I think of the times I have used my Craftsman® screwdrivers for other purposes besides screwing things. I used both the flat head and the Phillips head screwdrivers when I was too lazy to get the right tool. Or I would use the screwdriver for something else, because I viewed a video that showed that you could use a screwdriver instead of the tool you already have.
I recently used my Phillips screwdriver that prompted me to write this blog. I needed to use an adhesive to glue down some floor tiles that continued to pop loose. I had a tube of construction adhesive and inserted it into the caulking gun. I removed the nail from the tip and squeezed the handle. Nothing. The tip must be clogged. I know this problem is not unusual with an opened tube. I try to minimize the problem by using a long nail or screw, so it extends into the tube. The logic is the nail will keep the tip open and free of dried material. Well, that thinking did not work for this tube.
I used this method before. Just jam a Phillips screwdriver into the tip to clear it. I know the screwdriver will widen the tip opening resulting in making for too much stuff coming out at one time. Nonetheless, it works. However, not this time. The tube of adhesive was too old and dried up.
I seen a video that showed using a Phillips screwdriver as a drill. Instead of using a drill to make a hole in the drywall for a plastic anchor, just use a Phillips screwdriver and punch a hole. Be careful to use the right size Phillips or your hole might be too large. You might find you looking for a bigger anchor to fit snuggly in the hole.
How many times did I use a screwdriver as an undersized pry bar. Or using the flat head as a small and dull chisel. Even a Craftsman® screwdriver cannot hold up. I ended up with a bent or broken screw driver.
I used a flathead to open a paint can. The screwdriver works okay, but I do have a paint can opener. You then use the handle to pound the lid back on.
My favorite use is to convert a stripped Phillips screw to a slotted screw. You just hammer the flathead into the Phillips screw to make it a slotted head. Sooner or later, you can remove the screw, unless you break off the screw head.
Did you know the Phillips screwdriver was invented by John Thompson? So why it is not called the Thompson screwdriver? I will leave that subject for another time.
Nevertheless, the next time you think of a screwdriver, do not think of it as just one tool, but as a multi-use tool.
