A stubby screwdriver is a tool used to facilitate access to screws located in areas that cannot be reached easily by a regular screwdriver. Sometimes, screws exist in places that are not wide open and may have something blocking access to them from the opposite side. With a stubby screwdriver, it is possible to reach screws that are obstructed in some way because they are shorter than most screwdrivers.
Another purpose of this type of screwdriver is ease of storage and transport. By design, stubby screwdrivers are much smaller than normal screwdrivers. Some people use them as emergency screwdrivers because the small item may be placed in a variety of spaces without taking up much room. Car glove boxes or other compartments in vehicles, purses, small tool boxes, and household drawers are all common places in which people may keep a stubby screwdriver.
Using this type of screwdriver may require different techniques than using a normal-sized screwdriver. The handle is sometimes the same size as a regular one, but often it is the handle of the screwdriver that is smaller than usual. This may require the user to hold the small screwdriver differently than he would grasp a regular screwdriver. For example, the palm of the hand may be used more than the fingers when turning the screwdriver.
As there are several different types of regular screwdrivers, different styles of stubby screwdrivers are also available. Some do not have a dedicated rod extending from the handle. Instead, they have a port that can hold different kinds of bits. Often the bit holders are magnetic so the bit will not fall out during use. Some stubby screwdrivers also may have a ratchet handle to facilitate ease of use.
These screwdrivers are manufactured with a variety of features, sizes, and shapes. If a screwdriver is very diminutive in size, it is generally referred to as a mini screwdriver instead of a stubby one. Screwdrivers that are stubby are also made with different types of heads to accommodate different types of screws. Additionally, they are available in various lengths and with different sized and shaped handles. Some handles are made from plastic, whereas other handles may be coated or have rubber grips.
A stubby screwdriver can be obtained by itself, but it is also possible to buy one as part of a set. Sets contain several small screwdrivers of various lengths, diameters, or with different features. Regular screwdriver sets often include a stubby screwdriver within a group of larger screwdrivers, providing a range of options.