Phillips Head Screwdriver Size Guide

Phillips sizes run from PH0 upward, and each covers a range of screw sizes rather than one. This is the complete list of 18 Phillips screwdrivers in the range, by tip size and blade length, with part numbers.

Getting the size right

The correct Phillips driver is the largest that seats fully in the recess without rocking. Too small and the tip bottoms out in the centre of the cross, contacting only where the recess is shallowest — which is precisely where it rounds. Too large and the tip sits proud on the outer edges of the arms. Both errors feel similar in the hand and both end the same way, so the test is whether the driver goes in with a definite stop and no wobble.

Cam-out and how to beat it

Phillips recesses have tapered walls that convert torque into a force pushing the driver back out. Since that force scales with torque, the way to keep the tip engaged is more axial pressure rather than more twist — roughly speaking, put your weight behind the driver and turn steadily. A driver whose tip is worn cams out earlier than a new one, because the tip has rounded to match the taper. Worn Phillips tips are consumable, not repairable.

All 18 Phillips screwdrivers

Tip size Blade length Handle size Hex bolster Teng part number
PH0 75 mm S No MD940N
PH0 300 mm S No MD940N1
PH1 38 mm XS No MD947N
PH1 75 mm M No MD947N1
PH1 150 mm M No MD947N2
PH2 38 mm XS No MD948N
PH2 100 mm L Yes MD952N
PH2 100 mm M No MD948N4
PH2 100 mm L No MD948N1
PH2 200 mm L No MD948N2
PH2 200 mm M No MD948N5
PH2 300 mm M No MD948N8
PH2 400 mm L Yes MD952N1
PH2 400 mm M No MD948N6
PH3 150 mm XL Yes MD953N
PH3 150 mm XL No MD949N
PH4 200 mm XL No MD950N
PH4 200 mm XL Yes MD954N

Where this list comes from

Every row is read from the live Teng Tools USA catalogue on the day this page was generated — product record, part number and size taken from the record itself, never transcribed from a printed catalogue or inferred from a pattern. Tip size and blade length are read from each product record; handle size and hex bolster are listed where the record states them. A size that has been discontinued disappears from this list rather than lingering as a part number you cannot order, which is the failure mode of every static spec sheet.

Blade length is an access decision

A stubby driver exists because there is not room for anything longer, and it pays for that with poor control — a short blade gives almost no help keeping the tip square. A long blade is easier to keep aligned and lets your hand clear the surrounding work, but it flexes and it will not reach into a recessed housing. Where a screw is both deep and stubborn, a bit socket on a ratchet usually beats both, because it separates the pushing from the turning.

The range is in screwdrivers; bit sockets are in sockets and accessories.