Hex and Ball End Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers and Bits
Hex screwdrivers drive socket head and grub screws with a straight blade and handle, which is faster than an L-wrench as long as the torque stays moderate. The ball end version engages the screw at up to roughly 25 degrees off axis and therefore reaches screws without frontal access; transmissible torque is lower in that position, so final tightening is done in line with the screw axis. Sizes across flats run from 1.5 to 10 mm, complemented by short angled versions, nut driver heads and VDE insulated variants to IEC 60900. The category holds 120 items, the leading brands are Wiha, Bahco and Proxxon.
| Design | Size across flats | Engagement | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight hex | 2.0 to 10 mm | in line with the axis | full transmissible torque |
| Ball end | 1.5 to 5.0 mm | up to roughly 25 degrees off axis | for offset screws, reduced torque |
| Short angled version | 5.0 to 6.0 mm | in line with the axis | where clearance above the screw is low |
| Nut driver head | 4.0 to 10 mm | external hex | nuts and studs instead of internal hex |
| VDE version | from 5.0 mm | in line with the axis | insulated, approved up to 1000 V AC |
Typical applications: Socket head screws on machine frames and fixtures; grub screws on shafts, couplings and shaft collars; assembly of aluminium profile systems in equipment construction; adjustment work with offset access using the ball end; internal hex terminal connections in control cabinets; work on live parts using the VDE version.
