well and offer it up to a beeza box with one hand. I have a small draper set too but they are not as grippy as the Klein ones!

 

[MJPD29]

I have the Klein ones, they are great and really grip well in brass M4 screws, I have been known to hold a conduit box lid on the screw as well and offer it up to a beeza box with one hand. I have a small draper set too but they are not as grippy as the Klein ones!

That is my preferred method also. Or carrying a 3rd screw to allow for dropping one

 

[SparkySy]

I always end up with a load of spare screws of all types crashing round the washing machine that have come out of my pockets from doing the very same thing! Much to the Mrs disapproval

One thing I will say, with the Klein ones is that they are no good for tightening things up, I broke the 4.5mm ones tip tightening a screw too much with it!

 

[R-fur]

That’s great. Do you know what size it is? As I’ve linked the quick - wedge but I’m not sure if it’s the right size.

Mine is model 1838 which is about 300mm long, it is good for things like 4mm screws but wont do tiny screws.

 

[RDB85]

Mine is model 1838 which is about 300mm long, it is good for things like 4mm screws but wont do tiny screws.

Thanks for that I will order it. I suppose you could buy the screwdrivers for smaller screws.

 

[pc1966]

Thanks for that I will order it. I suppose you could buy the screwdrivers for smaller screws.

Let us know if it is the right size for the usual M4 pan screws.

I'm pretty sure we have one from decades ago that works with M3 pan (more common on stuff we built) and it is really useful in odd places, but as above - don't try using it for much torque. It might be due for a replacement soon.

 

[Marvo]

Klien do a screwholding screwdriver, might help you

Klien do a set of 3, i'll try find a link.

 

[pc1966]

Klien do a set of 3, i'll try find a link.

This sort of thing:

https://uk.farnell.com/klein-tools/sk234/slotted-screwdriver-set-3pc/dp/2886003

Also at CEF costing a bit more (and out of stock at local branches, as usual):

3 Piece Slotted Screw Holding Screwdriver Set

Positive gripping action holds, starts and drives slotted screws in awkward, hard to reach places

www.cef.co.uk

Cheaper at Mouser, but maybe delivery cost high:

https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/Klein-Tools/SK234?qs=rkhjVJ6%2F3EIyH6831%2FmtYg%3D%3D

 

[RDB85]

I may buy the Klein as it’s about the same price, plus you get 3 screwdrivers. The only thing I don’t like is that RS don’t list the model numbers.

RS PRO Slotted Screw Holding Screwdriver, 0.9 mm Tip, 200 mm Blade | RS

uk.rs-online.com

 

[SparkySy]

My Klein ones came from Amazon for about £35 quid ish for the set of 3, next day too so no anxiety waiting for new tools

 

[RDB85]

Do you think this would work:

1/4-Inch Slotted Screw-Holding Screwdriver, 7-Inch Length with Cushion Grip Handle Klein Tools 32215 1/4-Inch Slotted Screw-Holding Screwdriver, 7-Inch Length with Cushion Grip Handle Klein Tools 32215 : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004SUYTE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XG1YWJ8EETHHBXW6C5YB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Scintillam]

Do you think this would work:

1/4-Inch Slotted Screw-Holding Screwdriver, 7-Inch Length with Cushion Grip Handle Klein Tools 32215 1/4-Inch Slotted Screw-Holding Screwdriver, 7-Inch Length with Cushion Grip Handle Klein Tools 32215 : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004SUYTE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XG1YWJ8EETHHBXW6C5YB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Google says the head of the flat bit is 6.4mm so with the screw holding function of it then it probably will do it but there might be a bit of play sideways.(assuming there’s room for the end to fit if fixing back detector heads or sounders)

I’ve just tried a few different m4s from the random bit box and there’s some variance in the slot width between manufacturers.
Using a standard 1/4 flat screwdriver bit, either a 7mm or 8mm flat bit would hold the m4 securely enough to hold it upside down without the screw falling off.

 

[Scintillam]

Google says the head of the flat bit is 6.4mm so with the screw holding function of it then it probably will do it but there might be a bit of play sideways.(assuming there’s room for the end to fit if fixing back detector heads or sounders)

I’ve just tried a few different m4s from the random bit box and there’s some variance in the slot width between manufacturers.
Using a standard 1/4 flat screwdriver bit, either a 7mm or 8mm flat bit would hold the m4 securely enough to hold it upside down without the screw falling off.

Actually, ignore the 7-8mm reference in my last post, I think that’s the width of the bit across rather than the slot size.

 

[Scintillam]

RS PRO Driver Bit 8 Pieces, Slotted | RS

uk.rs-online.com

 

[Sparkgap]

If I've a few screws needing holding in place I just use a blob of blutac on the end of the driver!