Shaping up screwdrivers

I just got a bunch of banged up screwdrivers at a garage sale. What is the best way to get the slotted type back in shape, grinding wheel or hand files? Also one of them looks like a phillips is identified as a "reed prince". Are they the same?

 

Hello: sandy2000

Grinding wheels can shape a screw driver but in my opinion for the best job by a non pro and not having a professional machine and jig, a belt sander works best.

Sanders do not remove metal as fast as a grinding wheel which allows one to practice duplicating the correct and required shape.

Screw drivers are also an excellent tool to practice sharpening and shaping skills on. The most important factor is maintaining the correct shape, angle and squared end.

Practice does make perfect....

 

If any of them are Craftsman, go to Sears and they will replace them

 

Question: What is the difference between a Reed and Prince, and a Phillips screwdriver?

Answer: Good question. Those two screwdrivers are often confused as most people believe there to be only one: the Phillips screwdriver. There is, however, a Reed and Prince screwdriver that resembles the Phillips screwdriver. The difference is the Reed and Prince comes to a fine point and is steeper while the Phillips has a blunt point with squared-off blades. The blades on the Reed and Prince are tapered and sharp.

A Reed and Prince screwdriver will never work on a Phillips screw without slipping. However, the Phillips will fit a Reed and Prince screw reasonably well in most cases.