What is BS 2559 about?

BS 2559 specifies requirements for the manufacture, testing and prime dimensions relating to screwdrivers of the following types.

Screwdrivers and screwdriver blades and bits for use with slotted head screws
Screwdrivers and screwdriver blades and bits for use with cross-recessed head screws
Screwdrivers with sleeved blades for use on low d.c. voltage apparatus up to and including 24 V d.c
Screwdrivers that incorporate a ratchet mechanism capable of reverse drive
Screwdrivers worked by a ratchet mechanism and a spindle having a double spiral track, the tool being operated by a reciprocating motion of the handle
Jeweller’s screwdrivers comprising a pencil-shaped body and rotating head, with either fixed or replaceable blades, for use on miniature screws

Who is BS 2559 for?

BS 2559 on the specification for screwdrivers and screwdriver accessories is useful for:

Manufacturers/ suppliers of hardware tools
Designers of hardware tools
Quality control personnel

Why should you use BS 2559?

Screwdrivers and their accessories need to be well designed and have good finish quality. These aspects of the screwdrivers help their users to wield them and apply them more effectively.

BS 2559 provides you with material, heat treatment and hardness, and assembly requirements for screwdrivers. This can help you in the manufacturing phase of the screwdrivers. BS 2559 also provides you with guidelines for the finish and dimensions of screwdrivers and their accessories.

Overall, these guidelines of BS 2559 enable you to produce screwdrivers with high durability and improved quality.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS 2559:1994 supersedes BS 2559-1:1971, BS 2559-2:1973, BS 2559-4:1973 and BS 2559-5:1974, which are now withdrawn. The main changes in BS 2559:1994 are as follows:

Metrication of all dimensions;
Consolidation of Parts 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the previous issue and the addition of jeweller’s screwdrivers;
Some rationalization of screwdriver sizes has been made.

BS 2559:1994

Specification for screwdrivers and screwdriver accessories

Current, Under Review

Published:

15 Jan 1994