Phillips screwdriver

Phillips screwdriver, product photo

Phillips screwdriver measures 230.0mm × 35.0mm × 35.0mm. It weighs about 110.0g.

Dimensions

Length230.0 mm
Width35.0 mm
Height35.0 mm
Weight110.0 g

Phillips screwdriver

A standard Phillips screwdriver measures 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) long overall, with a shaft length of about 4 inches (10 cm) and a cross-shaped tip designed to fit Phillips head screws. This page covers common screwdriver sizes, tip numbering, and typical uses.

Phillips screwdriver tip driving a cross-head screw
A Phillips tip engaging a cross-head screw.

Dimensions

MeasurementInchesCentimeters
Overall length8 to 920 to 23
Shaft length4.010.2
Handle diameter0.75 to 11.9 to 2.5

Phillips tip sizes

SizeCommon use
#0Small electronics
#1Small screws, hinges
#2General household use
#3Large screws, appliances

A #2 Phillips tip is the most common size for household and general repair work, fitting the majority of screws found in furniture, appliances, and electronics enclosures.

Why the cross shape

The Phillips design uses a self-centering cross-shaped tip that was originally created to allow power tools to automatically disengage once a screw was fully driven, reducing over-tightening compared to the flat-head screwdrivers that preceded it.

Phillips screwdriver vs 10mm wrench

ToolLength (in)Primary use
Phillips screwdriver8 to 9Driving cross-head screws
10mm wrench6 to 7Turning hex nuts and bolts
Screwdriver vs. wrench lengthOverall tool length · drawn to scale8.5″Phillips screwdriver21.6cm🔧6.5″10mm wrench16.5cmmeasurebeam.com
Phillips screwdriver vs. 10mm wrench, length drawn to scale.

A Phillips screwdriver is generally longer than a wrench of comparable size, since its handle needs to accommodate a firm rotational grip along the full length of the tool, while a wrench applies torque at a fixed jaw opening.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a standard Phillips screwdriver?

About 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) overall, including the handle and shaft.

What is the most common Phillips screwdriver size?

A #2 Phillips tip, which fits the majority of household screws.

Why is it called a Phillips screwdriver?

It is named after Henry F. Phillips, who patented and popularized the cross-shaped screw and driver design in the 1930s.

What is the difference between Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers?

Phillips screwdrivers have a cross-shaped tip that self-centers in the screw, while flat-head screwdrivers have a single flat blade tip.

What size screwdriver do I need for electronics?

A #0 or #1 Phillips screwdriver is typically used for small electronics and precision devices.

Related objects

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Phillips screwdriver?

A Phillips screwdriver is 230.0mm (23.0cm) long.

How tall is a Phillips screwdriver?

A Phillips screwdriver is 35.0mm (3.5cm) tall.

How much does a Phillips screwdriver weigh?

A Phillips screwdriver weighs about 110.0g.