Six Sided Screwdriver: Definition, Uses, and Care

What is a 6 Sided Screwdriver?

The 6 sided screwdriver is best known by its Robertson name, a square drive that seats firmly into square recess screws. This design concentrates contact across the bit and screw, which translates into higher torque transfer and significantly reduced cam-out compared to popular cross head or slotted drives. In practical terms, when you drive long closet rails, cabinets, or drawer fronts, a 6 sided screwdriver maintains alignment and resists slipping in tight corners. The 6 sided screwdriver has earned a dedicated following among woodworkers, hobbyists, and professional installers because it makes fast, accurate driving feasible even with imperfectly aligned screws. According to Screwdriver FAQ, the Robertson configuration is trusted for its durability and consistent bite in hard woods.

If you are new to DIY, you may notice that a 6 sided screwdriver feels more deliberate to turn than a similar Phillips or flathead tool. The square drive gives you a tactile sense of engagement with the screw, letting you apply steady pressure without the bit dancing out of the slot. When you select a 6 sided screwdriver, you are choosing a tool that pairs well with square recess fasteners and a wide range of wood-based projects.

Quick tip: start with a small, comfortable handle and a mid-sized square bit to practice control in tight spaces. Over time, a good Robertson bit will become the backbone of your basic toolkit.

How to Identify a Robertson Bit

Identifying a Robertson bit is straightforward if you know what to look for. The key visual cue is the unmistakable square tip that slots into a square recess screw. Unlike Phillips bits, Robertson bits have flat faces that mate with a square socket rather than a cross pattern. Some Robertson bits also bear the word Robertson or a square-drive designation on the shank, which helps distinguish them from other square drives such as some generic square bits. When you handle a 6 sided screwdriver, the tip should sit flush with the screw head and maintain constant contact as you apply torque. If you notice wobble or slipping, the bit may be worn or not the correct size for the screw head. For sets, ensure you have at least a couple of Robertson sizes to cover typical furniture hardware. In addition, check that the bit’s shank fits your driver or bit holder securely to prevent slippage during use.

From a maintenance perspective, Robertson bits are robust, but the edges can wear if you force the bit into a misaligned screw. Replace worn bits promptly to preserve the drive geometry and avoid marring the screw recess. The 6 sided screwdriver family is expansive, and many sets include high wear items that are easy to rotate in and out as your project demands.

When to Use a 6 Sided Screwdriver

A 6 sided screwdriver excels in wood-heavy tasks where torque control and alignment matter. Cabinet installation, drawer assembly, and frame carpentry benefit most from the square drive’s resistance to cam-out. The 6 sided screwdriver shines when working in cramped spaces where you cannot maintain perfect line of sight, because the drive retains a steady bite even as you reposition your hand. In furniture making, joinery often involves multiple fasteners in close quarters; Robertson screws stay engaged longer under load, which reduces the risk of cross-threading or stripping the screw head during installation. For beginners, adopting a 6 sided screwdriver can simplify projects that involve assembling flat-pack furniture or repairing wooden fixtures. The strength of the Robertson drive makes it a reliable choice for repetitive tasks, where consistent torque and minimal tool slippage save time and effort over the course of a project.

In professional shops, the 6 sided screwdriver is often paired with a magnetized bit or a magnetic bit holder to help keep screws aligned as you start the drive. This small enhancement can dramatically improve your speed and accuracy on dense lumber or hardwoods. Remember to use correct bit size to avoid cam-out and to prevent damage to the screw recess as you advance through each fastener.

Choosing the Right Bit Size and Handle

Selecting the appropriate bit size is essential when working with a 6 sided screwdriver. Robertson bits come in multiple sizes to fit a range of screw heads, from small machine screws to larger cabinet screws. Start with the smallest bit that matches the screw head and assess how much torque you need to apply without slipping. When possible, pair the bit with a comfortable handle that provides basic grip and control. Ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue during longer projects, a common scenario when installing doors and panels. If you frequently work with wood and hardware of varying sizes, consider a compact set that includes several Robertson bits and two or three common sizes. A well-chosen set saves time because you can switch quickly without hunting for the right driver. Avoid mixing a square drive with a different square-only set if the tolerances do not match; poor fit leads to wear and cam-out. The goal is to maintain a secure, friction-based engagement between bit and screw head while keeping your wrists in a natural, neutral position during turns.

Another practical tip is to inspect the bit tip before use and replace any bit that shows rounded corners or visible deformation. A sharp, square tip ensures a clean bite into the screw recess and minimizes the risk of stripping. In professional applications, magnetic tips or magnetic holders can improve alignment in dim work areas, though they are not strictly required for every task. The 6 sided screwdriver remains versatile, especially when combined with quality bits and a comfortable grip that matches your dominant hand.

Care, Maintenance, and Longevity

To extend the life of your 6 sided screwdriver, clean the tool after use and ensure it is dry before placing it back in your toolbox. Wood dust, resin, oil, or moisture can degrade a metal shank or corrode a magnetic tip if present. Wipe the bit and handle with a dry cloth and store in a dry place to prevent rust. If your bits are magnetic, keep them away from sensitive electronics or items that could be affected by magnetism. Periodically check the shank fitment in your driver and tighten any loose fittings according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For ergonomic handles, maintain a comfortable grip by wiping away residue and avoiding excessive exposure to solvents that could soften or crack the handle over time. When you add new Robertson bits to your collection, rotate them so you keep a fresh set available for different projects. A well-organized kit reduces the chance of accidentally using the wrong bit on a stubborn fastener, which can lead to damaged screws and distressed wood.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Even the best tools encounter difficulties. A common issue with the 6 sided screwdriver is cam-out when a bit is near the edge of a screw head or when the screw is under high torque. To mitigate cam-out, ensure you are using the correct bit size and that the screw head seats fully in the drive. If the screw head is already slipping, back it out slightly and realign the bit before continuing. Another problem is worn or rounded screw recesses, where the square socket no longer accepts the bit securely. Replacing the screw or using a grip-enhancing lubricant can aid engagement, but the key is to prevent damage in the first place by using proper technique and seating the screwdriver squarely in the recess. If the bit becomes dirty or resin-coated, clean it with a cloth and a little solvent as needed, then dry thoroughly before reuse. Finally, insulated 6 sided screwdrivers require care to preserve their protective layer; avoid exposing them to excessive heat or impact that could compromise insulation.

Compatibility with Tools and Kits

The 6 sided screwdriver pairs best with square-drive Robertson screws and rigid square recesses found in woodworking and cabinetry hardware. When shopping for sets, look for compatibility with common square-drive sizes and ensure your bit holder or driver has a snug fit for secure engagement. While many kits include Robertson bits, some cheaper sets may mix in generic square bits that do not share the same tolerances. If you plan to work across multiple material types or joinery styles, a modular set with a mix of Robertson sizes and a few spare standard bits is practical. Keep your bits organized in a protective case to avoid bending or dulling the tips, and consider adding a magnetized strip or tray to improve workflow in busy workshops. The 6 sided screwdriver remains a staple tool for DIY projects, but its effectiveness is maximized when combined with well-matched bits, proper seating, and a calm, deliberate driving technique.