What's the difference between a Phillips and a Pozidriv screw?

Phillips (PH) and Pozidriv (PZ) screw heads look almost identical but are not interchangeable. Pozi heads have small extra cross-marks at 45 degrees between the main slots. Using the wrong driver tends to cam out and chew the screw head, especially on Pozi screws used widely in UK construction. If a screw resists, check the head: most modern UK fixings are PZ2, not Phillips.

How many bits do I actually need in a set?

For general DIY, a 32-piece bit set covers almost everything: Phillips PH1 to PH3, Pozi PZ1 to PZ3, slotted flathead in 3 sizes, plus Torx T10 to T30 and a few hex bits. Larger 100-piece sets add precision bits for electronics, security drivers and rarely-used profiles. Buy the size that matches the work you actually do; a half-empty bit case is a hint that you bought too big.

Insulated vs standard screwdrivers: do I need VDE-rated tools?

Only if you work on live electrical circuits. VDE-rated (1000V) insulated screwdrivers are designed for electricians and are individually tested. For pulling a switch off the wall after isolating the circuit, a standard driver is fine. If you are doing routine consumer-unit work, fault-finding or anything where there is a chance of contact with a live conductor, invest in a proper VDE set: the labelling matters.

What's a ratchet screwdriver, and is it worth buying?

A ratchet screwdriver lets you keep the handle on the screw while your wrist returns to the start position, like a tiny socket wrench. For long jobs (assembling flat-pack, fitting decking, plasterboard) the time saved adds up. Quality ratchet drivers also work as a small bit-holder, so one tool replaces a tray of fixed drivers. For occasional use a standard set is fine; for frequent assembly work a ratchet is one of the best small upgrades you can make.

How do I stop bits from rounding off?

Three things wear bits out: wrong size, too much angle, and cheap steel. Match the bit exactly to the screw head (PZ2 in a PZ2 screw, never PH2). Keep the driver perpendicular to the screw, especially with impact drivers. And replace tired bits early: a rounded bit will round the screw head almost instantly. Decent S2 or chrome-vanadium steel bits cost pence per use and protect the more expensive parts of your job.

What's the difference between a Phillips and a Pozidriv screw?

Phillips (PH) and Pozidriv (PZ) screw heads look almost identical but are not interchangeable. Pozi heads have small extra cross-marks at 45 degrees between the main slots. Using the wrong driver tends to cam out and chew the screw head, especially on Pozi screws used widely in UK construction. If a screw resists, check the head: most modern UK fixings are PZ2, not Phillips.

How many bits do I actually need in a set?

For general DIY, a 32-piece bit set covers almost everything: Phillips PH1 to PH3, Pozi PZ1 to PZ3, slotted flathead in 3 sizes, plus Torx T10 to T30 and a few hex bits. Larger 100-piece sets add precision bits for electronics, security drivers and rarely-used profiles. Buy the size that matches the work you actually do; a half-empty bit case is a hint that you bought too big.

Insulated vs standard screwdrivers: do I need VDE-rated tools?

Only if you work on live electrical circuits. VDE-rated (1000V) insulated screwdrivers are designed for electricians and are individually tested. For pulling a switch off the wall after isolating the circuit, a standard driver is fine. If you are doing routine consumer-unit work, fault-finding or anything where there is a chance of contact with a live conductor, invest in a proper VDE set: the labelling matters.

What's a ratchet screwdriver, and is it worth buying?

A ratchet screwdriver lets you keep the handle on the screw while your wrist returns to the start position, like a tiny socket wrench. For long jobs (assembling flat-pack, fitting decking, plasterboard) the time saved adds up. Quality ratchet drivers also work as a small bit-holder, so one tool replaces a tray of fixed drivers. For occasional use a standard set is fine; for frequent assembly work a ratchet is one of the best small upgrades you can make.

How do I stop bits from rounding off?

Three things wear bits out: wrong size, too much angle, and cheap steel. Match the bit exactly to the screw head (PZ2 in a PZ2 screw, never PH2). Keep the driver perpendicular to the screw, especially with impact drivers. And replace tired bits early: a rounded bit will round the screw head almost instantly. Decent S2 or chrome-vanadium steel bits cost pence per use and protect the more expensive parts of your job.

Screwdrivers & Bit Sets

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Screwdrivers and Bit Sets UK: Phillips, Pozi, Torx and Precision

A good screwdriver set is the most-used kit in any UK home or van. Klevaro stocks a working range of Rolson screwdrivers and bit sets covering everything from heavy-handle Phillips and Pozi drivers for shelving and flat-pack, through Torx and hex bits for cycles and electronics, to slim precision drivers for laptops, watches and glasses. For a wider hand-tools shop browse the hand tools collection; the full Rolson range lives at Rolson tools. If you are starting a tool kit from scratch, our tool kits page bundles drivers with the rest of the essentials.

Cushion-Grip Screwdrivers for DIY

If you want a small set of driver handles rather than a bit tray, a 6 or 8-piece cushion-grip set covers the daily list: Pozi PZ1 / PZ2 / PZ3 for UK construction screws, Phillips PH1 / PH2 for older fittings and imported flat-pack, plus 3 or 4 slotted heads for terminal blocks and brass screws. Look for chrome-vanadium steel shafts and a magnetic tip: it costs nothing extra and saves a lot of dropped fixings inside cupboards and under sinks. Stubby drivers (short shaft, fat handle) are a useful add for tight spaces behind appliances and inside built-in furniture, and a long-reach Pozi driver around 200mm in length will save you taking the sink off twice when you tackle plumbing fixings.

Bit Sets and Ratchet Drivers

For mixed work, a bit set is more efficient than carrying a dozen drivers. Our most popular Rolson sets cover the common UK profiles: Phillips, Pozi, slotted, Torx (including Torx Plus and tamper-resistant), hex / Allen keys and square (Robertson) drive. The S2 steel bits hold up well in cordless drills and impact drivers; the chrome-vanadium versions are aimed at hand use. Pair the set with a ratchet bit-handle and you have a compact replacement for an entire driver roll: ideal for cyclists, motorhome owners and anyone whose work travels. Magnetic bit-holders are worth looking for; they keep the bit seated in the driver during overhead and awkward-angle work where loose bits drop out and disappear into carpets.

Precision Tools for Electronics, Watches and Glasses

Precision drivers are not a luxury once you start opening modern electronics. A small set covering Phillips 00, 0 and 1, slotted 1.5mm, 2mm and 2.5mm, plus the Torx and pentalobe profiles used in phones and laptops, will handle most repairs. Our precision tools collection covers the wider range, including jewellers screwdrivers, tweezers and prying tools. Treat precision drivers gently: they are designed for finesse, not force, and a tiny bit of slip will round either the screw or the bit. A small magnifier lamp or head-loupe makes a real difference on watch screws and phone repair work, and a magnetised mat (or a piece of double-sided tape on the bench) keeps tiny fixings from rolling away while the case is open. For the cost of a coffee, you can save yourself half an hour of crawling around the carpet looking for a lost screw.