Long or short screwdriver?

[Lysander]

We're having an argument at work about what length screwdriver is better for tough screws.

I'm sure in physics I learned that the longer the screwdriver, the less effort you needed to put in. The girls in the office think that shorter is better. Surely this isn't the case??

 

[Ricochet J]

We're having an argument at work about what length screwdriver is better for tough screws.

I'm sure in physics I learned that the longer the screwdriver, the less effort you needed to put in. The girls in the office think that shorter is better. Surely this isn't the case??

You're thinking about moments. The longer the perpendicular distance from the pivot the less effort needed. But seeing as the distance is parrallel and in the same plane, the overall moment will equal 0 thus you're both wrong.

It doesn't matter what length screw driver you use.

Edit: But as said below, some length screwdrivers may give a better stance than others, which will effect effort.

 

[Sp00n]

Medium length... about 6" i find gives me the most comfortable stance when undoing tight screws.

 

[Ak!ta]

ROFL ... First time i heard women saying shorter is better.

 

[Jonny69]

A long one but so I can get both hands on it and lean on the screw, you can't get a very good grip on short drivers.

 

["andy"]

its all about the girth of the handle

more twisting leverage etc

 

[dalex]

never mind the length feel the width
dave

 

[Glaucus]

shorter, and a thick handle for grip.

The longer the screwdriver the more force you exert side to side, thus more chance of slipping of the screw.

 

[Lysander]

OK, we were both wrong. Trying to explain it isn't easy, both women say it's getting too complex for them

 

[georges]

Technically length shouldn't matter. Only the diameter of the grip.

Depending on how hurculean you are, a longer one might be worse, as it might be more prone to twisting.

 

[RetiredGreyFox]

You can use all the physics you like but if I have problems undoing a screw then out comes the bigger screwdriver set with longer and thicker handles.

 

[Docaroo]

oh dear this thread is double entendre city!!!

Medium length... about 6" i find gives me the most comfortable stance

We're having an argument at work about what length .. is better for tough screws.

I'm sure in physics I learned that the longer the ... less effort you needed to put in. The girls in the office think that shorter is better. Surely this isn't the case??

*only minimal editing!

 

[PhillyDee]

You can use all the physics you like but if I have problems undoing a screw then out comes the bigger screwdriver set with longer and thicker handles.

And the hammer to bash in a new head. And then the easy-out screw extractors and power drill . . . .

 

[Shifter_Hull]

ROFL ... First time i heard women saying shorter is better.

lol class