Meaning & use
crosshead screwdriver
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountableBritish
A screwdriver with a cross-shaped tip that fits screws with a cross slot.
Grammar: Countable: use 'a crosshead screwdriver' or the plural 'crosshead screwdrivers'.
Patterns
- use a crosshead screwdriver
- a crosshead screwdriver for something
You'll need a crosshead screwdriver to open the back of the computer.
He grabbed a crosshead screwdriver and tightened the two screws.
This screw has a cross slot, so use a crosshead screwdriver, not a flat one.
Word forms
| plural | crosshead screwdrivers |
|---|
Common combinations
- a crosshead screwdriver bit
- The set includes a crosshead screwdriver bit for small screws.
- use a crosshead screwdriver
- Use a crosshead screwdriver on these screws.
- a size 2 crosshead screwdriver
- A size 2 crosshead screwdriver fits most furniture screws.
- reach for a crosshead screwdriver
- He reached for a crosshead screwdriver from the toolbox.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Phillips screwdriver
- The common American term for a very similar tool; the tip shape is slightly different but they are often used for the same screws.
- screwdriver
- The general word for any screwdriver; add 'crosshead' to show the tip shape.
Opposites
Word family
- crosshead noun
- The cross-shaped tip or the screw head with a cross slot.
- screwdriver noun
- A tool for turning screws.
Commonly confused: crosshead screwdriver or flathead screwdriver?
crosshead screwdriver vs flathead screwdriver
A flathead has a single straight blade and fits screws with one straight slot; a crosshead fits cross-shaped slots.
Practice
You have a screw with a cross-shaped slot. Which tool fits?
Choose one answer.
A crosshead screwdriver matches the cross-shaped slot. A flathead screwdriver is tempting but its single blade will slip in a cross slot, and a hammer or wrench is not used for turning screws.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “crosshead screwdriver”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.