DIY Screwdriver Hack

Intro: DIY Screwdriver Hack

In this instructables I will show you how to turn an ordinary flat screwdriver into spanner slotted screwdriver, with a file(tool).

STEP 1: The Idea

The idea for this mini project came with the need of a very unusual type of screwdriver.

Just the other day, I had to repair a child proof power-strip.The plastic covers for the holes were broken,the spring mechanism was also damaged ,but if I can take those out, I can normally use it ,like a regular power-strip.

When I wanted to disassemble it,I saw that very unusual screw. After looking up in Google,I identified it ,as spanner slotted screw-head (correct me,if I am wrong ,I am not 100% sure). I seen once this type of screw on a battery charging unit,it is not common.

I have a lot of tools,all kind of screwdrivers,but here I am with no suitable tool for this. No problem. I make one !

STEP 2: Materials

You will need :

1. One regular flat head screwdriver ,that you will turn in spanner slotted screwdriver.

2. Files - I used two small triangular files ,this are really old,over 40 years and still useful.

              - If you don't have this,a regular small square file can do the job

STEP 3: How It's Made

I made the pilot line with the smaller file,and I started to file-it down. It is slightly off center,but it turned to be a good tool.

When I made some progress I changed the files,using the other for finishing.

It is enough to use just one file if you don't have any other.

The depth is 1.2 mm.

STEP 4: Done

It is done. Screwdriver hack mod is finished.

The time taken to do this job: 5 - 10 min.

Difficulty level: easy project.

Now you can make your own special screwdriver,to unscrew this type of screws.

Comments

[DarrylG11]

Best thing about making the tool, it is one time. cutting out slot in screw is every time and sometimes you can't get to screw until you remove it. Ran into such a screw tonight on my miter saw when changing blades.

[LewisW21]

Great suggestion. I used a hacksaw down the middle of the screwdriver blade and made the tool in a few minutes. Worked perfectly.

[toothpick5]

a twist on this would be to use the file on the screw instead, removing the security tab so the normal screwdriver would work on it, unmodified.

[karcsika922]

But if the screw is deeper in the plastic case? How get out to modify?

[Yonatan24]

Use a smaller screwdriver...

[Manu Waro]

Simple to do, and clever !

A circlip plier can help too but not anytime...

[DeepakR6]

Good and useful post

[DeepakR6]

[DavAnt]

did that to open a toaster!

[Imetomi]

Szintén erdélyi magyar vagyok, ügyes instrukció.

[karcsika922]

Koszonom szepen!

[Imetomi]

Még iskolás diák vagyok Csíkszeredában és lenne pár kérdésem a villamos mérnöki szakmával kapcsolatban. Egy elérhetőséget tudna adni (e-mail)? Nagyon érdekel az elektronika, fizika, és nem tudom, honnan tudok tanulni.

[Mrs Fixit]

very clear instructions and pictures.

I've done similar things, but I'm not good at setting up for photo's etc.

[karcsika922]

Thank you. It is simple,and try to remain simple is the key here. The photos are done by a handy-camcorder and a little color correction. Try posting something simple. Good luck!

[samm008]

I appreciate your courage to post a simple, interesting and helpful
hack like this; can be useful for everyone as most of the posts and ideas you
can see here only can be benefited for people who are having 5-star workshops.

[karcsika922]

Thank you :)

[Kasm279]

I've done something very similar to open things that use the "gamebit", such as the Gamecube. Great 'ible!

[karcsika922]

Thank you!

[jf_blanco]

[Kasm279]

I think you forgot something. (: