What Is a Nut Driver? A Simple Guide for Home Repairs
A nut driver is the most used hand tool in appliance repair. Learn what it is, which sizes to buy, and how it differs from a screwdriver or a socket set.
If you have watched an appliance repair video, you have heard the words nut driver. It sounds like a special tool for pros. It is actually a simple, cheap hand tool that many home owners can use. This guide explains what it is, why appliance makers love hex screws, and which sizes to buy first.
What a Nut Driver Is
A nut driver looks like a screwdriver. The difference is the tip. Instead of a flat or cross blade, it has a small hollow socket, usually shaped for a hex head. You slip the socket over the head of the screw or bolt and turn the handle.
Reference sources describe it as a hand tool for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. It is more compact than a ratchet and is often used where space is tight and the force needed is low.
Why Appliances Use Hex Head Screws
Open the back of a dryer or the kick plate of a dishwasher and you will see many hex head screws. They are common in appliances because they grip well and are quick to drive in a factory. A nut driver fits that screw head all the way around, so it is less likely to slip and strip the head than pliers or a wrong size socket.
On this site, the glossary notes that appliance makers overwhelmingly use hex head screws, and that a 1/4 inch and a 5/16 inch nut driver will open the majority of American appliances. See the entry on the nut driver for the short version.
Which Sizes to Buy First
Start with these two sizes.
- 1/4 inch for small panel screws.
- 5/16 inch for many cabinet and cover screws.
You can often buy a small set that includes several sizes in one handle or a set of single tools. If you plan to work on more than one appliance, a set is a good choice. Check the screw heads on your own machine before you buy, since sizes can vary by brand and model.
Nut Driver Versus Screwdriver
A screwdriver turns a screw with a slot or a cross in the head. A nut driver turns a hex head from the outside. Using a flat screwdriver on a hex head can slip and damage the head. That makes the next repair harder. A nut driver gives a clean fit and more control.
Nut Driver Versus Socket Wrench
A socket wrench and a nut driver both use a socket. A socket wrench is made for higher torque and uses a ratchet handle. A nut driver is made for lighter work and is held like a screwdriver. In tight spots behind a panel, a nut driver is often easier to use because it is slim and quick.
The nut driver is not for heavy bolts. If a bolt will not move with normal hand force, stop. Spray a penetrating oil or call a pro, because forcing a small tool can snap a head or hurt your hand.
Handy Features to Look For
Shorter shafts are good for tight spaces. Longer shafts reach deep screws. Some handles have a magnetic tip that holds the screw so it does not fall inside the machine. Others have a hollow shaft so a long bolt can pass through. A comfortable handle makes a big difference when you have a dozen screws to remove.
Safety Before You Open Anything
The tool is only part of safe repair. Unplug the appliance before you remove any panel. For a gas appliance, leave gas parts to a pro. Capacitors in microwaves and some other machines can hold a charge even when unplugged, so a microwave back panel is not a casual job.
Take photos as you go. Keep the screws in a cup, sorted by where they came from. Some screws are different lengths and the wrong one in the wrong place can cause damage.
What Else Goes in a Basic Kit
A nut driver pairs well with a few other tools. A flat and a Phillips screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a flashlight and a putty knife for panel clips are common. A multimeter is a useful next step if you want to test parts. See our short entry on the multimeter to learn what it does.
For step by step jobs where these tools come in, browse the DIY guides.
Tips for Using One Well
Pick the socket that fits the screw head snugly. If it wobbles, it is too big. If it will not slip on, it is too small. Push the tool firmly onto the head while you turn, so it stays seated. Turn slowly and keep the shaft in line with the screw.
If a screw feels stuck, do not force it. A drop of penetrating oil and a few minutes of patience often help. Keep your free hand away from the line of the tool in case it slips.
When you put a panel back, start each screw by hand so you do not cross the thread, then snug it with the nut driver. Over tightening can crack plastic parts or strip a thread in thin metal.
When to Hand It to a Pro
If a job involves refrigerant, gas lines or high voltage parts, call a trained tech. You can find local companies on the Find page.
Quick Questions
Is a nut driver the same as a socket?
Not exactly. A nut driver has a socket on a screwdriver style handle. A socket usually fits a ratchet wrench and handles more force.
What size nut driver opens most appliances?
The 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch sizes open most home appliance cabinets, but check your own screws.
Can I use pliers instead?
You can, but pliers slip and can round off the screw head. A nut driver is a safer and cleaner choice.
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