SCREWDRIVERS
Magnifying glasses, tweezers, and screwdrivers are essential tools for a watchmaker. The screwdrivers used in watchmaking are distinguished by their specific construction and handling.
The hardened steel blade of the screwdriver is removable and screwed into the body, which is typically made of brass or aluminium. The top of the screwdriver’s body is fitted with a rotating plate, secured on a ball bearing.
To tighten or loosen a screw, the watchmaker grips the cylindrical part of the screwdriver’s body between their thumb and middle finger, applying gentle pressure on the screw by placing their index finger on the centre of the rotating plate. By rolling the screwdriver’s body between their thumb and middle finger, the watchmaker tightens or loosens the screw.
Screws used in watchmaking generally have straight slots, so the screwdrivers have flat blades of varying sizes. Using a sharpening stone, the watchmaker can modify or adjust the screwdriver to perfectly fit the slot of the screw, avoiding any damage to the screw.
In production settings, torque screwdrivers are often used to ensure a specific torque setting. In such cases, the screwdriver mechanically disengages once the predetermined torque is reached.