From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!floyd!vax135!ariel!houti!hogpc!houxm!ihnp4!ihuxf!gmark
Newsgroups: net.physics
Title: Re: Screwdriver Mystery
Article-I.D.: ihuxf.343
Posted: Fri Apr 15 17:25:23 1983
Received: Mon Apr 18 23:40:53 1983


In reference to long-bladed screw-drivers, there are other points to consider.
If the screw is very tight due to hard wood, a small pilot hole, etc., where
the tightness is constant, a smoothing out of the torque applied by twisting
of the blade may make it easier for the user to apply the force (grip, etc.).
However, if the tightness is due to some seizing effect, such as wood sap, rust
on a metal screw (especially in sheet metal, or against a washer), a better
"breaker" effect would be derived from a shorter, more rigid blade delivering
a greater instantaneous, moment of force, or impact effect (like an air hammer).
I thought the first statement referred to the blade's slipping out of the slot.
THEN the longer blade would not only maintain more constant pressure against
the sides of the slot, but the longer blade would offer less mechanical
advantage to the twisting effect of the hand of the user NOT in the desired
rotational plane.  In other words, your other hand (not on the handle, but the
blade) would be better able to hold the blade in the slot.  A good test would
be to use a long-shafted socket driver that would not have any tendency to
slip off the screw in the first place.
  
WHEW!  More bubble-gum for the mind.